Designer Nina McLemore Trail-blazes New Fashion Distribution Channel Especially for Professional Women
Nina McLemore grew into an internationally acclaimed, trail-blazing fashion success from humble roots. She first learned design with her mother growing up in Mississippi making all their own clothes. She was taught that an image of class was to be well-spoken, well-mannered, and well-dressed. She then studied economics at Louisiana State University, and found that finance language helped her to be taken seriously in the business world as a professional woman.
She started as a buyer at D.H. Holmes in New Orleans, then became V.P. General Manager of Merchandising for May Department Stores, International, brand managing clothing lines from concept to delivery. Nina then started an accessories business licensing Liz Claiborne’s brand name and designed and marketed what became a smash hit throughout the fashion world, the women’s bowtie and designer handbags and small leather goods.
What is she doing today? Nina is the CEO and designer of Nina McLemore high fashion women’s apparel that is made in fabric from world’s best mills, those used by the biggest names in fashion… and distributing them not through traditional retail department stores, but by appointment only, one on one or small group Personal Consultant meetings over a one- or two-week period four times a year or in locally owned better specialty stores in most major cities. Her designs are the ultimate insider brand, as the only way to hear of the Nina McLemore collection is by word of mouth. Because of no big marketing expense and low overhead, a $2500 jacket costs $800.
w2wlink.com: Nina, you've been publicized as one of Hillary Clinton's designers. Primarily who wears your label?
MCLEMORE: About 50 percent of the women are fast track corporate career women or entrepreneurs. Many are at the top and prefer our brand because they love the fabrics, fit and color, and the service; many are on their way up and invest in the brand because it gives them an image equal to the leadership and their most important clients. The rest are who I call "community women," mostly involved in the not for profit sector and or are married to powerful husbands, usually politicians and CEOs.
w2wlink.com: What is the background of the average consultant?
MCLEMORE: Usually they have been executives and leading business women and/or have raised a family, while being active in their communities. They want a more flexible schedule and more independence.
w2wlink.com: Where do they hold the shows?
MCLEMORE: They hold the shows by appointment only from the hospitality of their personal homes, on the word of mouth reference by other clients or associates. Their homes are often more personal and more convenient, and they can give more product information than in a department store retail environment.
w2wlink.com: Why do you call them "trunk shows?"
MCLEMORE: "Trunk show," was the name given to high end designer guest shows at the couture boutiques of yesterday that have virtually all vanished due to a widening gap between the highly marketed designers and moderate to lower priced stores and brands.
w2wlink.com: What advice do you have for a reader on maximizing her professional wardrobe?
MCLEMORE: Well, the consultant, trained in the line and on personalized wardrobe service, would, as desired by the client, learn about her personal preferences, wardrobe history and personal needs, but in general, if a woman is going to make that critical investment in her wardrobe to present an image consistent with her best abilities and aspirations, she should:
- Invest in a great jacket, plain colored or lightly patterned; colors will be darker in New York and San Francisco, and get brighter as you move south.
- Seek out a personal shopper, usually there is no extra cost, and pay the little bit extra to tailor clothing that doesn’t fit exactly right.
- Note that since hair and face are the most frequently looked at, well cut and groomed hair, and just the right amount of makeup are an important target.
- Get pants tailored as needed as pants are the toughest item to buy off of the rack.
- Get and care for good shoes – men get theirs polished daily and know when a woman cares for her shoes. Caring for yourself reflects how you care for others.
- Note that same color shirts or a white blouse are best under a jacket. The look is clean, elegant, attractive, feminine, and professional but not provocative. Sleeves should end at the top of the base of the thumb.
- Buy the best understated real jewelry that can be worn with almost everything.
w2wlink.com: Where can a reader hear about your trunk shows if they don’t know someone who shops at them?
MCLEMORE: Readers are welcome to visit our Web site for more information and to be referred to a show in their area. www.ninamclemore.com
Nina is one of the most inspiring ladies I’ve had the pleasure of visiting with. Readers are welcome to learn more about women’s organizations that she is personally affiliated with: www.inmotiononline.org, www.womenbusinessresearch.com, www.womenpresidentsorg.com, and www.c200.org.
Jean Lewis,
has edited and written for consumer Web sites and publications reaching nearly 50 million people. Her credits include writing and editing online and print articles, sales and training materials, marketing collateral, and advertising and PR for conusmer companies including BeautiControl, a Tupperware subsidiary's publications to women ages 20s through 50s, the WHO Foundation, Women Helping Others, MCG Magazine, Los Angeles and Seasonal Living Guide for Sam’s Club, a retailing subsidiary of Wal-Mart. Her career also includes working and living in Canada and Japan. Jean is well regarded for her market-research based approach to managing story development enabling consistently original, relevant and timely content.
