Dominique Ansari Blog

Etsy...

2012-12-10T10:42:00.002-08:00

     I've been on Etsy for a while now, and have sold quite a bit even though I'd like that number to triple in the next year or so, but I feel that I lack in the promotion department, meaning not enough people know about my fabulous shop on Etsy and all the exclusive things that I list just for etsy or the amazing sales that I have there. It's a lot of work when running a business on your own with no help, of course I have the occasionally intern every now and then, but I still have to help them, help me!!

    I try to promote it as much as possible, but with all the sewing, editing photos, photo shoots, and uploading work that I have to do, I barely have time to promote the shop in the ways I need to. I know what you're thinking, I should hire someone, oh how I would love to do that, but right, my business is not at hiring level, so I have to make due with what I have, myself and my interns.

   Holiday season is right around the corner and people are shopping, so of course I encourage everyone to check out my shop and look at what I have to offer, you might find the perfect gift!!! Even if you don't buy from me, try to buy "Made in USA" Items, keep it local people, and support Independent designers as much as you can, so we can build a better future for a America!!

Fabric Shopping!!!

2012-08-01T11:14:00.003-07:00

I touched a little bit about my obsession with fabric on my Facebook page, but now I want to go into to more detail about how I go about picking fabric. First of all I have to touch everything!! The hand of the fabric, meaning the touch is very important as I usually go for soft fabrics that feel great on the skin unless I'm specifically looking for a stiffer fabric that probably won't feel so great.

Since my collections are mostly knit, the softer the better! I mostly use modal Knits, Bamboo Knits for dresses and other ready to wear items, and Nylon and or Lycra Spandex for swimwear. I like Bold Colors, and prints that are not ordinary, sometime I take risks with prints because you never know what a customer's reaction will be to the print, or how they will conceive it.

I started to use knits because I liked the fluid movement of the fabric, and how I could translate something that was upscale into a comfortable everyday piece. I've stuck by that concept, even though in the fashion world it is not widely recognized.

When I first started out, I made a lot of evening gowns and couture pieces, but I found that even though I made these pieces and people loved them, I wanted to make something that everyday people could look at and say, " I want to wear that now", and a opposed to saying , "Looks amazing, but where on earth am I going to wear that".

When picking fabrics for a collection, I try to pick colors that speak to me that way my creativity won't be suppressed when making the garments. I usually choose fabric before I sketch and then after sketching (if I sketch at all), then go to draping, from draping to sewing the sample, and then to sample fitting.

It's always a fun process to create new things, which most of the time I don't get to do, since I'm constantly filling orders. The creative process is always my favorite, and I always stay true to myself and my work ethic, even if the end result is not perceived well.

So that's my process of choosing fabric and the end result of it, stay tune next time.

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!!

2012-06-12T11:41:00.000-07:00

Hey Fellow bloggers and blog followers,

We have just entered a contest which could change our business forever!! For the longest, we've wanted to make our Independent production more efficient enough and keep it local in America building jobs in the process, but without the proper funds and being that production in America is way more expensive than just using oversea assistance, is almost close to impossible without getting a huge loan with high interest rates, or something to fund the production. I produce everything on my own, with the help of interns here and there, and use what money I make to invest in the business, but in order for our company to really BE a company for me to really BE a Designer and not the Designer, seamstress, patter maker, and Sample maker, and basically an all in one design team, I really need some real funds to move forward.

I work really hard for my business, as I really believe in it, even if people don't think that what I do is creative enough, or meaningful enough, I love it and I'll continue to do it whether it becomes a well known brand or not. I've been pushing myself as a designer since I was young, learning my craft and teaching others what I know who are interested in doing the same thing, and I was not afforded the luxury of living in a city of vast opportunities or coming from wealth and money, so I had to struggle to build what I have now. I think my business has come a long way and improves with every new collection, but in order to reach it's full potential, I need the help of others that believe in me and my passion as well. So take a little bit of time out of your day to support a fellow artist, a friend in need, and a passionate person and vote for my business.

To Vote:
Go to missionsmallbusiness.com
Log in using Facebook or register. Both options are found at the bottom of the page.
Search for our business by name OR filter by our State and City.
Business name: Dominique Ansari
City/State: Ontario CA
Click on the blue Vote button next to our business name to show your support for our business!

Enjoy!! Happy Easter!!

2012-04-07T15:59:00.001-07:00

Spring is here and so is the NEW COLLECTION....

