Beneath the Skirt Introduction – Haley

by Haley D

This week, meet Haley, our oh-so young and dedicated intern, hailing from Erie, PA and now studying Fashion Designs at the Art Institute of New York City. Still a flower in training (student), Haley already got her hands dirty working various assisting design jobs. She is also a fabulous illustrator, see drawing above for Haley’s sketch of Marie Blanche (heroine of Fall / Winter 09 Collection). Haley “kiss and tells” about her experience as an Intern working for Aimee, plus her own thoughts on the fashion industry. Interns take notes!

Name: Haley
Position: Intern
Hometown: Erie, PA
Lunch of the Day: Subway sandwich

Q & A with Intern Haley D.

How long have you been working for Aimee?

I have been working for Aimee for about six months.

What were you experiences in the field prior to working for Aimee?

I did some freelance assistant work for Chloe’ and Reese – a clothing company that mainly focuses on party dresses and resort clothing, and for Regatta Clothing company where clothes are designed for department stores such as Sears, Belk, Kohl’s, and Walmart.

What do you usually do for Aimee?

Tasks vary from week to week.  Sometimes there are lots of errands to fabric and trim stores. Other times I’m in her studio cutting garments, making hand tags, organizing, and etc.

Where do you see yourself in the future as far as fashion ?

I see myself in New York either working with a design team at a major clothing company, and doing freelance illustration jobs, or being a full-time illustrator and working in clothing design part-time.

How did the experience differ from your expectation of working in the fashion industry?

I didn’t expect that designing could be a steady source of income.  I had a picture in my head of selling clothing here and there and basically being a starving designer.  Now that I have shadowed a few professionals I understand the great process of design in small and large companies.  There is so much more to it than what they put on television.

Being a newcomer to the industry, what trends/patterns would you like to see change?

I would like to be rid of body suits and cheetah dresses.

What do you like Aimee’s design?

I like Aimee’s clothes because each garment has a unique combination of color and texture.  The clothing at first glance has an easy feel to it while having many original design details.

Do you see yourself influenced by Aimee’s Design?

I have been influenced by Aimee’s Designs.  Working in her studio has shown me many more options with fabric and color than I would have ever thought of on my own.

What is the most treasured item in your closet?

I don’t have a favorite dress or pair of shoes. I think it would have to be my sewing machine.

What is the most valuable thing that you got from interning for Aimee?

The knowledge I’ve gained about what goes into running a clothing company.  I’ve learned about the attention to detail and the importance of planning ahead.

Beneath the Skirt Introduction- Hanna-Lee

MEET THE MODEL – HANNA-LEE

You may recognize Hanna-Lee from the our recent Fall / Winter 09′ line, but there is much more to know about Hanna-Lee and how she ended up in New York City as a professional dancer. Hanna-Lee’s story begins in Jerusalem, where she was born. She was raised in a multi-cultured environment as her father is Japanese and mother is Australian.

Hanna-Lee began dancing at age of 4 and since then had dreams of becoming a professional dancer. Just around the time that she was about to face mandatory draft into serving the Israeli army, at
the age of 16, Hannah-Lee went through a trauma that would forever change her life. She was a victim of the worst civil disaster in Talpiot, Jerusalem. Hanna-Lee was performing in the Versailles Wedding Hall when a large portion of the floor collapsed 3 and a half stories below and resulted in 23 deaths and 380 people injured. Hanna-Lee was the one of few that were pulled from the several feet of rubble alive.  Luckily, she pulled through the coma and facial reconstructive surgery (till this day Hanna-Lee have metal plates holding the upper left side of her face) and was able to return to dance. Though the ordeal was a big setback, and the memory will remain to haunt her always, Hannah-Lee catapulted back into dance upon recovery and decided to wholeheartedly pursue her career without fear. It was at this decisive moment that she knew she had to come to
NYC, where she would later meet her mentor Wes Veldink.

Which brings the story to Aimee G! In a fortuitous opportunity, Wes
Veldink introduced Hanna-Lee to Aimee G, which was how Hanna-Lee came to grace
the photos of the Fall / Winter 09 line! Additionally, Hanna-Lee also
showed off the fabulous strapless long gray and white dress by Aimee G
in a dance video shot by Veldink back in June.

In the course of relating her story, Hanna-Lee was on a cab ride for
another modeling gig. It’s no doubt that Hanna-Lee is adhering to her
passion and attending life with the same intensity and ambition as she
had when she survived the bombing in Israel as a teen. Right now, she
is keeping busy with two dance companies, Daniel Gwirtznan Company and
Rosa Dance Company. She is also part of MSA dance agency, which landed her a gig modeling for a dance magazine.

