Designer Discussion with Fashion X Dallas Featured Designer s.t.e.f.

Dear Pennies & Pens,

This past weekend, I was in Dallas covering Fashion X Dallas. Fashion X Dallas took place at the Fashion Industry Gallery  Thursday, November 6 – Saturday, 8, 2014. Fashion X Dallas featured runway shows and The Gallery where guests and media could view jewelry and accessories designers’ collections.

This post features my interview with s.t.e.f. Founder and Designer Stephanie Montes. s.t.e.f is a sustainable women’s clothing line that is designed and handmade in Austin, Texas.

At s.t.e.f. we prefer to build a client base that trusts in our brand; we always emphasize quality over quantity. We create garments with timeless designs that you can love for years to come. We believe in the concept of “slow-fashion”.

I’m excited that designers like Stephanie are taking steps to make responsible fashion by creating sustainable clothing lines. I love the s.t.e.f. line, its classic, chic, and stylish. With no further adieu, check out Designer Discussion with Fashion X Dallas Featured Designer s.t.e.f.

1. Where are you originally from?

I was born in El Paso, Texas.

2. How has your heritage influenced you as a designer?

Growing up, I was taught to cherish the value of things, especially clothing. New clothing was rare and as a little sister hand-me-downs were the majority of my wardrobe. Fortunately, I had a very stylish older sister who was around the same size as me. Consequently, tailoring became second nature to me.

I would also treasure hunt through vintage clothing stores and learned quickly how important the quality of construction is when buying a twenty year old garment. I knew even back then that I wanted to create clothing that would last and be worn for years. Clothing that fits well never goes out of style.

3. Why did you decide to start your own fashion line?

I became a designer because any time I would go shopping, I couldn’t find what I was looking for. Why couldn’t I find that amazing white suit that Penelope Cruz wore in The Good Night? Each event or holiday presented an opportunity for me to create the design that had been sitting in my mind for weeks.

I always knew that I would eventually start my own line, but I wanted to gain as much knowledge and experience as I could before embarking on such a journey. I designed for large corporations like White House/Black Market HQ in Florida and then for the Dallas based designer, Abi Ferrin. The advantage of working in the fashion industry at these two ends of the spectrum was being able to see the vast difference in manufacturing overseas versus manufacturing in America.

There is a huge advantage for designers who produce their clothing lines locally–including much faster turn around as well as the ability to control the quality of the product. I decided to start my line in Austin because I knew it was the perfect place to promote a sustainable clothing line.

4. There are so many fashion and accessories designers, what makes your line stand apart from the rest?

When I started this line, I knew that I wanted to utilize eco-friendly materials. I feel we have an advantage in that we offer a very unique women’s wear line, one that merges sophistication with sustainability.

By way of example, we have a classic black dress made from silk and hemp named the little black hemp dress. We offer women the opportunity to shop guilt free without sacrificing style

5. What inspires you most?

My favorite source of inspiration comes from the woman wearing the dress. I love to know what her favorite item of clothing is and why.  With each custom client, I make sure to integrate her preferred garment features into a new design.

A perfect example for this would be when we added pockets to our most recent custom bridal gown creation; the bride was so happy and grateful that we took the time to add that feature.

6. Tell me more about the design and creation process. How does it work? Do you sketch designs or actually create a sample to be recreated?

It starts with an idea, which can come from seeing something that inspires me or my desire to create a design that accentuates a particular feature.  Typically, when it’s a good idea, the image is already in my head and I just sketch it in order to have it on paper.

I then drape the design on the form, making slight tweaks to the style lines in order to make sure it fits well. The paper pattern is then created from the draped fabric and a sample is cut from recycled cotton fabric, sewn, and fit it on the body.

7. Who is your favorite designer and why?

Iris Van Herpen is one of my favorite designers.  She interned with Alexander McQueen, who was one of the main designers who inspired me to study fashion design.  Van Herpen is credited with introducing 3D printing to fashion.

Her work is futuristic and intricate, combining new technologies with incredibly detailed handwork.  She collaborates with artists and architects to create amazing sculptural pieces that are changing the way we approach fashion design.

8. Do you use social media? Why or why not?

Absolutely, I prefer Instagram mainly because I work in a visual field. For the first time, clothing designers, photographers, models and other artists are able to connect with each other using imagery alone.  For me, it’s a great way to communicate what I do, and to bring people behind the scenes, giving them a glimpse into the daily life of a designer.

Anyone who works in fashion knows that it is 98% hard work with very long, messy days and only glamorous about 2% of the time.  That said, to me, the fun part takes place in the studio; it involves piles of fabric and sketching tools, draping and pinning on a dress form, and working with my hands.

With social media I can share the entire process of taking an idea and creating it, to photographing the final design and showing it on the runway. It is also a great way to promote our brand and helps keep people informed on upcoming events.

9. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

I love living in Austin, Texas. That said, if I could live  anywhere, I would have to say Paris, France.  In 2009 I earned a scholarship at Dallas Career Day and was given the amazing opportunity to study haute couture sewing techniques at the Paris American Academy in Paris, France for one month.  The time I spent there truly changed my perspective and I would love to visit again some day.

10. The most stylish woman/man ever is…?

The most stylish person is one who is confident in her or his own skin.  One can be stylish in anything with the right amount of confidence.

Check out s.t.e.f. to learn more about this amazing line! Also learn more about the event here: Fashion X Dallas.