Blog
OC Fashion Week Designer Spotlight MW by Mimoza Windisch
03.24.16
By Christianna Barrack
MW by Mimoza Windisch was invited to present her line of one of a kind, hand knit and crocheted dresses at Orange County Fashion Week 2016 held at the Resort at Pelican Hill. Our Greer's Girl, Christianna Barrack interviewed Mimoza Windisch to find out what it takes to be a fashion designer, and what her OC Fashion Week experience was like.
1. When did you realize that you wanted to be a designer?
From early on, when I was 7 or 8 years old, I was fascinated with fashion inspired by my grandmother. She was a skilled seamstress and artist who taught me the value of handmade goods that were created with skill, love and creativity. This craftsmanship was part of my heritage and passed down from generation to generation. Even though fashion was very restricted in Albania at the time, I was exposed to fashion trends from Italy and other surrounding countries by observing visitors and tourists who traveled to my town. They were adorned with outfits that were very colorful, shapely and made of a variety of fabrics and patterns. I longed for the day I could design and create quality, handmade dresses with a modern and feminine sensibility.
2. What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion for me is a way for women to express themselves, to define their identity and to show others what is unique about them. Now that “fast fashion” is all the rage, I find women are wanting a return to garments that are classic, feminine and well-made of quality materials. That is why my goal is to reinterpret the classic feminine dress giving it a new life through the art of handmade knits.
3. Where do you draw inspiration from when it comes to your designs?
The inspiration for the feminine and classic yet sensual designs I create comes from gathering fashion trends from around the world, while keeping in mind the designers who have come before me like Carolina Herrera and Christian Dior. The inspiration for creating quality handmade works of art comes from the craftsmanship exhibited by my grandmother who continues to hand knit and crochet to this day.
4. How did it feel to have your collection shown at OC Fashion Week?
I was honored to be chosen as one of a handful of designers to represent Orange County fashion. I was excited to showcase my couture designs to a local audience and was encouraged by the rave reviews I received. I think it is a validation that people truly appreciate handmade couture that is also wearable from day to night for many occasions.
5. Where would you like to be in 5 years?
My goal is to reach a larger audience of women worldwide by selling through boutiques and department stores globally. My experience with OC Fashion Week has been so positive that I look to continue displaying my line at more and more major fashion events. Wherever I end up in 5 years I know that I will continue to promote the art of hand knit and hand crocheted couture.
Photo credit MYOMedia.co
Greer's Girls
OC Fashion Week Designer Spotlight MW by Mimoza Windisch
03.24.16
By Christianna Barrack
MW by Mimoza Windisch was invited to present her line of one of a kind, hand knit and crocheted dresses at Orange County Fashion Week 2016 held at the Resort at Pelican Hill. Our Greer's Girl, Christianna Barrack interviewed Mimoza Windisch to find out what it takes to be a fashion designer, and what her OC Fashion Week experience was like.
1. When did you realize that you wanted to be a designer?
From early on, when I was 7 or 8 years old, I was fascinated with fashion inspired by my grandmother. She was a skilled seamstress and artist who taught me the value of handmade goods that were created with skill, love and creativity. This craftsmanship was part of my heritage and passed down from generation to generation. Even though fashion was very restricted in Albania at the time, I was exposed to fashion trends from Italy and other surrounding countries by observing visitors and tourists who traveled to my town. They were adorned with outfits that were very colorful, shapely and made of a variety of fabrics and patterns. I longed for the day I could design and create quality, handmade dresses with a modern and feminine sensibility.
2. What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion for me is a way for women to express themselves, to define their identity and to show others what is unique about them. Now that “fast fashion” is all the rage, I find women are wanting a return to garments that are classic, feminine and well-made of quality materials. That is why my goal is to reinterpret the classic feminine dress giving it a new life through the art of handmade knits.
3. Where do you draw inspiration from when it comes to your designs?
The inspiration for the feminine and classic yet sensual designs I create comes from gathering fashion trends from around the world, while keeping in mind the designers who have come before me like Carolina Herrera and Christian Dior. The inspiration for creating quality handmade works of art comes from the craftsmanship exhibited by my grandmother who continues to hand knit and crochet to this day.