Below Hanna-Lee shared with us her thoughts for her future plans and
Aimee G:

What does the future look like for you?

“Personally, I would love to find my unique way of moving, to go deeper in
my craft. Professionally, I want to expand and grow in every venue
possible, whether it’s through companies, dance, film, or live
performance. I would like to eventually choreograph and tour the world
someday. I went to Japan last year and loved it.”

How did you like working with Aimee?

It was so fun working with Aimee! I learned a lot about being in front
of camera. Personally I find her as a person and design so inspiring,
amazing and unique. Would love to work with her again!

Do you personally wear Aimee G?

I love Aimee G.! I get showered with complimented every time I am
wearing Aimee G. It makes me feels very unique.

Trunk Show at Bananas!

Store: Yes, We Have No Bananas (map) (website)

Location: 697 State Road. West Tisbury, MA 02575

Years in Business: 6 years

Favorite Personal Item: Swirl Skirt.

This weekend is big for Martha’s Vineyard! Not only are our President and oh-so-fashionable First Lady Michelle, vacationing in town, but our very own Aimee G is hopping on the ferry, Martha’s Vineyard bound, for a trunk show at a delightfully quirky boutique/gallery called Yes, We Have No Bananas! Aimee will be showing off her Fall / Winter line on Saturday (8/29) and Sunday (8/30) during the store hours. So, if you’re in the area, by chance or by hopes of catching sight of the VIPs in town, stop by for your chance to check out Aimee’s new line! And who knows, you might just see Michelle Obama shopping the new collection!

Coinciding with the trunk show, we would like to introduce you to the eclectic boutique store, whimsically named “Yes We Have No Bananas“. Bananas Gallery sells clothing, jewelry, and kid items by the brands including Aimee G. They also showcase photography, and fine artwork. They have the reputation for the selling the most unique gifts in town, and we are honored to be invited for the trunk show this weekend! Today, Judy Hartfort shared with us some thoughts on her store and Aimee G’s designs.

What is the inspiration behind your name?

“Yes We Have No Bananas” is that song from the 20s. The store was also originally built as a farm-stand.  By preserving its farm-like and homey charm, Bananas emanates a personal warmth not usually experienced in a retail.

How did you discover Aimee?

About 4 years ago, we meet her at a trade show and felt in love with Aimee G’s design. Since then, we become very committed to her line.

What about Aimee’s design that you enjoy the most?

I love her mix of fabric and the asymmetric shapes. They show off the female body wonderfully. They’re also really fun and unique.

What’s your best selling Aimee G item?

The Stella dress. The Swirl tube dress does well also.

Who are you customers?

Mostly people who have summer homes, we have lots of regulars. Mostly 40 and over. We want to start to develop more younger customers. Hopefully Aimee’s G will bring in a new young crowd.

What is your store philosophy?

We try to do things that are different and unique. We shop with an open mind, we don’t really read magazines. We developed good reputation by having wonderful and exciting items that don’t necessary coincide with what’s “in”. We don’t pay attention to the trends.

Describe your personal style.

I don’t really dress my age (60s in 4’6”) , I dress more casual and a little funky, kind of artsy, including some items by Aimee G.

Beneath the Skirt Introduction – Lena

It’s never a quiet day at Aimee’s studio. On a scorching Tuesday morning I accompanied Lena to the Russian Factory in Midtown to pick up fabric. As my subject of the week, I took some pictures while we chatted. Lena, also of Russian origin, is cheerful, high-spirited and quite humorous at times (Many Russian-American jokes). Lena has been working for Aimee as a freelancer, helping out with all kinds of things.  Through the interview, I saw how she is such an integral part of the designing process. Today was an especially frenzy day with the new Spring / Summer 10′ line on the horizon. In addition to assisting with production Lena was all over the map with trips to the factory, hardware store, fabric store, then one last errand to Chinatown! Thankfully Lena was resilient and she even had time to answer my questions! Thanks Lena!

Q & A with Lena

How long have you been working for Aimee?

2 or 3 months

What was your last job?

I was a stay at home mom.

How did  find yourself working for Aimee?

I brought Sampleline (a line by Aimee G) sweater and became addicted ever since. Then I found Aimee’s website and emailed her to see she was hiring. I knew it was a long shot but here I am.

What were you experiences in the field prior to working for Aimee?

I didn’t really have much experience in production, but I make leather bag (They’re beautiful!) Aimee taught me everything I needed to know.

