 |
The fashion industry is constantly being revolutionized with the advent of new designers. One of the newest designers to make her mark in the fashion industry is Wendy Pepper. Wendy has been dressmaking for the past 20 years and now specializes in Haute Couture which involves designing, creating, and selling custom-made, high fashion women’s clothes. Her major breakthrough occurred when she was chosen as one of three finalists on the Bravo reality series “Project Runway”. “Project Runway” showcased Wendy’s creativity and unique sense of style for the world to see. Born in Dayton, Ohio and growing up in Washington DC, Wendy’s memories include observing her mother getting ready for a night out in the city. This according to Wendy was the ideal reflection of beauty. Wendy received a degree in anthropology from the University of Washington. Throughout college she studied abroad in Nepal, which ultimately helped to spark her interest in designing and working with fabrics. Wendy began to weave carpets with the women of Nepal, and realized the importance of this activity within the community. She found it was a way for women to bond with one another. After she received her degree Wendy returned to her families’ hometown in Virginia. There she continued learning about textiles, spinning raw wool, fabric-painting, and quilting. This led her from weaving rugs to sewing dresses. Wendy realized how fashion impacts women from their earliest age. Wendy says, “Sometimes that is a question of function and practicality, other times an expression of frivolous escape and pure decoration.” It is her mission to make it relevant for every stage of their lives. For Wendy fashion is a conduit for conforming as well as distinguishing ones individual style from the masses. She wants to help people understand how to maximize the role of fashion as they work towards achieving their personal goals. Today there is an increasing demand for Wendy Pepper’s designs. Unlike most designers she works closely with all of her clients, and gets to know each one personally. This allows her to tailor the design to each individual, and create a design based on their needs. It is important to Wendy that her designs accurately represent each of her clients. Wendy places a huge emphasis on the meaning behind her designs. It isn’t enough that her designs are beautiful they must also be symbolic and have a strong significance to women. Although her designs are sexy and stylish this is not the main goal of her designs. “I am committed to designing clothes for women that accent their feminine power, but not at the expense of presenting them as a purely sexual being,” states Pepper, “I succeed when my customer feels beautiful and comfortable in her life, at ease with her appearance, and confident in her outlook.” Currently Wendy is working on a line that will be more affordable for those who are outside the world of haute couture. She has also been busy with many speaking engagements. As a motivational speaker Wendy has encouraged many single mothers, like herself, to pursue their dreams. Wendy has also spoken as a guest lecturer for a number of fashion organizations and schools, providing her insight and experience to the industry. Wendy is determined to have women everywhere wear clothing that represents confidence, power, and intellect. |
|
