Black Pearl Creation’s Blog

A couple of days ago, I received notification I was going to be featured in a fashion magazine! Imagine my excitement at receiving the email and preliminary questions to prepare for the interview. I couldn’t sleep and spent 2 days crafting answers that projected Black Pearl Creations image: I am an outsider to the fashion world and plan to stay there so as to be noticed and to continue to be noticed!
I thought it was a natural progression to be featured in an independent fashion magazine. I was a guest on an independent TV show in Boston so wasn’t being in print the next big step?
So now imagine my gut wrenching disappointment when I received the following email: “I apologize about the confusion. One of my interns got a hold of the shoutout e-mail before I had a chance to select the people and give her the questions. With that said, I do think your story is amazing and your collection is very nice. I have selected a specifically international grouping for this coming issue, but would love to keep your information for the next issue, where I can send you the proper questions. I do truly apologize about the confusion and the amount of time you spent on answering the below questions.”
So now that I am feeling a little better, I wanted to share the interview that never was. I hope you enjoy it!

How long have you been in the business?
I started my business in 2001 under the name Crocheting Tiger Hidden Dragon. I started out with making throws and pillows for people who needed comfort after 9/11. I participated in a couple of local craft fairs. At these fairs, I had soldiers coming up to me saying their parents sent them the flag afghan I was making at the time. Over the next few years, I sold out at various events with my throws and pillows. In 2003, I started making ponchos. I chose ponchos because they were fun to make and stylish with a twist! However, I get bored easily and that’s when I decided to move into all clothing items. I have designed and made bikinis, dresses, coats, skirts, pants, shorts and of course, hats, mittens and scarves.
In 2005, I surprisingly found out I was having another child and was subsequently fired from my job. I had to provide for my 11 year old son and my unborn child. From May 2005 to August 2006, I actively promoted Black Pearl Creations and received a positive reaction. I took an entrepreneur class. I then went from door to door to various boutiques in Manchester and Boston to get my collection in the door. I was able to get into a boutique on famous Newbury Street and some other boutiques in New Hampshire.
I did go back to an outside employer in August 2006. Working on my collection part time, I’ve been able to garner more attention and even receive some awards!

What do you provide to the industry?
I am not trained in fashion or design. My main course of study is economics! I did not intern in a fashion house for 10 years. I grew up overseas and was afforded the opportunity to express myself and experiment through my clothes at a younger age than most. I am not a full time fashion diva. I’ve built my line while maintaining a full time job, attending an Ivy League school and taking care of my 2 children.
I bring an unusual perspective to the fashion industry. A fresh, not of the establishment perspective. I don’t believe it is necessary to follow trends to be successful. It is necessary to have the fortitude to establish the trends for everyone else to follow.

Most embarrassing moment in the industry
My hair on the Style It up show. It looked good in person but the camera wasn’t as nice! You can see the video on my Events page on www.blackpearlstyle.com and tell me what you think!

Awards/Major Press/Story to share?
In August 2007, I was featured on Style It Up, a television show spotlighting designers in the New England area. At the end of every year, the producers and host of the show decide to pick their favorite designers for the year. I was chosen as one of the 2007 Fashion Designers of the Year. This was a great honor as the staff of Style It Up see many creations throughout the year. They bring these designers into their studio and interview them for their television show. I know some of the designers that were featured in 2007. They are very driven and creative. I am humbled to think my work stood out.

What and who inspires you?
Living in Italy , I crafted a style that could be considered neo-vintage. Living in England , I learned the fiber arts: knitting and crochet. Being a child of a member of the military, I became enamored with uniforms. The fit, what many people don’t realize is the most important part of any item or outfit. If it doesn’t fit, you shouldn’t wear it.
A lot of my inspiration comes from my parents. I was lucky enough to have parents who were trendsetters! My father, outside of uniform, was always a sharp dresser. My father loves the style of the 40s and gives it his own modern twist. My mother would be able to take unique items and make them into a glamorous outfit.