4. How did it feel to have your collection shown at OC Fashion Week?
I was honored to be chosen as one of a handful of designers to represent Orange County fashion. I was excited to showcase my couture designs to a local audience and was encouraged by the rave reviews I received. I think it is a validation that people truly appreciate handmade couture that is also wearable from day to night for many occasions.
5. Where would you like to be in 5 years?
My goal is to reach a larger audience of women worldwide by selling through boutiques and department stores globally. My experience with OC Fashion Week has been so positive that I look to continue displaying my line at more and more major Fashion Events. Wherever I end up in 5 years I know that I will continue to promote the art of hand knit and hand crocheted couture.
Photo credit MYOMedia.co
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 04.24.24 – Avatar: The Last Airbender In Concert Comes To Segerstrom Center for the Arts!
- 04.23.24 – Barry’s: Newport Beach’s Premier HIIT Fitness Studio at Fashion Island
- 04.23.24 – Kishi Bashi Returns: Captivating Performance at Musco Center, April 27th
- 04.23.24 – EverSpring Modern Chinese Grand Opening!
- 04.23.24 – Spectrum Silent Disco is Back
- 04.22.24 – To Mom, with Love from Z SUPPLY
- 04.22.24 – Laguna Art Museum Showcases ‘Reflections of Resilience’
- 04.22.24 – Goodwill of Orange County Opens New Irvine Donation Site
- 04.19.24 – Capture Unforgettable Moments at K PhotoLaVie
- 04.19.24 – Experience the Enchantment of Coppélia: A Romantic Comedy Ballet!
- 04.17.24 – River Jetty Restaurant Group Launches Exclusive Cabernet from Paso Robles
- 04.15.24 – OCSA Foundation Gala 2024: New York State of Mind
- 04.14.24 – Hilton Anaheim’s MIX Restaurant Welcomes New Spring Menu
- 04.14.24 – Wetzel’s Pretzels Revives ‘90s Flavors with New Orange Dream Drink
- 04.12.24 – Dover Quartet & Leif Ove Andsnes: A Stellar Night at SOKA
- 04.12.24 – The Park Club California Unveils Culinary Offerings
- 04.09.24 – Spring Soirees at Casa Romantica: Celebrate Resilience and Cultural Splendor!
- 04.09.24 – Experience the New Era of Wahoo’s: Fresh Flavors, Elevated Vibes!
- 04.08.24 – Unlock Radiant Skin with Regenerative Glow by Glen Ivy Hot Springs
- 04.07.24 – Sheraton Redding Hosts Glowing Wild Lantern Festival
More Daily Doses
- 04.24.24 – White Elephant in Anaheim: Blending Tradition and Innovation in Thai Cuisine
- 04.23.24 – The 31st Annual Floral Park Home & Garden Tour
- 04.23.24 – SoCal’s Premier Garden Show at South Coast Plaza
- 04.22.24 – Colorful Kids Fun at The Flower Fields
- 04.17.24 – Tickets Available Now: Dionne Warwick Soka Season Opener!
- 04.17.24 – Exciting Seating Options at 2024 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar
- 04.15.24 – Showtime Hits Costa Mesa: BEETLEJUICE, The Broadway Musical Spectacle!
- 04.14.24 – Segerstrom Center for the Arts Presents: An Evening Conversation with Ina Garten
- 04.12.24 – Free Family Earth Day Celebration at the District at Tustin Legacy!
- 04.09.24 – California Wine Festival Returns to Dana Point - April 19-20
- 04.09.24 – Segerstrom Center Unveils Exciting 2024-25 Broadway Lineup!
- 04.08.24 – Maizano: Costa Mesa’s New Lunch & Dinner Hotspot Celebrates Mexican Cuisine
- 04.04.24 – Spring Cocktail Tour at The District - April 2024
- 04.03.24 – 10th Anniversary Napa in Newport: A Decade of Wine, Philanthropy, and Hope
- 04.01.24 – U-Pick and Savor: Strawberry Season at The Ecology Center
- 03.27.24 – Easter Brunch Favorites: Beaches, Elegance & Family Fun
- 03.14.24 – Patina Restaurant Group To Debut Tiendita by Chef Carlos Gaytán
- 03.04.24 – Dizzy Bird: Lebanese Rotisserie Chicken Perfection
- 03.03.24 – Bloom into Spring 2024 at The Flower Fields
- 02.26.24 – Orange County’s Culinary Showcase: Restaurant Week