Embracing the Unexpected: A New Chapter in My Design Journey

Hey, fashion fam! It's your girl Mandy, checking in from a foggy LA morning. The city's wrapped in a cool 56°F (14°C) embrace, and I'm cozied up with a steaming cup of espresso, letting its warmth seep into my bones.

Lately, I've been captivated by Daniel Roseberry's latest masterpiece for Schiaparelli—a crimson satin gown featuring a sculpted anatomical torso and a mechanical, beating heart. This piece isn't just fashion; it's a visceral expression of emotion and vulnerability.

Inspired by this, I've been reflecting on how relationships—both personal and professional—shape our creative journeys. Just as Roseberry's design lays bare the inner workings of the heart, opening ourselves up to others can expose our own vulnerabilities. It's in these moments of openness that we find the raw materials for true innovation.

In my own work, I've started to embrace this concept by incorporating elements that reveal the 'inner workings' of a garment—exposed seams, raw edges, and unexpected cutouts. This approach mirrors the idea that beauty often lies in imperfection and authenticity.

This journey hasn't been without its challenges. Allowing others to see the unfinished, unpolished parts of my work—and myself—can be daunting. But I've come to realize that it's through these shared experiences that we grow, both as designers and as individuals.

So, here's to embracing the beating heart of creativity, to being vulnerable, and to finding strength in our connections with others. After all, it's these relationships that breathe life into our art and our lives.

With love and a touch of espresso,

Mandy