It is really lovely to just bump into a Darling unexpectedly! That is how I met Prizy Sebastian while I was strolling (strolling = shopping, right?) at The Market NYC one Saturday. It was great to chat, and I bought her Black Ruffle Tank Dress that day, now a favorite dress hanging in my closet. A few hours later I met up with a friend who had just apparently repeated my steps, she had bought the exact same dress maybe an hour before me – love it! Last week, out with the same friend, our favorite dress came up in convo again (my mom wasn’t a fan when I wore it, mom is rarely a fan of my wardrobe choices) and she told me how Prizy made a special trip to her office to deliver the dress which had needed a few adjustments in length. Nothing like a convo with a designer for customization and great customer service! Get to know Prizy a little bit better below.
Darlings: How did you first get involved in fashion design or the fashion world in general?
Prizy: I was always interested in fashion, since I was a little girl playing dress-up with my dolls, to middle school when I first started receiving fashion magazines. I was constantly sitting in my room sketching away. Fashion design wasn’t seriously considered as a career until college. I was studying to become an accountant, trying to keep with a major that provided a ‘secure’ job, but at the same time was always thinking about making dresses. Dreams have a way of taking over. I graduated in design, and moved to New York to work in the fashion industry. Years later, I found my high school journal from freshman year, and I’d written in there that I was going to be a designer.
Pin-Tuck Ballerina, $395
Darlings: We love all the beautiful detailing (pleats, pin-tucks) in your designs, where do you find your inspiration?
Prizy: Inspiration can come from so many things for me, especially the fabric, a color (red is my favorite), a painting, nature, sometimes even dreams. I’ve always been very inspired by Valentino overall because the clothes have always been elegant and feminine, and they enhance the natural beauty of women. I am also inspired by couture designers such as Madame Gres, and Balenciaga (the original). Their use of detail defined their style, but it was never overwhelming.
Details such as pleating and pin-tucking are important, not just to give interest to the garment, but also to add definition to the body. Not being a big fan of trends, I love beautifully constructed clothing, with great fit, that will last and can be considered timeless.
Ruffle Halter Dress, $345
Darlings: What is the hardest obstacle you face as an independent designer? Where do you find the most support and resources?
Prizy: Funding is the hardest obstacle any independent designer faces. Unless you have an investor, it’s very hard to do mass production, keep wholesale prices down and keep your name out there. One has to become creative finding money, either through freelance work, small loans, etc.
Right now, a lot of my work is custom and small orders. It’s very tough, especially in this economic climate to keep being an independent designer. My family has been very supportive. Being in a creative environment, working around other designers definitely keeps me going.
Vintage Lace Silk Top, $95
Darlings: Do you have any events/projects that you are getting ready for in the near future?
Prizy: Up to now, much of my work has leaned toward formal and cocktail wear. My newest project is to create a mini collection of dresses that are elegant with great detail, and using natural fabrics. I’m trying to stick with classic colors, such as navy and black, but want them to be more wearable, to transition from day to night.
Bias Cut Silk Dress, $345
Darlings: What are the pros and cons of designing from your home?
Prizy: The biggest pro is that it’s home, and there’s a certain comfort and freedom in it. You can keep your own schedule, and save money on extra work space, as well commuting expenses, You also get tax deductions at the end of the year for anything that is part of your home that is also used as part of your business, including rent, utilities, etc.
The biggest con, unfortunately, is tied to the pro; it is home. You have to be very disciplined, something that I struggle with on a daily basis, to keep to a schedule, to accomplish things every day. It can also become incredibly isolating, you have to make a conscious effort to get out and socialize. Personally, I believe working from home is a perfect starting point for a business. It minimizes costs, allows you to make mistakes and learn, and really tests your determination and dedication your business. Ultimately, I would love an atelier space.
Pleated Rocker Bolero, $65
Darlings: Tell us about something you LOVE that you want others to know about.
Prizy: I just found a pumpkin chocolate chip bread by one of the vendors at the Union Square Farmers Market on Saturdays! It is really moist, not overly sweet and has a very unusual flavor. Definitely worth trying if you love sweet breads like myself!
