The first in our series entitled: Women of Design. In this series we will look a women from all realms of design, from Fashion to Architecture, and Computer Engineering to get a deeper understanding of what it means to be a designer, and more importantly a woman of design.
WFTR: How did you get your start in design?
Donna Degnan: I started designing after graduating from FIT; I was working for a lot of different retailers, pretty big companies and I realized I wanted to create a collection that would showcase the best features for women. I wanted to create designs that were chic and for women to wear anywhere, from the office to an evening out on the town.
WFTR: Who is the Donna Degnan customer?
Donna Degnan: The Donna Degnan customer is all about effortless sophistication. She is one who doesn’t try to stand out because she does so on her own. She’s intelligent, strong and believes in just dressing rather than trying to dress. She knows who she is and styles herself not based on trends but on what looks best on her.
WFTR: What was your inspiration for your latest collection?
DD: This collection was inspired by the season itself; like spring I wanted the collection to be all about new beginnings. I wanted to create a fresh take on refined style. Simplicity is the most precious quality in any design, I wanted to make a collection this season that is simple, sophisticated and as chic as the women who wears it.
WFTR: How do you design, and walk us through your design process…
DD: I start from the very beginning: a clear idea. Every part of the design process is carefully thought about – from the designs themselves to fabric sourcing and fit. I like to make sure each collection has a story and a person with whom I am designing for.
WFTR: As a female designer and entrepreneur what do you think are the greatest struggles facing women in the workforce today?
DD: There are so many struggles we still face today and may always face, but I try not to worry too much about it. It’s not so much about combating these struggles as it is to create quality products with a clear vision. If you focus on that, the work will speak for itself and you can combat any struggles or glass ceilings that are placed before you.
WFTR: Walk us through your current collection, your color story and why you chose the colors that you did.
DD: The colors chosen were inspired by the designs created for the collection. Spring is all about shedding the many winter layers and highlighting spring’s best and natural palettes: mints, corals, blush tones. I always prefer keeping classic colors that are the height of versatility as well: black, navy, gray, off-white; colors that can complement an outfit as well as stand on their own.
WFTR: Where do you see design heading in the next five years, ten year, and beyond?
DD: Designs, as well as designers are always evolving, that’s what this industry is all about. I see designs becoming more innovative, but not by creating something new; I see the next couple years to be the years of refinement. I feel that we will take those ideas and find ways to refurbish them into something new and exciting.
WFTR: Where do you see the Donna Degnan line going in the next couple of seasons?
DD: I would hope it keeps evolving and growing. As a designer, your designs are an extension of you: your values, aesthetic, but what is more, you consider the needs of the consumer. What are the women of the future going to look forward to wearing? These are all ideas one must consider. I want to continue to be inspired by the women wearing my collections as well as my life experiences that inspire me to design these collections in the first place.
WFTR: What would you say has been your greatest struggle and your greatest triumph as a designer?
DD: The greatest struggle for me would have to be the launch of my first collection in the 90s. Having worked for so many other big labels and retailers, I wanted to make sure I created a collection with its own voice - my voice. As far as a “greatest triumph”, I’m not necessarily sure if I have achieved it yet, there’s so much more with the Donna Degnan label that I want to accomplish.
WFTR: What words of wisdom can you offer other designers, and women entrepreneurs that you wish someone had told you?
DD: Keep focus on what’s important. If you have an idea or are inspired, go with it. There will always be people who want to take you in a different direction and that may not always be the best for you. You want to create an aesthetic that establishes who you are as a designer and a brand and only you can do that.
Donna Degnan collection is available at select retailers nationwide. Make sure to shop Donna Degnan and learn more by visiting: www.Donnadegnan.com