I was lucky enough to get Barbara Lotter to answer a few questions about her new label."Babette"
Babette interview:
So you studied a design degree .Tell me about your degree and what you made?
I studied at Elizabeth Galloway , a fashion design school in the mountains of Stellenbosch. Finished in the year 2009 with a international citianguilts diploma of creative arts and fashion.. We made all kinds of stuff my end of year range was called NEON NOTES. and was based on oversized hoods check fabrics, neon colors and bold prints "you know, back when neon was still big :) "
What inspires you most as a designer and buying?
Nature !!!and the people we love and even those we don't , I draw inspiration from what I feel and the amazing multi cultural world we live in today.
Tell me about your new brand?
Babette clothing is the name of my new clothing line it is based on the new age of Vintage we live in.
I hand pick original vintage dresses and they get altered to be wearable today. Each dress is unique in everyway.
Babette is also the French variant of the my name Barbara meaning Beautiful stranger.... Unknown Visitor....
When did you start Barbette?
August 2010
How often do you travel abroad ?
About every 4 months.
Where can we find your amazing items?
I Supply MeMeMe in Cape Long Street, Lilly boutique in stellenboch but mostly do markets all around South Africa one of my regular markets is the "you,me and everyone we know market" at he Labia on Orange and the next big one is the Toffie culture festival 2011 please follow my blog and facebook page to keep updated where to find Babette next , babetteclothing.blogspot.com "
What is the price rage?
Dresses range most at R280 and them some R560.
What advice would you give a fashion newbie or student, looking to become a designer?
Believe in yourself and brush anyone off that shoots you down. If fashion is you calling, you just need to stick it out and your path will unfold and you will find your way just have faith and work hard.
What is the most difficult aspect in launching your own label, i.e. design, production, sales, finance, advertising?
Well to take the first step ,just throwing everything you have in your idea not knowing for sure if its going to work yet is a very scary thing and then I would say advertising getting other people to love your label as much as you do and getting your name out there is very hard work.
