Todays interview is with the wonderful Andres, his store on Smashing Darling is called DRES. He sells his very cool injected rubber belts. We love him because of his absolute steadfast determination to stay true to himself by remaining an independent always different individual.
SD: When did you realize you wanted to be a fashion designer?
ATS: I grew up traveling. My parents were the jet set. My mom was a travel
agent and I her protégé. At age 7 my favorite TV program was
“Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous”, and my magazine subscription was
to “Architectural Digest.” I wanted to design and create everything in
sight. I wanted the power of branding.
SD: What is your earliest fashion memory?
ATS: The day Mom let me shop at Cinderella’s. It was, in my head, the
trendiest store in Metro Manila, or the Philippines. Before then my
mother would buy all my clothes at the supermarket. My shirts smelled
like the meat department. You can imagine what they looked like.
SD: Where did you study? What was your major or specialization?
ATS: I went to Skidmore College to major in Business and minor in Studio
Art. I aced all my art courses and struggled through business, mainly
accounting. Advertising and marketing were fun. My art concentration
was in Graphic Design. My parents were always concerned about what I
would do after graduation. I made the transition from graphic to
fashion design at Polo/Ralph Lauren, my first job out of Skidmore.
Since then I have been taking classes and seminars at the Fashion
Institute of Technology.
SD: Where do you turn for inspiration for your designs?
ATS: I turn inside. My happiest dreams are of a fashion show. Images and
ideas flash rapidly before my eyes. It’s a type of meditation. Other
inspirations for me are nature and travel.
SD: On Smashing Darling, you sell primarily cool rubber belts, can you tell us a bit about how and where they are made?
ATS: My belt story can be classified as a horror and an adventure. My
brilliant idea was to work with a Chinese manufacturer from the start.
We met over the internet. Each rubber belt is injection molded. This
is a costly endeavor. However, the manufacturer said it could be done,
and I decided to trust him. I did not see a satisfactory sample until
two years later. I heard every excuse in the book, and I spent every
dollar I had. Luckily the manufacturer did take pity in the end, and
both of us are happy now.
SD: What would you say is the most frustrating part of your business?
ATS: Pitching my product. I consider myself an artist and an inventor, and
I have trouble removing myself from my work. I take criticism
personally. I shouldn’t. I thought a good product sells itself. It
doesn’t, at least not at the beginning. I am told with practice it
will get easier.
SD: What does your average day entail?
ATS: Whatever I want it to entail. There is no average day. Each day is
different. This is a good and a bad thing. Life is exciting.
However, I am a bit ADD and often end up on tangents. It’s hard to
stay focused when you’re doing you’re own thing.
SD : Describe your personal style?
ATS: Good question. It changes. I love planning a wardrobe with a
destination in mind. Every day is an adventure. A long trip is the
best. I love to anticipate. What I wear influences and helps me to
appreciate. I have a closet full of props, and I manipulate them to
communicate what I am feeling that day. Kind of intense. I do have
off days.
SD: Who are your fashion icons (past or present)? Do you think they influenced your personal style?
ATS: Charles James. I approach fashion with eyes of an inventor. My father
taught Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology. Charles James was an inventor. He aimed for the stars. I
just saw his swan dress in an exhibit at FIT. What I would pay to see
someone wear that across the dance floor. Nature is the most
spectacular inspiration.
SD: Do you have any current fashion obsessions?
ATS: Need I say it? Perforation. I am still enthralled, even after 5
years. Maybe it is because I was a graphic designer. I love how
perforations works with the organic and creates a kind of order. I
also love light and how perforations play with light. It looks like
water, my favorite element. I’m a Pieces.
SD: What advice would you give someone just starting in your field?
ATS: Have patience. Everything takes more time than you imagine. Enjoy the
ride. Life is a journey, and not a destination. Do it only from love,
and do it only for love.
SD: Do you have any events you are getting ready for in the near future?
ATS: The largest event for me is writing my business plan. I should have
done this years ago. The next event is to look for a partner. No more
fashion shows right now. They cost too much.
SD: Is there anyone in the Smashing Darling community you have a question or comment for?
ATS: My question is for the entire community. Why do so many people want to
look the same? My comment is I have spent my life proud to be
different.
