About FashionAddik

 The Bridge Newsletter

So, I’m cruisin’ along (on MySpace, of course!), and I come across a page that had the word ‘Fashion’ in the name. So I had to come to a screeching halt to check it out (just imagine me pumping the breaks on the ‘back’ button on the browser!). And whom do I find? None other than Ms. Davis, herself, also known as, ‘Fashion Addik’. Hailing from the streets of NY, Ms. Davis knew her dreams of becoming a fashion designer would be unstoppable.

 I have to warn you, don’t get it twisted; the lady you’re about to find out about isn’t just a designer. She’s a designer who remembers to not only create a design with beauty and sophistication, but with a lil’ “SKUNK TO IT” as well.

With a supportive group surrounding her, she’s determined to mark her territory and claim what is rightfully hers. A deep passion and respect for fashion is what makes this New York native stand out from the rest as she rock’s a style no one can mistakenly say, ‘that reminds me of something/someone’, but instead, ‘Wow she definitely has style sense of her own. While holding down a full time job, Davis makes time for another project which is currently in the works. The projects include, designing men and women T-shirts and her Spring/Summer 2009 Collection. So, you tell me-Is this lady unstoppable or what?

Nette.Worker: How long have you been designing your own fashion?

Pamala Davis: Well, my love for fashion has started at the age of 14. Therefore,
I guess 13 years is how long I have been doing this, but in reality, I don’t look at
the years, instead, I focus on my growth as an artist/designer. In this business, you have to crawl before you walk and the number of years doesn’t account for the experiences and valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way.

NW: When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer?

PD: There was a neighbor who lived upstairs from me on the 5th floor names Anita; her daughter was my brother’s best friend. I went to her house one day after school to pick up my little brother. When she opened the door, I immediately saw her sewing machine. I walked in her house and started talking about what she was doing. She told me that she was making herself a dress for an upcoming event. I was so amazed because besides her, the only other person I ever saw sew was my grandmother. She told me if I was
interested in sewing, she would teach me. Well, lets just say I took her up on her offer! From that day until my 8th grade graduation night, she taught me everything from measuring to sewing without a pattern. I would never forget her for teaching me something that I absolutely love and feel so passionate about.

NW: It seems that designers are coming out in masses trying to get their stuff noticed. What do you feel is necessary to become a designer?

PD: I think what is necessary to become a designer is to be YOU! In addition, find the balance inside yourself so that you can illustrate your passion for everyone to see. There are many designers that are coming out in the masses but remember there is only one of you and I believe that a person can achieve anything if they set their minds to it.

NW: Do you watch Project Runway-if so, who is your favorite and why?

PD: I love Project Runway! When Project Runway first started, I was all over it. In the beginning, I don’t think they understood how much of an impact they were going to have on future designers around the world. I must admit though, this season I have been watching less of it because I feel the rawness is missing. I would like to see a Project Runway with fresh designers who have just graduated out of college that way we get to experience first hand, their journey. I want to see someone new that hasn’t designed clothing for another celebrity and doesn’t own a boutique in Los Angeles, lol.

NW: Can you describe what your style is like, and does that influence how you design your pieces?

PD: My brand represents BEAUTY, SOPHISTICATION with a twist of ‘SKUNK’ to it. My style is unique and I love to design oneof-a-kind pieces for people. There is nothing better than walking down 14th street with something no one else has on, and have random people stop you to inquire about how they can purchase that item. I get my inspiration from envisioning a young woman in her mid 20’s to early 30’s who wants to possess power, beauty and individuality without saying a word when she enters a room.

NW: As we all anticipate the coming of the spring season (thanks to the little snow that has now scorned me!), what can we look forward to when the debut of your spring/summer 2008 collection comes out?
PD: I am a perfectionist when it comes to designing. My collection for spring/summer 2008 is underway. Right now, I’m designing Tshirts for men and women, I feel in order to succeed in this business, and you have to start somewhere and have passion and believe in what you are doing. Last year I created a collection of ponchos, and displayed them in the Faculty/Staff Art Exhibit at my job.

NW: When you’re not designing clothes-what can we expect you to be doing?

PD: Well I am very busy at times. I have a full-time and part-time job. When there is free time available, you can always catch me relaxing at home, or-one of my pleasures shopping at Target! My mother thinks I’m crazy because I told her when I shop at Target it relaxes me! I love listening to music from around the world and dancing.

NW: Taking a look at your fashionista collection, you have two pieces that I absolutely love to death-the Irish Rock Plaid and the Golden Lace…tell me how you came up with the concept of designs.

