Fashion and the Steal

Last but definitely not least, Berit NY is the final designer profile in the 'A La Mode' series.

My impression of Berit NY's style is theatrical and various time periods.

Here's more info from the source:

How did you get into fashion?

I got into fashion at an early age. I started sewing as a child, and my interest in fashion led me to start modelling at 13. I started with an agency in Atlanta, doing several castings a month, and through that experience I was able to network with local designers and contacts in entertainment. I was already making my own clothing so I decided to show a few pieces to some of the designers I worked with. They loved them and started booking me as a designer for their shows instead of as a model. My experience as a teenager helped me get into the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, where I went straight out of high school. FIT, more than anything else, prepared me for the day-to-day realities of being a full-fledged designer.

Did you go to school for training?
Yes, I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC with a degree in Fashion Design.

What do you do for inspiration? How do you get inspired to create a collection?
A lot of things inspire me: movies, nature, and history, even everyday objects. I try to be open to new possibilities when it comes to what inspires me. Really, all of life should be an inspiration, whether good or bad.

I tend to stick with themes that I am passionate about. In order for me to build a collection off a single theme or idea, I need that theme or idea to really stand out in my mind. It’s not hard to find a cool new idea to base a collection on, but if I don’t have passion about it then that weakens the collection. I also try to incorporate elements of my own personal style philosophy, and then add to that.

Do you prefer certain materials?

I like to mix materials. Texture, color and contrast always intrigue me, and my works usually incorporate this. As far as preferences go, I enjoy working with cotton blends, wool, velvets and vinyl.

Who do you design for ... Is it a specific person or a type of person?
I design for men and women who like to stand out, be seen, and express themselves; people who aren’t afraid to make a statement and who are a bit eccentric. Most of my clothing has an edge to it, but there’s also a touch of class and elegance. I say that my target demographic is the “well-mannered rebel,” and I think that sums it up pretty well.