JANELLE FUNARI - DESIGNER
NEW YORK CITY
Photography By: Zebra - GALLERIE
Catching up with the Fashion designer Janelle Funari New York explaining her inspiration in
New York City and her desire to always Dream Big!
New York City and her desire to always Dream Big!
WORLD FASHION MEDIA NEWS
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH
JANELLE FUNARI
NEW YORK CITY
Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from? What's your educational background?
I was born in NY raised in Florida in Tampa bay, Miami area and just moved back to Brooklyn NY. My education is from international fine Arts college which is now Miami International College of art and Design.
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is an Artistic expression utilized to communicate and inspire others.
When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?
Smiling. My mother said it started at 3! I was coordinating my looks for school designing and giving input to clothing she made for me.
Do you try to keep with the trends or create your own?
I create my own trends and do what I feel. I never follow I lead.
What was the first article of clothing you ever designed?
Chiffon pant suit.
How does designing accessories differ from designing clothes?
Designing accessories is different with clothing as it has a different utilitarian function.
How long does it usually take you to construct a piece?
A couture piece from conception to drape to patterning and sewing with my team can take anywhere from 9 hours to 30 hours. Depends on how much hand sewing and couture technique has to be done.
Describe the general process you go through to design and realize a piece of clothing.
Inspiration can occur anywhere! Usually in strange moment like a train, or in middle of the night. I wake then sketch the design. I begin the process with a decision of fabric. I source all fabric and trim and if necessary we make fabric or trimming, meaning customize it by knitting, weaving, print or embellishing a fabric. We illustrate with artist trim and send to factory to be made or send print inspiration to artist and he/she will sketch the design. We begin by the first drape with my Seamstress. Fit the drape. If approved then cut pattern in the actual production fabric. Check each stitch along way and check again on the dress form, once complete, we fit it. After fitting on model, if any alternation is needed, it all be done at this time before runway or shipping to client.
What are some of your accomplishments as a designer?
My biggest Accomplishment was selling my first collection to Neiman Marcus my first year in business. Seeing my designs in Vogue, Elle, In style, Brides magazine, on Hollywood, Latina and Indian celebrities, along with seeing clothing appear on red carpet and multiple national television shows. Seeing my designs in Nordstrom, and a Neiman Marcus window, Saks, Lord & Taylor, Barney's and in Target sales floors all across the country.
Where can readers buy your clothes/jewelry?
Readers can buy online and buy direct for a custom one of kind dress or gown!!
How long have you worked as a designer?
I have worked as I designer now for 20 years
Where do you buy your fabrics and other sewing materials?
We buy our fabrics from Italy, France, Canada, and Korea. We design hand paint, design and manufacture lace, and laser cut in New York. Embellishment like beadwork happens in India.
What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing?
Quality comes from many things. Exceptional drape and fit, quality fabrics make from finest materials, couture techniques and hand sewing.
Do you consider yourself an artist?
Yes I consider my self first an artist as well as a designer.
What matters to you most as a fashion designer?\
What matter to me most as a designer is to capture emotion and making others exude confidence and make a memorable piece that can last a life time. This is why I do Fashion!
What's your favorite part about conceptualizing a design?
My favorite part of conception is the collaboration of creation with my team of artists, fabric mills, and my sewers. I love to see my sketch come to life ! I love what I do.....it makes me wake up every day and Love Life!
How do you prepare for a fashion shoot or show?
Preparation for a shoot or show is very tedious and organized. But to us it is a celebration of all of our hard work! I call it organized chaos. There are a lot of moving parts like styling looks, pulling the right shoes, hair make-up Inspiration boards, meeting head piece designer to pull, create or make our own, and buying all accessories. This is the magical part of bringing the complete inspiration to Life!
Do you prefer sketching designs or actually constructing them?
Sketching is essential but I prefer to drape an see the product being made. I think in 3D so I like things to happen as fast I can see them. I love process of creation of a design. It is my bliss.
Tell me about the process of sketching a design. What kind of paper and pencil/pen do you use?
Sketching is done with regular sketch pad and a sharp pencil.... Also sometime I do like to sketch with black pen.
What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers?
My advice to an aspiring Designer is to work under others to learn. To soak up much information as possible like a sponge. Speak less and watch more. Listen to the ones who have been doing it for years & watch to learn. Fashion is art and it has to be practiced. Dream big and don't let anyone tell you that your idea is crazy because that ONE idea you have may be the thing that makes your famous or lots of money $$$$!!!!
