aimee g in San Francisco at RABAT 280 Chestnut at Steiner

Aimee G in A-Uno windows in Tribeca...

Esperanza Spalding at the Grammy's in Aimee G!

A custom evening gown for the lovely Esperanza Spalding.  Fabric is wild silk hand painted with the help of Choi Chun!  Styled by Cassie O’Sullivan

Naomi in aimee g couture… a little bit about the process.

Naomi came to me months ago to talk to me about her wedding dress with one requirement: to be able to wear her Birkenstocks with the dress.   Now, I am an open-minded designer…so I thought I would play off the earthy-ness of her look with a touch of princess.  We started with a series of sketches, a locale (New Hampshire), a mood, a pair of shoes, and a bride.  After many yards of fabric, quite a bit of hand stitching, four fittings and a road trip, the dress played it’s part in a whimsical autumn, wood sprite, fairy tale setting.  Thanks to Naomi for providing me with a canvas to create and inspire!

by Haley D

This week, meet Haley, our oh-so young and dedicated intern, hailing from Erie, PA and now studying Fashion Designs at the Art Institute of New York City. Still a flower in training (student), Haley already got her hands dirty working various assisting design jobs. She is also a fabulous illustrator, see drawing above for Haley’s sketch of Marie Blanche (heroine of Fall / Winter 09 Collection). Haley “kiss and tells” about her experience as an Intern working for Aimee, plus her own thoughts on the fashion industry. Interns take notes!

Name: Haley
Position: Intern
Hometown: Erie, PA
Lunch of the Day: Subway sandwich

Q & A with Intern Haley D.

How long have you been working for Aimee?

I have been working for Aimee for about six months.

What were you experiences in the field prior to working for Aimee?

I did some freelance assistant work for Chloe’ and Reese – a clothing company that mainly focuses on party dresses and resort clothing, and for Regatta Clothing company where clothes are designed for department stores such as Sears, Belk, Kohl’s, and Walmart.

What do you usually do for Aimee?

Tasks vary from week to week.  Sometimes there are lots of errands to fabric and trim stores. Other times I’m in her studio cutting garments, making hand tags, organizing, and etc.

Where do you see yourself in the future as far as fashion ?

I see myself in New York either working with a design team at a major clothing company, and doing freelance illustration jobs, or being a full-time illustrator and working in clothing design part-time.

How did the experience differ from your expectation of working in the fashion industry?

I didn’t expect that designing could be a steady source of income.  I had a picture in my head of selling clothing here and there and basically being a starving designer.  Now that I have shadowed a few professionals I understand the great process of design in small and large companies.  There is so much more to it than what they put on television.

Being a newcomer to the industry, what trends/patterns would you like to see change?

I would like to be rid of body suits and cheetah dresses.

What do you like Aimee’s design?

I like Aimee’s clothes because each garment has a unique combination of color and texture.  The clothing at first glance has an easy feel to it while having many original design details.

Do you see yourself influenced by Aimee’s Design?

I have been influenced by Aimee’s Designs.  Working in her studio has shown me many more options with fabric and color than I would have ever thought of on my own.

What is the most treasured item in your closet?

I don’t have a favorite dress or pair of shoes. I think it would have to be my sewing machine.

What is the most valuable thing that you got from interning for Aimee?

The knowledge I’ve gained about what goes into running a clothing company.  I’ve learned about the attention to detail and the importance of planning ahead.