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.