Meet Karolina, founder of Tintofmint fashion blog, Missi London Designer and Model. There is nothing more inspiring than the opportunity to follow your dreams, which is exactly why I am happy to introduce to you this 23year young European designer and model with some very realistic goals and awesomely creative ideas. I have met this young lady not that long ago and I am so happy that I did because she is so inspirational. I have met her to ask a few questions about the Trickle down theory in the fashion world, and how she sees it. Read all about this fresh new face on the blog sphere to get inspired to do great things! She has got some really great advice for creative types.
What first attracted you into the world of fashion?
What are the benefits of being a designer-maker?
I started to be interested in fashion at a young age by modifying my own clothes and embroidered them. Since then I have watched DIY programs and redoing them with my clothes with my Grandma’s sewing machine. There wasn’t a turning point when I decided Fashion is what I want to do in my life, it all happened so naturally and growth through all these years.
Fashion is a rich field and each of the aspects are individually excited and important, but Designers are Creators, people who make whole collections by been inspired by the shape of a tree. There is this feeling when you see somebody wearing something what you have made, you feel connected to this person. The most beneficial in being Fashion Designer would be freedom the fact that for Fashion there are no boundaries, you can only explore.
You graduated this year, did you enjoy your time at University? Yes, those three years spend in the University were so intense, but at the same time stepping into a building was some kind of excitement. Studying what I love and what is my passion was a crucial for me in getting through the studies. Passion is what keeps you going and makes you think about it more like exploring your hobby rather than boring lectures you just want to take off. Social student life is one of the best things that happened to me, sharing your interests with course mates meeting new people on every step and student nightlife. Those three years created, developed and changed me as an adult person. What advice would you give to people coming out of University to make the most of their time and to get their first job? It seems like many people think that graduating from the University will guarantee them a job in their field. Important is to remember how many people look for the same job at the same time, you must make yourself special and unique. I learn that, experience is the most important thing in getting a dream job. My advice would be to use your time to the fullest. Getting into voluntary work, learning useful programs in your free time creating your portfolio with everything what you have done. I got my job that I love, when I just dropped in with CV in my hand and after 15min interview, thanks to my experience, confidence and skills built mainly outside of the University.
Do you have a good work / life balance? Yes, I finally found my balance once I graduated. I use to study, work and develop my blog at the same time where hassle was just overwhelming. It’s important to separate job from your personal life. Not being worried or thinking about problems from work at home. When I’m at work I’m giving it %100 of consecration and once I’m done I focus on other things. I have learned that just recently and believe me it changed my life.
“There is this feeling when you see somebody wearing something what you have made, you feel connected to this person”
What creative designers inspire your work today?
What skills according to you are necessary for a successful fashion designer?
My all-time favourite and total idol is Elie Saab, extremely talented showing what is about women the most beautiful dressmaker. I rarely like every single piece of a catwalk collection shown by other designers but his every single creation is just true masterpiece. Accept of that I must admit I focus on the Designer or specific collection, which is trending at the moment. More than specific Designer, I prefer to inspire on specific detail which made them so popular if it’s an unusual shape, interesting print or beautiful colour palette
Successful Fashion Designer should be creative and different. There is so many young designers starting out that it is almost required to have your own individual taste and style. In my opinion you should try everything and once you find your best skill push it as much as you can. On my example I never was good at drawing where you would think it’s crucial to be Designer. It doesn’t mean that I’m not trying and practicing but I focus on my Photoshop skills and developed them really strong.
What is your opinion on Trickle-down theory?
How do you stay up to date regarding fashion?
I agree with that, in my opinion, it is just more visible nowadays, but Trickle-down theory has been in Fashion for a long time. Back in a day I can imagine movie stars and simple people wanted to be like them, talk like them and dress like them. Now it’s just easier to get a dress that one of a celebrities wore by how the whole fashion industry developed. Also social media has a huge impact on this theory by “feeding” simple people with things that they wouldn’t know they want. There are pros and cons in this theory depends on which perspective you look at it. As a young designer in wholesale company, sometimes we have to deal with trademarks of well-known designers, but that’s only because of the customer needs.
Mainly because of my job I must be up to date with Fashion trends on each step. Working in wholesale company is even more challenging in terms of trends, pressure and time scale. We supply retailers and considering research, sourcing and sampling we must stay way ahead of what’s already on the high street. We also source and keep up to date with what’s in currents trends from magazines or competitor as some trends are dragging out to the next season. Do you think that Designers are irritated about highstreet getting inspirations for their work?
At some point I would consider that but if they wouldn’t want to other people to create anything similar they could put a strict trade mark on every Do you feel guilty about using designers idea? Or single thing they release on the catwalk. proud of designing affordable clothes for people with Logically thinking of high street copying Designers less money? brings them popularity and bigger sell. Having an original version of something or imitation of a trend, Definitely I wouldn’t say guilty, getting inspired by would make more people buy a designer version other designers is now such a common thing. that not a lot of people can afford. In the end, Creating interpretation of certain things from the Designers set up a trend that will be soon in every customer point of view brings you more you could single high street store, that’s just how Fashion chain like. There is a thin line between copings and getting works. inspired important is to be able to make hat boundary. I’m designing clothes based on customers, “Definitely I wouldn’t say we have and their expectations. Unfortunately, most guilty, getting inspired by of them want dress worn by Kim Kardashian.
other designers is now such a common thing.”