What do you like best about designing clothes?
What I like best about designing is being able to have no guidelines no budget and no restrictions!
What do you dislike about designing clothes?
What I like least about designing is some times you have to create things in a budget and not be able to create to your hearts content. You have to stay constricted and in a box and its just how it is because at end of day Fashion needs to pay bills.
How would you define your personal style?
My own style is very eclectic. I say its bohemian, glamorous and edgy and sporty. I like to mix different elements together that are unexpected.
How would you define the style your line exemplifies?
My line exemplifies old Hollywood meets a modern architectural feel. My line is bold, daring sophisticated, elegant,edgy and best of ALL comfortable! Can work day into night and give confidence and commands presence to all who wears it!
What are some of your fashion goals?
My fashion goal is to display my clothing as Art in an art gallery or museum as an exhibition.
Where do you get your inspiration?
26. My inspiration comes from anywhere traveling, architecture, interior design, art shows, from technology and costumes from old Hollywood shows.
What are some of your favorite fashion websites, magazines, or books?
Favorite books will be historical costume, books of technique for art, fashion, industrial design, jewelry, and furniture. I love learning how to build, create or put things together. Any book on craftsmanship makes me very happy!
What other experience do you have in the fashion industry (stylist, retail, marketing, etc.)?
Wow I have had a diverse career. Sales, Stylist, merchandising, boutique store manager, Backstage dresser.
What are your favorite colors to work with and why?
I love black and white because I feel it is best and understood the best by all consumers and buyers. I love highly saturated color that are vivid vibrant and intense. Deep plum, royal blue, hot pink. I also love dull, frothy, makeup barely there colors for spring like nude, creme, turquoise, peach.
What are your favorite fabrics to work with and why?
My favorite fabrics are silks for great drape and leather and lace for structure.
What are your favorite patterns [prints] to work with and why?
My favorite prints are organic hand painted looks and also love architectural print with a cool repeat that gives movement to the fabric.
Where can readers find out more about you and your work?
Readers can find more about my work on www.Janellefunarinewyork.com
and like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram- Janelle Funari New York.
I was born in NY raised in Florida in Tampa bay, Miami area and just moved back to Brooklyn NY. My education is from international fine Arts college which is now Miami International College of art and Design.
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is an Artistic expression utilized to communicate and inspire others.
When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?
Smiling. My mother said it started at 3! I was coordinating my looks for school designing and giving input to clothing she made for me.
Do you try to keep with the trends or create your own?
I create my own trends and do what I feel. I never follow I lead.
What was the first article of clothing you ever designed?
Chiffon pant suit.
How does designing accessories differ from designing clothes?
Designing accessories is different with clothing as it has a different utilitarian function.
How long does it usually take you to construct a piece?
A couture piece from conception to drape to patterning and sewing with my team can take anywhere from 9 hours to 30 hours. Depends on how much hand sewing and couture technique has to be done.
Describe the general process you go through to design and realize a piece of clothing.
Inspiration can occur anywhere! Usually in strange moment like a train, or in middle of the night. I wake then sketch the design. I begin the process with a decision of fabric. I source all fabric and trim and if necessary we make fabric or trimming, meaning customize it by knitting, weaving, print or embellishing a fabric. We illustrate with artist trim and send to factory to be made or send print inspiration to artist and he/she will sketch the design. We begin by the first drape with my Seamstress. Fit the drape. If approved then cut pattern in the actual production fabric. Check each stitch along way and check again on the dress form, once complete, we fit it. After fitting on model, if any alternation is needed, it all be done at this time before runway or shipping to client.
What are some of your accomplishments as a designer?
My biggest Accomplishment was selling my first collection to Neiman Marcus my first year in business. Seeing my designs in Vogue, Elle, In style, Brides magazine, on Hollywood, Latina and Indian celebrities, along with seeing clothing appear on red carpet and multiple national television shows. Seeing my designs in Nordstrom, and a Neiman Marcus window, Saks, Lord & Taylor, Barney's and in Target sales floors all across the country.
Where can readers buy your clothes/jewelry?
Readers can buy online and buy direct for a custom one of kind dress or gown!!
How long have you worked as a designer?
I have worked as I designer now for 20 years
Where do you buy your fabrics and other sewing materials?