2012-03-31T16:41:00.002-07:00

So, after sewing endless nights and working non-stop, I finally got time to debut my latest collection, shoot with a wonderful team, and now present it to you for your viewing pleasure, please enjoy.

Dance Costumes Anyone?....

2012-03-22T16:15:00.000-07:00

So it's been a while since my last post, but things have been really busy for me with buyers trade shows, debuting a new collection, etc. etc.

But I did get some lovely photos from a buyer that bought dresses from me for her Dance Company. I was delighted to hear of the great news of her company getting lots of press and placing 4th place in the overall competition. I pretty much always love it when buyers send me unique photos of them in my dresses, it warms my heart to know that tey loved it that much.

So enjoy a few of these photos of her Dance Company twirling around in a shorter version of my Scarlet Dress.

You can purchase this dress here:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64363513/the-scarlet-dress

Mention on KTLA News channel 5 for the Loz Feliz Fashion Festival Hoted by Two Point LA!!!

2011-07-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

Thread Trade show...YAY!!!

2011-06-09T00:47:00.000-07:00

Come out to see all of the independent designer booths and shop til you drop this weekend at thread!!! I'll be selling and showcasing my line there on Sunday, so come by and support me!!!

Show Date: SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 2011
Show Hours: 11am – 6:00pm

COOPER DESIGN CENTER
860 SOUTH LOS ANGELES ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90014

Directions Coming from...

*From the South Take the 5 North, exit on 7th Street. Turn Left on San Pedro, turn right on to 8th St, turn left on to South Los Angeles St.

*From LA and the surrounding areas The Cooper Design Space is located on South Los Angeles St., in between the 10 and 101 freeways.
ARRIVAL

Check out this really cool TV segment mention of my Leopard print Bikini : http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/good_day_la/designer-clothes-for-50-and-under-20110608

For more information visit:
http://www.threadshow.com/

www.dominiqueansari.com

Fashion Assistant/Internship - Orange County - internship - Barefoot Student

2011-04-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

Fashion Assistant/Internship - Orange County - internship - Barefoot Student

Some Major things....

2011-02-28T23:24:00.000-08:00

So a lot has been happening since my last post, that's one reason I've been away for a good while, but I have a feeling things are going to start happening so fast!!

First off had an amazing event for the RawAritst showcase, thanks to all memebers involved it was an amazing night of over 400 people, YAY!! Did an awesome shoot for magazine involving a beautiful model that model in Paris and Italy. Also I'm showing a fall version of my spring collection in LA for Project Ethos during LA Fashion week, which I will also have a chance of winning $3000 worth of prizes if I win the Vitamin Water Zero Fashionista challenge competition!! All the while, I'm sewing garments for online customers, a new boutique that my designs will be featured at, and the Georgiou retail flagship store, WHEW!!! Sounds like a lot, well, it is, but that's good, the busy you are, the more great things to come.

I feel really energetic about my future as a fashion mogul of the world, and see it in the present for me sooner than I think!! I want people to wear my clothes all over the world, with the exception of the ones that can't wear revealing clothing, lol!

Yup, this is the year for me, the Year of the "Dominique"!!!!

RAW:natural born artists presents: CATALYST

2011-01-29T15:37:00.001-08:00

Time	Thursday, February 24 · 8:00pm - 11:00pm

Location	111 Minna Gallery \| 111 Minna Street \| San Francisco, CA 94105

Created By	Dominique Ansari

More Info	RAW:natural born artists is an independent arts organization that hand-selects and spotlights independent creatives in visual art, film, fashion, music, hair & makeup artistry, photography, models and performing art. RAW's mission is to provide up-and-coming artists of all creative realms with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity so that they might be seen, heard and loved. RAW educates, co...nnects and exposes emerging artists in 22 artistic communities nationwide through monthly showcase events. Join us in celebrating the work of these artists. RAW events are multi-faceted artistic showcases. Each event features a film screening, musical performance, fashion show, art gallery, performance art and a featured hairstylist and makeup artist. These artists are all local, hand-picked talent who have been chosen to feature at RAW. RAW events are 21+ and feature a cash bar for cocktails while you enjoy the night. Dress code is cocktail attire, so dress the occasion and get ready for an artistic circus of creativity! More info on Raw Artist, go to: http://www.rawartists.org/ Artists to showcase: Music: Tre Burt and a Big Gust of Wind Art: P. Art: Helice Wen Film: Dalton J. Rooney Jewelry Designer: Sarah Shelly Designs Fashion Designer: Dominique Ansari Art: Dana Loberg Art: Megumi Photography: Kelsey Marie Music: melrose Hair & Makeup: StyleByLana Art: Gue Yang Art: Bethany Rose Art:Morgan Richardson Buy Tickets!! Support Your Artist! Make sure you select the artist that you are supporting from the drop-down when you purchase your ticket! Please select my name "Dominique Ansari" as the artist you are coming to support when you buy your tickets for this event!! Remember 21+ and over!!! http://www.rawartists.org/sanfrancisco/catalyst/?artistid=6684 Ticket Price: $10 pre-sale Any questions, please email me at info@dominiqueansari.com! Thanks, and i hope you'll come out to this awesome event!!! Dominique Ansari www.dominiqueansari.com

