LA Life

Hi everyone,
Sorry its been so long since my last post! Things have been beyond hectic since I moved to LA.
Let me begin by saying that I am writing this from Mode Studio, a showroom in the Fashion Mart in Los Angeles, where my line is currently on display for LA Market Week, Oct 26 - 30. When I first arrived here in LA, I was told that Market Week was the best way to get my collection in front of buyers. So I ran around getting extra samples made in different colors, looking for a showroom, preparing a set and all of my publicity materials. I was excited when I found out that Mode Studio, a showroom in the most "high-end" fashion building, had space to rent for Market Week. They are the only showroom that specializes in swimwear, carrying such big names as Vitamin A, Anika Brazil, and Salinas. Unfortunately, my name doesnt generate enough clout for them to consider picking me up full time, but it is a great opportunity nonetheless.
Let me rewind briefly to the beginning of this week, when I first began constructing my "set" for the show. With the help of T-Man, my Jewish ex-death-metal-rocker-turned-ebay-powerseller neighbor, I was able to construct a beautiful backdrop of light green vintage doors from the 1920s to showcase my samples. I was originally told by the showroom owner that my space would be 5.5 ft against the wall by 7.5 feet sticking out into the showroom. Then, after more than 48 hours of manual labor, sweat, and tears, we lug the set into the showroom only to the appalled glances of the sales girls who were used to seeing nothing but pink velvet furniture in their precious showroom. I felt like I was transported back to middle school, feeling so self-conscious and left out by the girls who didnt like what I had spent to long putting together. Things ultimately worked themselves out, and my set is a toned-down version of the original and, in my opinion, it looks great (pictures to come!)
Only problem is that, for reasons semi-unknown (undoubtedly influenced by the SoCal fires), Market week has been completely dead. Less than only 5-10 people are entering the showroom each day. So far I have a couple of leads but no commitments.

After this, there will be an OC/San Diego road trip to try to get my suits in front of other buyers in person. I have an "assistant" now, named Jenna, a grad student at UC Long Beach who is interested in getting into the fashion industry. She is amazing and we make a great team! Nick comes on Halloween day, the morning after the last day of Market, and I cannot believe how excited I am to see him. It has been two months! his visit will be a much-needed distraction from all of these superficial stresses of the fashion world.

I force myself to realize that, although it has differed from the original plan, this is still every bit as much of the vision quest as an ashram in india or a hammam in Morocco. I am jumping into the mix and its all I can do to keep swimming. Everyone said that fashion was a tough industry, but why did I think it didnt apply to me? Like the freshman 15, these types of stereotypes have much more truth to them than anyone cares to believe. I am motivated by stories of the current top-selling lines modest beginnings, and I know that any type of success in fashion as elsewhere must come with incredible dedication and perseverance. I wish I could take a step back from this and realize, as I speed down my street to print out color line sheets in time to arrive at the showroom when it opens at 8:45, that this is all part of the adventure - that I am living the life I had imagined for myself, and that I should just enjoy it!

This has been an incredible roller coaster ride, and I am coming down with a cold and bummed by low traffic and zero sales thus far in Market week. And I figured this would be as good an outlet as any to vent my frustrations! But please know that there is another side to the story. There have been incredible highs, potential magazine shoots, and even talks of celebrity boutiques.

I love you all and can't believe how much I miss you. Please email me with updates on your lives. I can't wait to hear from you!