What do you usually do for Aimee?

Cutting, Shipping, pattern making and running errands

Where do you see yourself in the future as far as fashion ?

Not sure, but I’ve always been into crochet and making stuff with my hand…so it’ll always be something along those lines.

What about Aimee’s design attracted you most?

Oh man I just love it, it’s extremely comfortable, durable and fit many types of body. After finding wearing Aimee’s you wouldn’t want to wear “normal” clothes ever again.

Last questions, what are you having for lunch?

Grapes and banana so far…

Lena. 11:16AM, midtown fabric factory

More Pictures at facebook!

This Fall, the heroine wanders the Parisian streets in plaids

Each season is another chapter in the book of the Aimee G saga, featuring fashionable women of the world. Meet Marie Blanche:

Today in Marie Blanche’s life (our heroine and muse), she is on a Paris street wearing a schoolgirl plaid cleverly constructed as a double weave gauze that was expertly assembled by the talented weavers at a French Mill. The layers of fabric and the beguiling drape of the gauze lends itself to an unexpected triple collar jacket (Miss Taro).   With all those ideas flowing thru my (Aimee G’s) head, I again encounter Marie Blanche appreciating the Palais Royal Metro Station in Paris.  All the twinkly lights make the station functional and beautiful at the same time!  For a moment, both Marie and I forget about everything else. I feel I must capture this moment in everyday adornments for the likes of women like free-spirited Marie.  She wants to fool us into thinking she has worked quite hard to look so self-assured and picturesque.  Really, she just slipped into a Plaid jacket (Miss Taro), layered with a twisted-collar white shirt (Milos) -a no-brainer!-, and stepped into a subtle plaid skirt. (Ha! She broke an antiquated rule and put two plaids together – c’est magnifique!) She finished her look with a lovely hat and shoes to make her toes curl…

That is an excerpt of Marie Blanche’s life. No different, really, than how Aimee G put together and presented to you her Fall ’09 collection.

- Aimee G

fashion & figures:
From left clockwise: Megan in Lupe dress; Leighton in the Zora Sweater and the Magda Pants; Paloma in the Miss Taro Jacket and the Domino Sweater; Teruko (seated) in Solitaire Aweater and the May Day skirt.

Beneath the Skirt Store Interview – Hannah

With the heat wave advisory in effect, Aimee and Lena continue to solider on with the Spring/Summer ’10 line. Thank goodness for Air Conditioners! Next week we will introduce you to Lena, who is running errands all over town today. But for now, we would like show our love to one of our favorite stores that carry Aimee G!

This week Susan, owner of Hannah store located in the heavily tracffic streets of Soho at 155 Prince St., was was kind enough to share her thoughts on Aimee’s design and answer some questions.

Store: Hannah

Location: 155 Prince Street. New York, NY 10012

Years in Business: 28 Years

One word to description your store: Timeless

1. How long have you been carrying Aimee?

Since this year. For the Spring/Summer Collection

2. What about Aimee’s design do you enjoy the most?

Aimee’s designs are creative, well designed and intelligently engineered. I love her combination of different kinds of fabric. Her clothes are very comfortable and wearable but unique at the same time.

3. What is the best selling Aimee G Design in your store?

The Ocho dresses with or without sleeves and the stella dresses is very popular as well.

4.  How would you describe your store?

A beautiful collection carefully selected and composed comprising of unique and wearable designs.

5. How would you describe your customers?

Over 30 years old professionals who are artistic and creative.

6. What makes your store different from the rest?

I would say the fact that we have more than 40 designers that I hand-picked from.

7. How do you select the designers? and what do you look for when it comes to finding designs that fits with your store?

I discover designers mostly through trade shows and showrooms. I am interested in universal designs that not just fit one body type. I also look for novelty fabrics, like the ones Aimee uses, something different but timeless at the same time.

8. If you did not pursue a retail career, what would you be doing?

I would probably be a designer if I wasn’t in retail. I would be designing clothes similar to the the ones I carry in my store.

New Line! Fall / Winter 2009

While half of New York population had escaped the summer heat and gone away on vacation, Aimee and her assistant Casey are diligently working on the Spring / Summer 2010 line. In the meantime, to satisfy the needs of the general public we have the new Fall / Winter ready for you! View the new line  (soon to be posted on Aimee’s website) on Facebook and Myspace! Feel free to comment, we love to hear from you!

Also coming up… As part of the “Beneath the Skirt” series, new behind the scenes pictures from Aimee’s studio and interviews with our favorite Boutique stores! Get real-time updates from Aimee G’s studio at twitter!