June 13, 2011 · 8:08 pm

Designer Q&A: Melissa Araujo

Interview by Dami Oyelola
1. How long have you been designing clothing?
I have been designing for a little over three years.  I have always enjoyed styling my friends, and most of the clothing that I purchased, I would re-design them at home and alter the clothes more to my liking.
2. What aspect of your work makes you the happiest? Which aspect do you like the least?
The ability to be creative, to imagine something in my mind, put it down on paper, then to fabric and finally seeing it being worn by someone.  It is a truly amazing feeling and it gives me an inner happiness that is too hard to explain.
The least is definitely not having access to a better selection of fabric stores.  In my travels to Europe, Brazil and Malaysia the stores were amazing, I feel like a kid in a candy store.

3. I understand that you are from Brazil. Does your Brazilian culture influence your designs in any way?
Yes, Brazil is a huge part of who I am, of how I think, and how I design.  I like my creations to be feminine, beautiful and at the same time I want them to have a strong design line.  I like my designs to show some skin, be sexy and feminine but still classy.  I am very much influenced by the lifestyle, scenery, and architecture of my country.   The strong sensuality of Brazilian women is also something that features in my designs.
4. Do you have any formal training or did your skill come naturally?
Yes, I do. I attended fashion design school after Uni.  I chose the program at LaSalle College of Design because it is a French school based out of Montreal, yet recognized around the globe.  Having training that is acknowledged internationally is important to me, because I dream of living in different parts of the world as my career progresses.

5. What type of woman is your clothing designed for?
Melissa Araujo designs, caters to women 18-35, but can be worn by anyone who loves comfort, detail; women who are fashion conscious, but not label oriented.  I design for girls who are confident, independent, and well-rounded, who are free to be who they really are. Trend setters with an eye for detail, who love to travel and experience all that life has to offer and look good at the same time.
6. Who is/are your personal favorite designer(s) and why?
Yves Saint Laurent.  He was so talented at such a young age, with his vision, art and designs.  His love for women and style transcends time.  He was one of the first designers to really empower women, dressing them in pants and tuxedos, yet he could be so feminine with his dresses.  His love for Art, Ballet and Design is very stimulating for me because I seek my inspiration in similar places.  His life’s work is amazing and something for me to really look up to.

7. If you were told that you could only keep 3 items from your closet and that you had to give the rest of the items in your closet away, which 3 items would you choose? Why?
1. American Apparel, Black leggings.  They are a necessity to me, because I live in them.
2. A black strapless Rosa Cha bikini from Brazil.  It has the best fit, I love the Ocean and hanging out at the beach whenever possible.
3. An over-sized Alexander Wang Cotton Top in Black or Grey.  They are so comfortable, and are easy to either dress up or down.
8. What has been the biggest lesson you have learned as a designer?
To be confident, to believe in: my vision, my art and in my life choices.  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

9. Where do you see your brand in 5-10 years?
I hope to have my brand established, have a following and above all to continue to be creative and motivated to do what I love.  I would love to see girls all over the globe rocking Melissa Araujo designs.
10. If you could give someone a quote to live by, what would it be?
“And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”  Sylvia Plath.