We buy our fabrics from Italy, France, Canada, and Korea. We design hand paint, design and manufacture lace, and laser cut in New York. Embellishment like beadwork happens in India.
What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing?
Quality comes from many things. Exceptional drape and fit, quality fabrics make from finest materials, couture techniques and hand sewing.
Do you consider yourself an artist?
Yes I consider my self first an artist as well as a designer.
What matters to you most as a fashion designer?\
What matter to me most as a designer is to capture emotion and making others exude confidence and make a memorable piece that can last a life time. This is why I do Fashion!
What's your favorite part about conceptualizing a design?
My favorite part of conception is the collaboration of creation with my team of artists, fabric mills, and my sewers. I love to see my sketch come to life ! I love what I do.....it makes me wake up every day and Love Life!
How do you prepare for a fashion shoot or show?
Preparation for a shoot or show is very tedious and organized. But to us it is a celebration of all of our hard work! I call it organized chaos. There are a lot of moving parts like styling looks, pulling the right shoes, hair make-up Inspiration boards, meeting head piece designer to pull, create or make our own, and buying all accessories. This is the magical part of bringing the complete inspiration to Life!
Do you prefer sketching designs or actually constructing them?
Sketching is essential but I prefer to drape an see the product being made. I think in 3D so I like things to happen as fast I can see them. I love process of creation of a design. It is my bliss.
Tell me about the process of sketching a design. What kind of paper and pencil/pen do you use?
Sketching is done with regular sketch pad and a sharp pencil.... Also sometime I do like to sketch with black pen.
What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers?
My advice to an aspiring Designer is to work under others to learn. To soak up much information as possible like a sponge. Speak less and watch more. Listen to the ones who have been doing it for years & watch to learn. Fashion is art and it has to be practiced. Dream big and don't let anyone tell you that your idea is crazy because that ONE idea you have may be the thing that makes your famous or lots of money $$$$!!!!
What do you like best about designing clothes?
What I like best about designing is being able to have no guidelines no budget and no restrictions!
What do you dislike about designing clothes?
What I like least about designing is some times you have to create things in a budget and not be able to create to your hearts content. You have to stay constricted and in a box and its just how it is because at end of day Fashion needs to pay bills.
How would you define your personal style?
My own style is very eclectic. I say its bohemian, glamorous and edgy and sporty. I like to mix different elements together that are unexpected.
How would you define the style your line exemplifies?
My line exemplifies old Hollywood meets a modern architectural feel. My line is bold, daring sophisticated, elegant,edgy and best of ALL comfortable! Can work day into night and give confidence and commands presence to all who wears it!
What are some of your fashion goals?
My fashion goal is to display my clothing as Art in an art gallery or museum as an exhibition.
Where do you get your inspiration?
26. My inspiration comes from anywhere traveling, architecture, interior design, art shows, from technology and costumes from old Hollywood shows.
What are some of your favorite fashion websites, magazines, or books?
Favorite books will be historical costume, books of technique for art, fashion, industrial design, jewelry, and furniture. I love learning how to build, create or put things together. Any book on craftsmanship makes me very happy!
What other experience do you have in the fashion industry (stylist, retail, marketing, etc.)?
Wow I have had a diverse career. Sales, Stylist, merchandising, boutique store manager, Backstage dresser.
What are your favorite colors to work with and why?
I love black and white because I feel it is best and understood the best by all consumers and buyers. I love highly saturated color that are vivid vibrant and intense. Deep plum, royal blue, hot pink. I also love dull, frothy, makeup barely there colors for spring like nude, creme, turquoise, peach.
What are your favorite fabrics to work with and why?
My favorite fabrics are silks for great drape and leather and lace for structure.
What are your favorite patterns [prints] to work with and why?
My favorite prints are organic hand painted looks and also love architectural print with a cool repeat that gives movement to the fabric.
Where can readers find out more about you and your work?
Readers can find more about my work on www.Janellefunarinewyork.com
and like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram- Janelle Funari New York.
Janelle Funari New York
info@janellefunarinewyork.com
http://www.janellefunarinewyork.com/
Facebook and Instagram
info@janellefunarinewyork.com
http://www.janellefunarinewyork.com/
Facebook and Instagram
Glenn Roberson
Photography By: Krissy King
Photography By: Marlana Yates
Photography By: Krissy King
Photography By: Zebra GALLERIE.
