Umpa, Umpa....

 

 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Does anyone know where I may find Lumpaland?  Totally need to get me some of these guys! (ha) Honestly, if you think about it...how wrong was it that Mr. Willy Wonka discovered Lumpaland and took these guys from their land to work in his factory for chocolate?!  Not to mention, they never got to see daylight!  Yeah, can you image someone doing that in real life?! Hmmm...

Aaaanyways,  this whole Umpa Lumpa thing came to mind when I realized that my Spring 2013 collection would not be completed on time for LAFW in October.  I had been planning so much for this collection, including a photo shoot in Palm Springs and a fashion show on the beach.  Unfortunately, all this goodness will have to wait till next year.  I began to fall behind over the summer as I received some of the biggest orders to date from my collection, plus amazing marketing opportunities gifting some events in New York during NYFW next month.  Also, I began to think about that huge "career" move I'm stilling waiting to hear on and what would happen if it all came through.  My Spring Collection would be put to the side and "wasted" if you will.  I would rather push back a collection and give it all the detail and glory then half fast it to keep up with this crazy industry.  Never the less, it won't be all hush hush from my corner either.  I will continue to work on new pieces that don't really belong in a collection but more of using all the lovely fabrics and trims I have on hand to produce some fab stuff at great prices.  Plus, this will give me the chance to do a soft launch for my Nightgown pieces.

Tons of marketing to come this year, including lots of give-aways for all you lovelies who follow me on https://www.facebook.com/DesignerMelissaVelia .  On another note, one of my biggest goals this year is to have a trunk show this November.  So we'll see what happens.  Lord knows, I don't have any Umpa Lumpas helping me, therefore I do this all on my own.  Perhaps some internships would be helpful but even that takes time to find.

I know things change from one day to the next in my world but what can I say, that's the business for you.  Like Jay-Z song, "I'm on to the next one.." and for me, that means choosing opportunities wisely.

Xo Loves.

Who's coming?

So as you may well know, I've been getting ready for my upcoming fashion show in 3 weeks.  Things couldn't be more hectic but I'm happy to say, I have found the ballerina I needed!

So who's coming?

I would like to personally invite you to what's to be my biggest fashion show to date! Come see what happens when the "Black Swan meets Tim Burton" on the runway. Here are all the details from Project Ethos: Project Ethos returns to LA Fashion Week with an explosive lineup of fashion, music and art. 7 Designers, over 70 models, a dozen live music acts and DJs including ROBATANISTS and YOLANDA BE COOL ("We Speak No Americano"), 7 Visual Artists and more. Cocktail attire, 21+ Avalon Hollywood, Hollywood CA Red carpet 8:00pm - 10:00pm $20.00 pre-sale, $25 @ door, $50 VIP It's as amazing as it sounds! I really hope to see all of you there, it would mean everything to me. For tickets email me at m.velia@melissavelia.com or leave a comment below. AND for all my fellow fashion bloggers, I have a special invite for you! Email me for all the details. RSVP here.

Coming up on Following Melissa Velia, the beginning of my new blog series Interviewing the Dreamer.  A new series of blog post, that will feature interviews with lovely people to aspire to be.....something, someone and those who have dreamed it and made it happen.  If your looking to be inspired, check back this week for my first interview.

Flats

Good day!  Just another busy week for me in my world.  Deadlines hanging over my head like Bobby Trendy, waiting to give me a style make-over.  Stressed, to say the least.  Anyways, I thought I'd share with you what I'm working on right now, my flats.  No darlins, I did not become a shoe designer overnight, at least not yet (wink). And if I was, flats would be far from my list. 

Line Sheets

Flats or technical drawings, are usually the very first thing store buyers see when looking to purchase inventory for their stores.  The flats are shown on line sheets (shown above), with all the information buyers might need to make their choices.  Flats and line sheets, have come a long way from when I was in college.  Yet, I personally like to hold on to the more traditional works in general.  As much as I would love to show you my current season, Fall 2011. I mustn't.  Instead, I can share with you my inspiration for the collection and show you my flats from the last season.  Thanks for reading loves!

Fall 2011 "Black Swan, meets Tim Burton and Helena" 

(see it all March 12th, 2011 during LAFW in Hollywood, CA)

Flat with details, Spring 2011 - Chiffon Tunic

Spring 2011 - Chiffon Tunic

A simple flat, Spring 2011 - Sequins Tank

Spring 2011 - Sequins Tank

XOXO