Photos from the shoot on Dec. 5th, 2010

2010-12-28T01:40:00.000-08:00

So I did a shoot on Dec. 5th, some time ago, and even though we only shot like two dresses, the photos came out really good.

Check it out:

Photograher: MG CA Studio
Models:golnaz noshirvani & Elaine, Harvolson Models
MUA:Fashion MakeUp
Hair:Suzie Gee
Photoshop Wizard: HollysPhotomanipulation
Clothing: Dominique Ansari-DA Designs www.dominiqueansari.com

2010-12-09T01:58:00.000-08:00

Video from the Wonderland Fashion show...YAY!!

2010-12-09T01:56:00.000-08:00

Check out this awesome video on the wonderland fashion show production, it's really GREAT!!!

http://vimeo.com/17627973

clubbentv.tv - "Wonderland Fashion Event" from CLUBBEN TV on Vimeo.

Wonderland: A Winter Fashion Event Dec. 4th

2010-12-06T17:19:00.000-08:00

So, the venue of the Show changed to The Glas Kat Restaurant and Lounge in San Francisco instead of Fort Fort Mason Center's Fleet Room, San Francisco, but nevertheless, it was a pretty successful show. Coordination was a little off backstage, but as always with fashion shows, this can be expected.

Models looked great in the dress and I got to meet a few people before dashing out as quickly as possible like I always do.

Here's are some photos from my "Obscured Enchantment" Evening Gown collection, lots of hard work on these gowns and they looked pretty great in the show!!

To see more photos, visit www.dominiqueansari.com.

Join me for the Wonderland Fashion Event Benefiting Make a Wish Foundation!!

2010-11-27T20:14:00.000-08:00

I will be showing my exclusive first time showing only, collection of evening gowns with a sexy and mysterious masquerade theme, come and join the event. There will be press there and lots of fun!!

Time	Saturday, December 4 · 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Location	Fort Mason Center's Fleet Room, San Francisco

	More Info: Wonderland A Winter Fashion Event Benefiting the Make A Wish Foundation Shannon Hardisty Productions, a fashion event production company based in the Bay Area, is pleased to announce their Winter fashion event, Wonderland. Wonderland is a charity fashion show benefiting the Make A Wish Foundation. This event, like all shows by Shannon Hardisty Productions, will be showcasing local talent, both established and emerging. ...The event will take place on December 4, 2010 at Fort Mason Centers Fleet Room in San Francisco. There will be a VIP reception prior to the show at 7pm for all our VIP guests, press and sponsors with the runway show to follow, open to the general public at 8pm. During the exhibition there will be a live model exhibition by sponsor Miriam Carvalho an Urban Darling wardrobe stylist in San Francisco. . The runway show will be showcasing men's, women's and children's looks by designers: Daniel Sudar Josephine Resort DAV Menswear Kitami Ropa with handmade accessories by Intwined Fab Heart & Dominique Ansari TICKETS ON SALE NOW! http://wonderlandfashionevent.eventbrite.com/ VIP TICKETS: Includes admission to our VIP reception, exclusively for our elite guests, press and sponsors. Also includes admission to the runway show and an actual seat on the runway for the best view of the show! VIP Guests will automatically be entered to win a Pretty Party! Valued at $750 and provided by Milvali Salon, a Pretty Party is a private after hours party for 10 guests. Each attendee gets to sip on beverages and snack on appetizers while receiving the following services: - A shampoo/blow dry/style - Make-up application - Brow wax & tint, lip wax, lash tint - 10% off all retail purchases GENERAL ADMISSION: Includes admission to the runway show with standing room. PRESS/MEDIA includes: KRON4's Lives of Style TV Modelina Michelle: modelinamichelle.com Emily Alldred: www.chiquechic.com Swagger Magazine L.A. Hernandez CLUBBEN TV SPONSORED BY: Miriam Carvalho of Urban Darling http://www.urbandarling.com/stylists/miriam-carvalho/ David Klein www.davidlklein.com