PD: Thank you for the compliment. I came up with the Golden Lace concept by reading old Vogue magazines from the 1950’s. Right when I was in the process of picking out the fabric a name popped into my head. Audrey Hepburn. She was a fashion Goddess. Iused that inspiration and made a very chic dress that I’m truly proud of. I modernized the look by adding lace to the bottom to give it that sexy edge it needed. I am just like you in some ways, I sketch a little, but I am not the greatest. I like to call myself a ‘freestyle
designer’. Most people might call it crazy but hey whatever works for me, right! I love designing by looking, adding, and subtracting things. My other creation was the Irish Rock Star Plaid Dress. This by far was one of my favorites. I like to try my hand at many things. Even though designing dresses isn’t my main squeeze, I love to try out new ventures. I am always inspired by different cultures. In this creation, I had the opportunity to incorporate a ‘kilt style’ pattern and put my special twist on it. Once the dress was
done, I was so excited because I said, ‘If only Sarah Jessica Parker could wear this on the set of Sex in the City!’ lol.

NW: I love the fashion of the 1940’s-it seems like no matter what, the style was carried with a sense of elegance and ‘swagg’, if you will, which we don’t see much of these days. What fashion era do you wish you could’ve lived in?

PD: I think I could have lived in the 1970’s. First off, my favorite movie in the world is Mahogany. The style Diana Ross had in that movie set off a movement. She had grace, beauty and confidence. She designed some of the costumes in the fashion show sequence herself. If you look at that movie and notice her style, Mary J. Blige, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and many more couldn’t have been what they are now without a foundation to look upon. They have all adapted something from that era.

NW: What style/trend are you feeling at the moment?

PD: Well, I really don’t follow trends…I like to make them! Lol… No, it’s hard for me to say because I tend to dress differently. I love to see skinny jeans with a ruffled silk blouse, peek-a-boo toe shoes, and a large clutch bag with chunky bracelets!

NW: Who is your favorite designer? Why?

PD: Well, I have many, but my absolute favorite would have to be Alexander McQueen. He is fearless when it comes to setting his own fashionable pace. He’s not afraid of trying something new or edgy to convey to the world to see. He sets the bar for high drama that is clearly displayed at his fashion show. He inspires me to show people my fashion in a way that which they are not watching models walk, but to give my audience a show that will capture their attention from the time they sit down. If you don’t believe it, no one else will.

NW: Mary J. Blige stated in an intro before one of her songs that if she weren’t dong music, she’d be braiding/doing hair, now if you weren’t a designer, what would you be doing?

PD: Even though I can’t quite imagine me doing anything else, I guess if I wasn’t designing, I probably would have become an art teacher. I would give the children an oasis to come to where they can express themselves without the hassle of the world. Maybe one day I can inspire someone like my art teachers have inspired me when I was younger. Dancing is my second love after fashion.

NW: We’re at a point in fashion times that designers are looking to getting their designs patented and/or trademarked to prevent the whole ‘copycat syndrome’. When seeing the work of other current and up and coming designers, what makes you different from them, how do you maintain your sense of originality to prevent ‘looking’ like others?

PD: It’s so hard in the fashion world to try to become the first or getting your designs or ideas patented and/or trademarked. I think outside the box. I consider myself a designer that has a hint of classic taste to keep me balanced and on the other side of the spectrum-I have a rough edge to me.

NW: What quote or saying do you live by on a daily basis (if any)?

PD: I have two quotes that I like-Maya Angelou, ‘I want all my senses engaged. Let me absorb the world’s variety and uniqueness.’ In addition, my other favorite is Sir Winston Churchill, ‘We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.’

NW: What is your motivation for doing what you do?

PD: My motivation in life is just being thankful that GOD has blessed me to get up everyday to do something that I can’t imagine my life without. Many people walk this earth with having no idea of how their life will turn out, but I believe in talking positive and having faith that the Lord will guide me to righteousness. Mind, Soul and Body! Another thing that REALLY INSPIRES me is my love for music! I am what you call eclectic. I listen to everything from Punjabi/Bhangra music to Hip-Hop to Merengue and to anything that has a beat, lol. If I hear a song that I love, I automatically can envision it in a fashion show, and then I start to design in
my head.

NW: Any words of advice for aspiring designers?

PD: The advice I would give to young designers would have to be, ‘always strive for greatness’. No one can ever tell you that you cannot do something. There are many people who will try to knock you down. Don’t let them get the best of you and most importantly, do what makes you happy!

NW: How can you be reached?

PD: I can be reached in many ways: my My Space url is: www.myspace.com/sivad_uniq and my email address is sivadfashion@yahoo.com and I have a fashion addict blog where you can also send me a message:
www.addicted2fashion.wordpress.com