Samantha Rei (Courtesy Photo Deviance)
Whether there to support other fashion designers or show her own works, Samantha Rei, 34, is a fixture in the Twin Cities fashion scene. Her pieces stand out for their strong editorial point of view and eye-catching designs.
With a series of fashion shows starting this month, we talked with Rei about how she got her start, what advice she would give to aspiring designers and her upcoming fashion show, Black Pearl Lounge.
Q. How did you get your start in fashion design?
A. I've been into it since middle school, when I started making stuff for other people. During my senior year of high school, I started making prom dresses. I had so many orders I didn't have time to make my own, so my mom had to make it.
I attended the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul for illustration. In 2000, I started my own clothing label called Blasphemina's Closet. It was Lolita and cyber gothic clothes. There was no book on how to start a fashion business; it was trial and error. I did what I could in the infancy of the Internet sales.
Q. How has your work evolved over the years?
A. I shut down Blasphemina's Closet three seasons ago. I wasn't really passionate about Lolita fashion anymore. I felt the scene was getting really negative and I wasn't super inspired. I wanted to do different things and take different risks. The only way I could do that was to start all over.
Now, my designs are under the label Samantha Rei. It's still inspired by literature and historical fashion. It still has that kind of hyper-feminine aesthetic to it. I feel like I'm a lot more free with my designs.
Q. What advice would you give others starting out in the industry?
A. Stick with it. It's a really, really long journey. It's not something you can do instantly. It's hard work and a little bit of luck.
Every collection should be better than the one you just did. If you're not constantly improving, you're going to get stale.
Do research and ask for help. I have friends and colleagues who are willing to give me advice, and I am always willing to give advice if they need it. Build up a good support system. Make friends in the community and the industry. Feeling supported and being surrounded by a lot of positive people inspires me.
Designs by Samantha Rei (Courtesy Fairshadow Photography)
Q. Next up for you is a fashion show featuring your latest works. What can we expect?
A. This is my first solo show since 2011 and the first under the Samantha Rei label. This show will be an evening-wear collection -- cocktail and evening dresses.
We have a bunch of small businesses involved. APATICO, a designer who makes hats for me is coming from Chicago; Haus Salon (Minneapolis) is doing the styling; Realia by Jen is showing her jewelry collection; and Max Martin shoes is loaning some stuff. Also, it won't be a traditional runway show. It will be a little more interactive. I'm pretty stoked.
Nancy Ngo can be reached at 651-228-5172. Follow her at http://ift.tt/1fPtlBs and http://ift.tt/1fPtlBu.
IF YOU GO
What: Black Pearl Lounge, Samantha Rei fall/winter 2015 collection
When: 7 p.m. Feb. 13
Where: The Gale Mansion, 2115 Stevens Ave. S., Minneapolis
Cost: General admission, $20
Info: Tickets at eventbrite.com, keywords are Black Pearl Lounge. Additional information at http://ift.tt/1JW9LFw Clothing
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