The Final Stitch - Why This Bespoke Designer is Hanging Up Her Tape Measure
Bespoke: [bih-spohk] adjective — made to order; custom made. A term that evokes images of meticulous craftsmen at their benches, the quiet snip of scissors through fine fabric, the hushed atmosphere of ateliers where dreams are stitched into reality. In the realm of fashion, bespoke is the ultimate luxury, offering an unparalleled level of personalization and quality. It's a dance between designer and client, a collaboration that transcends the ordinary to create something truly unique.
Being a bespoke designer is akin to being an alchemist. It's not merely about tailoring a garment to fit the body but about weaving the very essence of the individual into the fabric of their attire. It’s a journey that begins with a concept, a whisper of an idea, and through a process of collaboration, creativity, and craftsmanship, ends with the creation of a piece that’s as unique as the person it’s crafted for.
Farewell to the Fitting Room:
After 15 fabulous, frenzied years deep in the bespoke trenches, this Virgo has had enough (y’all know when Virgos finally leave, it’s a wrap!). Despite a heart full of gratitude for every client—yep, even the ones who played in my face—I’m ready to swap custom creations for ready-to-wear revelations. Why? Simply put, I’m done with this toxic sh**, I’m filing for a creativity divorce.
Is it curtains for my fashion career? Absolutely TF NOT!! I’m basically trading in my bespoke wand for a broader canvas. My new mission? I’m embarking on an exciting venture to infuse veronicaariel.com with collections that mirror my evolving vision, AT MY LEISURE. I’m all the way focusing on breathing life into these collections and unleashing them on my website for the world (or at least the part of it that appreciates my genius) to enjoy. And for those not digging my aesthetic? The digital door swings both ways—no hard feelings.
The truth is, my mental fortitude for bespoke work has left the building. And yes, I can hear my long-time followers laughing, “She says she’s done with prom dresses every year!” But folks, it’s no joke this time. Picture trying to convince a teenager that haute couture isn’t a copy-paste job from their Instagram saves. As much as I love a challenge, turning into a fashion Xerox machine isn’t in my repertoire.
Remember 2023? A year that felt like running a marathon in stilettos. It was rough for us entrepreneurs. My business felt the squeeze, pushing me to the brink of rejoining the 9-to-5 grind. But fate, it seems, had other plans. Despite promising interviews, the job hunt was a bust, leaving me tied to my sewing machine, churning out prom dresses (15 to be exact) with a mixture of dread and resignation.
The Rebirth:
It's clear as a Swarovski crystal—when discomfort and dissatisfaction become your work buddies, it’s God’s way of saying, “Level up, darling.” My stint in retail, much like my foray into custom designs, was filled with lessons but lacked fulfillment. It’s time to close this chapter, not with sadness, but with excitement for the sequels to come; I can look back on my work with immense pride and peacefully close that book and put it back on the shelf.
What’s Next?
Expect capsule collections that’ll have you hitting ‘refresh’ on my site like it’s going out of style, surprise drops that’ll drop jaws, and a BLK CEO brand expansion that’s going to need its own zip code. As for custom designs and prom dresses? Baby, we are DONE DONE—no, really this time!
So, keep your browsers pointed my way, and your Sunday mornings reserved. The Veronica Ariel and BLK CEO experience is about to get a major upgrade, and you won’t want to miss a single post.
Thanks for sticking with me. Here’s to new beginnings, ready-to-wear revolutions, and keeping it cute, just how we like it.