More Info:

Wonderland
A Winter Fashion Event
Benefiting the Make A Wish Foundation

Shannon Hardisty Productions, a fashion event production company based in the Bay Area, is pleased to announce their Winter fashion event, Wonderland. Wonderland is a charity fashion show benefiting the Make A Wish Foundation. This event, like all shows by Shannon Hardisty Productions, will be showcasing local talent, both established and emerging.
...The event will take place on December 4, 2010 at Fort Mason Centers Fleet Room in San Francisco. There will be a VIP reception prior to the show at 7pm for all our VIP guests, press and sponsors with the runway show to follow, open to the general public at 8pm. During the exhibition there will be a live model exhibition by sponsor Miriam Carvalho an Urban Darling wardrobe stylist in San Francisco. . The runway show will be showcasing men's, women's and children's looks by designers:
Daniel Sudar
Josephine Resort
DAV Menswear
Kitami Ropa with handmade accessories by Intwined
Fab Heart
& Dominique Ansari

**TICKETS ON SALE NOW!**
http://wonderlandfashionevent.eventbrite.com/

VIP TICKETS:
Includes admission to our VIP reception, exclusively for our elite guests, press and sponsors. Also includes admission to the runway show and an actual seat on the runway for the best view of the show!
VIP Guests will automatically be entered to win a Pretty Party! Valued at $750 and provided by Milvali Salon, a Pretty Party is a private after hours party for 10 guests. Each attendee gets to sip on beverages and snack on appetizers while receiving the following services:
- A shampoo/blow dry/style
- Make-up application
- Brow wax & tint, lip wax, lash tint
- 10% off all retail purchases

GENERAL ADMISSION:
Includes admission to the runway show with standing room.

PRESS/MEDIA includes:
KRON4's Lives of Style TV
Modelina Michelle: modelinamichelle.com
Emily Alldred: www.chiquechic.com
Swagger Magazine
L.A. Hernandez CLUBBEN TV

SPONSORED BY:
Miriam Carvalho of Urban Darling
http://www.urbandarling.com/stylists/miriam-carvalho/

David Klein
www.davidlklein.com

SALE!! SALE!!! SALE!!!! BLACK FRIDAY!!

2010-11-23T15:51:00.001-08:00

Use BLACKFRIDAY1126 code at my etsy shop to get an additional 10% off for the Holidays!!

Shop NOW @ http://www.etsy.com/shop/dominiqueansari

Holiday SALE!!!

2010-11-17T08:49:00.000-08:00

Since the Holidays are coming up, I've put everything on SALE!! Which means you can get these great items, some of which are one-of-a-kinds for cheaper than what you would normally pay!! Get it while you can, it starts now until the 28th of Nov.!!

Check out the Sale: http://www.etsyonsale.com/shop/dominiqueansari

Photos of some of the most wanted items:

Breast Cancer Awareness Fashion Show...

2010-10-21T00:05:00.000-07:00

So I got some photos from the "Fashion Brawl" Breast cancer awareness fashion show that I did on Oct. 16th and I had a blast. There were a few "coordination" issues with the team backstage as with any fashion show, but it was a great and fun show nevertheless. Everyone seemed to love the gray "Resistance" dress that floated done the runway ever so gracefully. Here's the photos from the event, see for yourself and don't be too shy to comment!! =)

DominiqueAnsari on Sense of Fashion

2010-10-18T14:45:00.000-07:00

DominiqueAnsari on Sense of Fashion

Photos from Last week's Fashion show...

2010-10-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

So here's a show I did for a youth organization in San Jose last week on Oct. 8th. I only showed a small portion of my collection, but the models were great and we have the best coordinator ever, she know who she is. It was held at the Mosaic Restaurant and Lounge in downtown San Jose, CA. Check out some of the photos below.

Fashion Show in Salinas Tomorrow....

2010-10-15T20:10:00.000-07:00

So I have a Fashion Show in Salinas, CA Tomorrow, close to Monterey Bay, so I looking forward to it. I haven't fitted any of the models, will do this pre-show, so I hope that the models are great. There have been shows that I have done in the past where the models haven't been so great, but for the most part they have all been pretty great models.

