1. Can you tell me a little about your background?

- Born and bread in the heartland of America, (Columbus Ohio) I grew up with a healthy curiosity for the outlandish, a profound love of soccer, and an endless devotion to independent film. Post High School, I attended a university in NY to further my interests in Film, and art, etc….

Post college I relocated to the Lower East Side and was recruited by a very close childhood friend & fellow New York City dweller, to take an open position along side him as a viral marketing agent with a start up fashion brand, called  Z-Brand.

Initially it was only as part time work. The more i participated in it, the more I wanted to take part in production. The creative process was similar to that in film. and the whole process of creating something tangible, was very intriguing to me. That begun my career. I worked at several different brands before eventually / finally starting my own this year.

2. Did you always know you wanted to be in fashion?

- I genuinely had no idea I would ever end up in fashion.. Although, a career in fashion never really sounded that bad

3. What is the philosophy behind the The Fortunate Sun label?

- A year ago I finally made the decision to leave NY behind and make Los Angeles my home. I now live in California, with the girl that I love, and I work doing something I am incredibly passionate about… That, is what I find to be fortunate. Ultimately I am making the best of the situation at all times. Truly, living the dream.

4. Where did the name come from?

- Spend a day out of the eastern winter, in the Los Angeles Sun. Look upwards…

5. Where do you get your inspiration from?

- Cultural Curiosity. I want to make all the eclectic shit that I want to wear, no boundaries.

6. What is your goal for the brand?

- Find people and stores that are interested in Living the Dream… Continue to Live the Dream.

7. What’s the mood for your next collection?

- Happy. Actually, internationally happiness.

8. Is there anyone you would love to see snapped in one of your creations?

- Roger Federer… I truly love that guy.

Are you living the dream?

thefortunatesun.com

I had the pleasure of interviewing the founder, Kate Vandermeer, of ispystyle a cool new website that allows creative individuals to join forces with other like-minded people in their community.  Enjoy!

What is iSpyStyle?
iSpyStyle was created to establish a community between like-minded individuals who share a passion for the creative design industry.  We wanted to begin a resource that would “spy” on the industry with insightful, educational interviews and connect the established industry leaders with the emerging design talent of the future.

Who is your main target audience?
The design industry at large. Anyone who appreciates the creative worlds of fashion, Visual Merchandising, PR & Media, Graphic Design, Photography, Advertising, Illustration, Events etc.  We believe that most of these disciplines tend to blend together. We also wanted to aim iSpyStyle at those who appreciate the creative and business worlds as they rely on each other.

We also cater for the emerging design talent and students of the design industry who want to learn more about the industry, get some expert advice etc.

How long have you been operating for?
We are very new! Conception was mid last year - birth April this year and only recently we soft launched the website with an official launch in the coming month.

Can you explain the concept of Style Sessions a little more?
The Style Sessions were born of a desire to offer students and those who wish to enter the design industry some face time with some inspiring individuals who have led interesting careers thus far. Often seminars can be quite dull, the speaker can waffle on too long and the environment can be uninspiring.

Style Sessions will offer an exciting, interactive space to listen to and contribute to discussions about design. They will be broken up into various disciplines and initially begin in Melbourne and then make their way around other capital cities.

What advice did you wish you knew before you started?
I wish I knew when I was a student that its okay to try lots of different things in your career, forget the judgment from others and yourself and just enjoy each experience and take the ups and downs and remember its all for a reason. I’ve just recently had the light bulb moment where I’ve realised that all my dips into various areas, in big business and small have helped me become a well rounded, better person. I’ve also realised my personality suits working for myself and I’m so much happier now knowing my destiny is in my hands.

What are your top 3 suggestions for online businesses?
1. Have a POD (point of difference). Literally any brilliant idea you have has already been thought of somewhere in the world wide web, so make sure whatever you do has a part of you in it.  That way your personality makes it unique.
2. Consumer Necessity & Ease. Does your idea really solve problems for your consumer and offer efficiency. Will your consumer connect to your idea?
3. Be authentic. I believe the popularity of twitter is in part due to the fact it’s so transparent.  You can really learn about your fave celebrity, industry crush and brands because a real person tweets.  In the online space, be authentic and offer a real point of view and admit when you’ve stuffed up and often it will endear your customer to you rather than hide behind a business.

Best business experience so far?
Hmm… that’s tricky. I would say now.  I am my own boss, I am being asked to speak at many events  (which I love), I get to write articles for great magazines and online sites, I get to investigate brands I admire and profile interesting people and I am trend forecasting for WGSN which is something I’ve wanted to do since I was 18. I think I’m literally living my dream right now! Pinch me!

Visit the site ispystyle.net