What's the most important thing you've learned about fashion design?
The biggest thing we’ve learned about fashion design is that quality comes first. Beautiful design means nothing if the fit, craftsmanship, and materials don’t hold up. That’s why we test everything, stay hands-on with production, and never compromise on standards.
We’ve also learned how important it is to get the price point right. Delivering luxury quality at an accessible cost only works when you’re on top of every detail – from sourcing to quality control.
In the end, great fashion is about consistency – and that’s what we build for at SELF ADORE.
How do you stay up-to-date with fashion trends?
We stay aware of trends, but we don’t chase them. Fashion moves fast, and trends come and go – so instead, we focus on creating pieces with longevity. We keep an eye on what’s happening globally, but our designs are made to outlast trend cycles.
At SELF ADORE, our goal is to craft pieces that women will love and wear for years – not just a season.
What do you think are the most important skills for a fashion designer?
The most important skills for a fashion designer go far beyond sketching. First, you have to genuinely listen to the consumer – their feedback is everything. In our experience, the customer is always right.
Second, you need to be organized. The more organized you are, the smoother everything runs – from communicating with factories to managing shipping, warehousing, and marketing. When the backend is solid, you can focus on what matters: creating exceptional designs. And finally, treat every partner and team member like family. Fashion is a people-driven industry, and kindness and respect always come through in the quality of the work.
How do you handle criticism of your designs?
We handle criticism by owning it. In any business, mistakes happen – what matters is how you respond. We take feedback seriously, address it thoughtfully, and make the necessary improvements. Criticism is valuable because it pushes us to refine our designs and uphold the standards our customers expect from SELF ADORE.
What's your favorite season to design for?
Summer, of course. We love working with pastels, florals, bikinis, swimsuits, and effortless summer dresses – it’s the season when our creativity feels most free. We design year-round, but there’s something about summer that always feels special. That said, we love all seasons – so it’s hard to choose just one!
