Smashing Darling Blog

A foundation built in textiles, theatrical millinery, and fashion, Anne De Pasquale’s innovative, retro-glam designs are reminiscent of the past, but interpreted for the fashion forward woman of today. You can read more from her profile here.

SD: How did you get into Millinery?
Anne: I kind of fell into millinery. My mom and my grandfather indirectly influenced me. My grandfather ALWAYS wore a fedora. My mom wore hats when she was young and bought me my first cool hat at a RISD sale while in college, but I fell in love with millinery after I blocked my first felt hat…no turning back! The Mad Hatter bug took over and the rest is history

SD: Where did you study?
Anne: I graduated RISD with BFA in Textile design, and after working in fashion industry for a few years, I took a millinery class at Parsons. But guess you can say I learned the craft of millinery on the job while working for Arnold S. Levine Theatrical millinery. My first job was to wire over 100 hats for Disney’s Mulan parade…can you say callous!

SD: Where do you turn for inspiration for your designs?
Anne: Inspiration comes from everywhere: The Broadway shows I work on as well as people on the streets of NYC, movies, Rock N’ Roll…. My personal favorite is when I dream about the hats I want to make. My intuition and subconscious do a lot of work for me.

SD: What makes you remain independent, why not work for someone else?
Anne: Actually I still work freelance for Arnold Levine Millinery…I get inspired working with other talented designers; especially the amazing Broadway designers who visit us daily. These experiences free my mind to experiment with my own designs.

SD: What does your average day entail?
Anne: Average day:I check email in the morning,(go to freelance job when working on Broadway shows),shop for trims/materials, work on designs for next collection, contact retailers about orders, research/development, networking, exercise, make more hats…eat…problem solve…multi task…relax(sometimes with friends/boyfriend)…Repeat… Hope to add Aerial flying soon…

SD: Describe your personal style?
Anne: Retro glam with a hint of relaxed hippy casual ease

SD: Who are your fashion icons (past or present)? Do you think they influenced your personal style?
Anne: I tend to relate to the playfulness of Carrie from Sex and the City, but Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a long time personal favorite..classic but cutting edge sophistication. Audrey was always stylish,polished and finished her style with great and sometimes playful hats!

SD: Do you have any current fashion obsessions?
Anne: I love all accessories! I collect sunglasses but of course always love a new hat! At the moment I’m working on unique headbands and bags… and what woman doesn’t love shoes…my next venture is to learn how to MAKE shoes!

SD: Do you have any events that you are getting ready for in the near future?
Anne: I am working on a sample sale end of summer, a charity benefit for a member of the Milliners Guild of NYC to be announced; go to www.millinersguild.org for more details. As well as being part of the Design Collective event in October.
Date: Saturday, October 25th, 2008.
Time: 6:00 pm -1:00 am; Fashion Show starts at 8pm
Location: Canco Lofts, 50 Dey Street, Jersey City, NJ. www.cancolofts.com
Tickets: $20 (Net proceeds go to charity)
SEAM COLLECTIVE invites you to an evening of fashion and music.
Please join us for an unforgettable fashion show in Jersey City.
Featuring several hot emerging female fashion designers
AND
Live Interactive Photo Shoots * DJ Jen Johnson * Jenny Rocha and the Painted Ladies burlesque dancershttp://www.jennyrocha.com/home.html* TRANSITION middle eastern band * Visual Art * and more!!!

Complimentary wine provided from 6-8pm by MakeWineWithUs.com http://www.makewinewithus.com/
Snacks & Cash Bar available.
RSVP: Send email to rsvp@seamcollective.com or go to http://seamcollective.com/rsvp2008.html
Directions: Take PATH train to Journal Square. Shuttle will be available to and from Journal Square PATH station or take a 12 minute walk.
SEAM COLLECTIVE contact phone number: 646.530.8310
website: http://seamcollective.c
I’m also looking forward to a celebrity book based on pin up girls where one of my hats will be featured on Kate Hudson.(Date and title to be announced)

SD: Is there anyone in the Smashing Darling community you have a question or comment for?
Anne: I am proud to be a part of the Smashing Darling community…All the designers are extremely talented, each with his/her unique style. I am looking forward to collaborating with anyone who feels my work would complement theirs and vice versa. All designers interested in collaborating- contact me! Look out for the Magic! A special Thank you to Trish for bringing us all together! Community Rocks. Here’s to keeping us all Smashing!