PFI Designer Profile: Melissa D’Agostino

I first met Melissa D’Agostino a few years ago at an event for the National Association of Sustainable Fashion Design where my boyfriend and one of his partners screened a video they created about local and sustainable designers in Philly.

Our meeting and continued relationship with Melissa is a living example of the importance that we both place on local artists and communities. In fact, we’ll soon be working together again as I organize part of the upcoming DesignPhiladelphia opening party in October. I’ll be teaming up with local designers for a fashion show curated by Arcadia Boutique, where I am both the manager and assistant buyer. I chatted with Melissa about her latest accomplishment as one of the Designers-in-Residence at the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator at Macy’s Center City and the upcoming Sample Sale on July 18^th.

You’re a supporter of both local and sustainable fashion – why are these topics so important to you?

They’re about building strong relationships. Being able to stand behind the people you work and interact with is an amazing feeling…it’s not disposable. It’s a form of respect to be able to stay in the community; it’s like building instead of just climbing. It’s invaluable to have peers that will pair you up with other individuals and create solid networks. You have people to celebrate your accomplishments with you; there’s a support system where you feel like you can set higher goals and step out on a limb because you trust the relationships you’ve created.

Who, or what, inspires you most?

My clients inspire me on a real level – they have their own personal style that I try to bring out. People that have passions and drives that are bigger than themselves tend to motivate me. There are designers I could list but people are what really keep me moving.

Your dyeing techniques are one of the most important elements of your work – what about Shibori attracts you?

I first practiced Shibori while studying under Michael Olszewski at Moore (College of Art and Design). I fell in love with its form because the further you articulate the practice of creating pattern, the possibilities become endless, even by hand. The more I’ve practiced I’ve found that there’s a controlled variation every time. There’s an element of wonder that’s attached to it. Fabrics can be works of art in themselves before they’re even clothes.

What has been your most important experience in the Fashion Incubator?

My most important experience has been taking the opportunity to grow, building on the foundation that I have started through local custom work, and extending that one-on-one experience and dialogue with the community at the next level. This experience being introduced to so many industry experts with immense experience and knowledge is humbling and crucial. The accelerated pace encourages me to look closer and deeper at each step.

What do you love about fashion in Philadelphia?

First and foremost it’s the strong handmade movement of creating clothes locally that really makes my heart thump. There are so many stages of creating local that inspire and contribute to our city’s vibrancy. I love creative collaborations and everywhere you turn in Philly there is an opportunity to participate in one. I have to give a little shout out to the design collective 3bythree with Janell Wysock and Rachel Sherman, my fellow Moore alumn! I absolutely love wearing outfits made right here in Philly!