One of the highlights of the “Fashion Goes Web 2.0″ event was the panel discussion.
Our panel of “creative brains”: Rita Chung, I.B. Bayo, Anastasia Azure, and Joui Turandot.
Here are a few of the most interesting questions and responses from the panel discussion, which was moderated by Jordanna Petkun.
Jordanna Petkun pulled double duty: she moderated the panel discussion and modeled some Anastasia Azure original earrings!
Jordana Petkun: How do you use technology in your work?
Joui Turandot: I often search the internet for ideas. It’s the best way to research.
I.B. Bayo: I agree. If I am trying to design a piece in the style of the 50s, then I can go on the internet and look up pictures of clothing from that era. I can make sure that my design is true to the era.
JP: What about machines?
IB: I also like to research online about machines and fabrication processes. I can see what’s out there and I can keep up with the latest technology.
Anastasia Azure: One thing that I like to do is scan in my sketches so that I can print them out and play with different ways to arrange them.
I.B. Bayo (far left) takes a bow with models flaunting his bold designs.
JP: What do you think about the effect of technology on marketing and promotion?
Rita Chung: Oh, it’s absolutely vital to be on the internet if you want to reach out to a global market. Thanks to my website, I have customers from London, England, to Shanghai, China. And because communication is so instant, I can send a copy of my design to my customers and they can approve them right over e-mail! It’s so convenient!
Rita Chung strikes a pose with her happy customers — and newest fans!
A few members of the audience had the opportunity to ask questions, too:
Audience Question: Do you use social networking to promote your products?
IB: I just started a MySpace. It’s new to me, the idea of social networking, but it’s important to me because I don’t just want my customers to buy the products that are available now. I want them to be able to browse my ideas and anticipate future trends right along with me.
RC: And I recently uploaded photos of my designs to WooMeOver.
JP: Do you think that social networking is helpful, or is it just a waste of time?
RC: (guiltily) Well, I chat a lot.
(laughter)
Joui Turandot: (laughs) Well, chatting is tempting. But, for me, I also do a lot of “fashion & food” shows, so I find social networking very useful to finding an audience for my shows.
RC: And, going back to WooMeOver, after they featured me on their blog, I started getting hits on my website from all over the world! So I’d say that social networking and the internet are pretty vital to my business.
Joui Turandot is surrounded by her models and fabulous designs!
JP: Is there any technology out there that you’re thinking about using, but maybe aren’t comfortable with yet?
AA: Absolutely! Right now, I’m using a floor loom to weave my pieces. It’s got four arms and can make a double weave. But now, they have a computerized loom with 32 arms! The possibilities are endless, and I’m definitely interested in learning more.
AQ: Where do you get your materials?
AA: Well, I grew up around metal and fishing wire, which is mostly what I use in my work. I think that a big part of creativity is about problem solving and working with whatever is available to you.
JT: I’m committed to working with reclaimed fabrics, so people always donate stuff to me because they know I’ll use it!
As you can see, it was a rapid-fire session of questions and answers! It was fascinating to get a peek at what it’s like for fashion industry insiders to step into the world of technology — “O brave new world, that has such people in’t!” (William Shakespeare, The Tempest)
Courageously,
Olivia
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