Interview with Designer Mia Chere
Designer Mia Chere
Who are you designing for?
The designs that I create are for women that need a something special to wear for any occasion. The women that wear my design are women that want to stand out in the crowd and want something different and funky. It’s a mixture between elegance and punk rock.
What fabrics do you like to use? Why?
The fabrics that are used in this collection are 100% silk charmeuse, 100% silk chiffon, faux stretch leather, small silver and black Sequins, large dark grey sequins, 100% wool suiting, black ostrich feathers. In this collection I like the mixture of the hard looking leather and wool suiting mixed with the soft look of the silks and the feathers. The two complement each other very well.
What do you want to say with your style?
I want to have just the right mixture of elegance and edge. I want my style to come off as classic and clean but have a mystery about it. I never want you to know what’s coming next. The designs are classic looks with a bit of a twist to make them unique.
Which designers are you inspired by?
One of my favorite designers is Diane Von Furstenberg. She has been a constant for over 34 years and is still a big name is fashion today.
Where are you at in your career? What are your goals?
I am just at the beginning of my career. It has been a very good beginning though. I graduated from the International Academy of Design & Technology 2012 with my Bachelors of Fine Arts in Fashion Design and Merchandising. I am Currently attending The Academy of Art University to receive my Masters of Fine Arts in Fashion Design. Among that I have participated in many fashion contest and shows. Last year I had my debut in Mall of Millenia fashion week. I won the emerging designer contest at Jacksonville fashion week in 2012. I also Won best collection of 2012 in IMAGINE fashion show. I debuted my fall collection at Orlando Fashion week 2012. I received second place in the Park Ave Fashion week emerging designer contest 2013. One of my designs was chosen to grace the cover of Jacksonville magazine March 2013 Issue. I will be showing my collection En Pointe at Jacksonville Fashion week 2013. I have hit the fashion scene in full force and I don’t plan on slowing down any time soon.
What do you want Jacksonville to know about you?
I am a Florida girl born and raised and I plan on making Florida known for fashion. I am excited to show Jacksonville my new full collection En Pointe on March 29. I can’t wait for the exciting things to come.
Mia Chere’ Bio (from her website):
Mia Chere' Merritt was born and raised in Palm Beach, Fl. She has spent much time traveling the world with her family. Going to some of the most beautiful places such as Egypt, Dubai, Singapore, Spain, and Hawaii just to name a few. The ability to travel helped give her appreciation and imagination to develop her style.
She graduated from the International Academy of Design and Technology with her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Fashion Design and Merchandising. She is currently attending the Academy of Art to receive her Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Design. She has been focusing her time on her clothing label and showing her collections in fashion shows.
She was selected to show her Spring/ Summer collection Sheer Dreamland at Millenia Fashion Week 2011. She recently was awarded first place in Jacksonville Fashion Week 2012 as an emerging designer for her Spring/Summer collection Sheer Dreamland. She also has shown her fall collection Super natural at Orlando Fashion Week 2012. Her Winter/ Holiday collection En Pointe was shown at IMAGINE 2012 where she was awarded best senior collection. She also has received the entrepreneur award from the International Academy of Design and Technology, which highlights alumni that have had success in their field.
She most recently was a top finalist in the emerging designer contest held by Harriet’s Park Avenue Fashion Week 2012. In this contest Mia was able to showcase her skills in a project runway type challenge. She had to design a complete look with only a box of construction materials. Also the look had to be completed in only 10 days. After completing the challenge her design was showcased in a runway show at Park Avenue Fashion Week 2012.
Her designs set her apart from any other designer Mia’s designs are classic silhouettes with a fresh twist. She aspires to one day have her designs sold in boutiques and resorts around the world.