So we have to leave the house super early, and by "we", I mean, the hubby and I. I really am one of the luckiest girls; to have a husband that loves to help me whenever I have a show; he hasn't missed one yet. And even though fashion is really not his thing, he knows that I couldn't do it without him.....well, maybe I could, but that's besides the point.

A fellow designer friend of mine invited me to do the show, so I appreciate her putting in a good word for me. I really wanted to show my new spring 2011 collection, but I only have 10 pieces as of now, and since one designer decided to drop out of the show last minute, they wanted me to show about 15-20, so I don't think I can whip out 10 more dresses in a few days with all the patter making and stuff. I'll show it next time though for sure. I will post pictures after I get them back. Here's the flyer, not the best design, but here it is:

Some Doodles...

2010-10-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

So, since I'm trying to start writing and producing my Comic/Garphic Novel, I decided to do some little sketches for practice. I never practiced like I show have when I was younger to develop my art skills, as I wasn't really encouraged as a child to do this, so I'm really, really out of touch...REALLY!!

I'm really great at doing Fashion sketches with the elongated and exaggerated poses, but I've never attempted the comic style before...like ever. I only recently got into comics; reading them and trying to practice drawing the figures as a friend of mind kinda pushed me into that direction and it opened my mind into a whole new light.

But I decided to start practicing now, as they say it's never too late to start anything in this life.

I really started to buy comics after I was invited to do a fashion show at the Fanime-con 2010 event in San Jose, CA which my garments were specifically made to be inspired by comics, and my original ideals for my anime characters. I then came up with the ideal for the main character with which the clothes and the story was based on, and I'm a big comic movie buff; I'm a movie buff period, so I was all into the ideal that if I wrote this and had an amazing artist to collab with me on this, that maybe in the future it could be made into a movie.

I have some people that gave me lots of contacts for artist and publishers, but I wanted to have the story be completed before I get in touch with them and I needed to do ample research to make sure that this story would be something that people would die to read and look at. The art above anything else should be AMAZING! Then the story has to be captivating enough to hold the readers attention and make sense as well. I want the story to draw them into the character more than anything else.

I have photos of the garments and my attempted "doodles", BTW I don't consider my self a fine art artist or sketcher at all, I also cleaned these up a bit in photoshop, this is just me really playing around, so i'm not really asking for any art critics.

I just kinda used my favorite colors, red,white and black, Red Mostly, The last picture looks like a zombie or vampire, lol!

The collection was 13 pieces, so this is only a few shots of them, this shoot was so freakin' fun!! I won't tell you the name of the collection as it is also the title to my comic, so you'll just have to wait and see it once it's published, however long that will take.

Selling to Dance Studios?....

2010-10-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

So my husband's co-worker mentioned a suggestion to me via facebook about selling my designs to some Dance Studios since my designs sort of resemble Ballet/Dance clothing. I think it's a good ideal, but I really want my clothing to be looked at as ready to wear, even though my RTW is mainly focused on dresses and a few knit pants and jackets thrown in here and there.

Overall, I might try it out and see what happens with that. I did a little research and that may be easier said than done, because most design studios sell their own merchandise. I really want my clothes to be looked at, as someone once call them, "Comfort-Couture". I don't really want it to be a literal translation of where the inspiration came from for the collection, which is dance. I also think the shoes on the model in the photo shoot also gives off this literal translation.

My Dress on the left with model (who is a ballet dancer too) and a photo of a ballet dancer on the right.

But like she (the co-worker) mentioned, that might be my niche...

Up in the wee hours of the night....

2010-10-14T00:37:00.000-07:00

Usually, I'm up pretty late, my schedule is pretty whacked out most of the time because I'm kind of a work addict, I find that my work becomes amazing at the hours between 1:30am to 5:00am. Weird, I know, why can't I be normal!!Anyway, it works, and then sometimes, when I take a "little" (and I mean little) break, then I can stop being a vampire and get up in the morning like the rest of the world. I've always been a night owl, the night agrees with me better than the day I guess. Also I think it's because of my constant habit of having sweet tooth around 10 or 11ish at night.

On other notes, I've been getting multiple orders of the "Juliet" Jacket from my Etsy shop, it seem to be very popular, which is good. I think people like it because it's comfy and it's at a really great price. I usually make it when someone places an order so I don't get overstocked with the same product. So tonight, I'm making the jacket, and I also have to prepare for a fashion show on Saturday Oct. 16th (Will discuss later). I will post pictures of the finished product before I ship it out.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/58040933/the-juliet-shrug-jacket