Couture Designer loves her Equestrianista Dressage T-Shirt
Posted on February 01 2014
A few years ago (really who's counting at this point) I was an intern within the couture evening gown department at the legendary Saks Fifth Avenue department store. The flagship store is every bit the glitz and majesty that is portrayed in movies or print. You yearned for the old walls to talk. To share of the fabulous trunk shows, launch parties and visitors throughout the years. Getting lost in the 650,000 square foot 5th Avenue store was not rare as an intern.
During that time I was able to meet many admired and talented designers. Though, I vividly remember the day the department held a Helen Morley trunk show. You could not help but be enchanted by Helen Morley's elegant British accent. As she spoke softly, while fluidly running her hands down the meticulously tailored Helen Morley gown you just tried on, you felt like the most beautiful woman alive. Not only was Helen intellectual, graduating with honors from Oxford University, as well as incredibly skilled at her craft of creating tailored and timeless gowns, but she was also captivating. It was inspiring to watch her during a trunk show. Helen simply made people look, and feel, beautiful.
During my time at Saks a relationship formed with some of the staff at Helen Morley and I was delighted when an Account Executive position came open. Traveling the country hosting Helen Morley trunk shows within Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus is the obvious perk of the position. But the experience taught me the ins and outs of creating a design from the ground up that many don't get up close and personal with. From the sketches, draping, pattern making, fabric sourcing, photo shoots, fashion shows, meetings with buyers, trunk shows, to support of the retail staff. The team at Helen Morley each had a job and there was much to learn from each within their craft. To say the experience was invaluable would be an understatement.
So needless to say, I was delighted when I recently received a thoughtful compliment from Helen herself. I sent her an Equestrianista Dressage tee as a gift and thank you for the opportunity she once gave me. I was beyond honored to read her kind words: "...I absolutely LOVE the t-shirt. I love the light weight material and the color- it fits great (nice and long). I hope to wear it riding when the weather finally warms up."
I may only have the fabulous memories from my time at Saks Fifth Avenue and with Helen Morley, but what I learned will never be forgotten. I use much of my experiences on a daily basis, as I wear many hats at Equestrianista Apparel.
Whether from a customer, or former mentor, compliments received are what drive me everyday. Recognizing a name on an order and seeing that they have purchased 2, 3, and now 4 times, there can be no greater feeling for a brand creator and designer.
I will continue to strive to bring you pieces that help you look and feel your best! Warmly~
Julie
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