On a recent night Houston's discerning set jetted downtown for "Fashion: The Business of Turning Dreams Into Reality." The astute panel discussion, moderated by Katie Campion (former Program Director for the Council of Fashion Designers of America), included Janet Gurwitch (founder of Laura Mercier Cosmetics), David Hamilton (representing the fourth generation of the powers that be at Hamilton Shirts), Elaine Turner (founder and president of Elaine Turner Designs LLC), our very own Laurann Claridge (co-founder of Claridge + King), Clifford Pugh (noted Houston fashion critic), Greg Fourticq, Jr. (advisor and consultant to designers such as Calvin Klein, Donna Karen, John Varvatos, Tory Burch and Carolina Herrera; and now involved in Houston-based companies Moo Boo's and R863), and Lynn Wyatt (well ... no introduction needed for this lass).
Among the tender vittles budding fashion professionals took away from the evening ...
- Janet Gurwitch suggested that one makes sure that their offering in the marketplace is unique. What void is the product filling?
- Get connected and establish your credibility among those already successful. Fourticq emphasized the value of following through on your vision and having a capacity to express it concisely. Also he advised all you Lagerfeld juniors to keep your wits about you when it comes to the most essential things -- where the money's going.
- Be passionate, said Pugh, as it's sheer passion that will eventually catch the eye of powerful people in the design world.
- Both Claridge and Turner pointed out that you can’t discount the importance of brand visibility in New York City, still the fashion capital in the US.
- Recognize the opportunities that exist in Houston, chimed Turner and Claridge. They both made a point to say not only how many people are willing to help one another out here, but moreover that everyone in Houston is extraordinarily receptive to new ideas.
Among the hopes expressed for our mod monde ...
- Fourticq longs for special permits and tax credits that would entice young designers to Houston.
- Pugh yearns to see more Houstonians value fashion on an artistic level and raise its visibility.
- Claridge thinks a garment district à la New York would REALLY help here.
Perhaps the best quip of the night came from Wyatt, who when asked to describe her own personal aesthetic said "it's class, with a dash of sass --but never trash." Sound words for anyone to live by.