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.