Meet Lydia Simone

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lydia Simone. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lydia below.

Lydia , appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

As a fashion designer, I like keeping my creativity alive by
traveling and immersing myself in the diversity of cultures and
fashion found across the world. Exploring different cities, like
London, England, has allows me to step outside my everyday
routine, and experience how fashion is worn uniquely. Whether I’m wandering through the
Christmas markets of East London, or strolling down the
historical streets of Paris, or observing the effortless streetwear
of NYC, I find each destination offers a new perspective that
fuels my imagination. One thing about me is that I love to people
watch. Traveling to me is more than a getaway; it’s an essential
part of my creative process, giving me a deeper understanding of
how fashion evolves across different environments and
communities.

Surprisingly a lot of my collections have been directly inspired
by my travels. For example, a recent collection was influenced
by the flowers and bold colors I encountered in Mexico. The
patterns and textures of the flowers and plants reminded me of
the interplay between tradition and modernity of swimwear,
which I translated into swimsuits with 3D geometric designs and
vibrant hues. Similarly, my last trip to Italy inspired me to
design a collection that blended old-world elegance with
contemporary minimalism, drawing from the ornate details of
historic buildings and the sleek sophistication of Italian culture
and fashion. Each new destination introduces me to new color
palettes, materials, and concepts that I weave into my designs to
create something fresh and distinctive.

Ultimately, traveling is an essential tool for staying inspired and
keeping my creativity alive. It allows me to see the world
through a new lens, gather new design ideas, and expand my
vision as a designer. Every trip I take as an opportunity to learn,
grow, and bring something new to my work, ensuring that my
designs remain innovative and infused with stories from around
the globe.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My name is Lydia Simone. I was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa. I was homeschooled until college, allowing me to focus on developing my sewing and design skills at a young age of six. I learned the art of sewing from my grandmother, who was a talented seamstress.

As a talented fashion designer, I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in fashion design, merchandising, and costume design from Albright College. I also obtained a Masters in fashion business from LIM College.
After graduating from college, I opened my first online store in 2017. My bold creations quickly caught the attention of family, friends, and clients.

I have always been passionate about fashion and design, and my talent and hard work have paid off. I has created an impressive fashion collections, and in 2023 my designs have been featured on SHEIN website, a leading online retailer. My designs are a mix of classic and contemporary styles, infused with vibrant colors and intricate patterns.

My education and study aboard experience have given me a deep understanding of fashion design and business, and I am always looking for new ways to innovate and push boundaries in the industry. I am dedicated to creating designs that are both beautiful and functional, and my attention to detail and commitment to quality is inspiring. My bold international designs, have been worn in London, Egypt, Paris, Mexico, and Jamaica and more! And my creations are encapsulating, unique, and always daring.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, exploring new fashion trends, and giving back to my community through volunteering and mentoring through my non profit organization. I truly love being a fashion designer, and pioneer in the fashion industry. My unique perspective and talent continue to inspire and influence audience worldwide. Readers can Shop my latest collection on at www.lydiasimone.com.

Starting November 15th – December 15th, 2024, The Lydia Simone Company will be bringing our exclusive styles to you at the Avantgarde Fusion Store! Stop by to shop unique pieces and receive a FREE gift with in-store purchases. Don’t miss out on this limited-time event!

Where: AvantGarde Fusion Store, 167 Mott Street, NY, NY 10013
When: Monday – Saturday, 12PM – 7PM

Follow us on Instagram @lydiasimoneofficial and visit lydiasimone.com for more details! We can’t wait to see you there!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my 20 plus years creating, I believe three key
qualities and skills have been most impactful are networking,
design skills, and education. Each of these areas has played a
pivotal role in shaping my career, allowing me to grow as a
fashion designer in this ever changing world. These three
elements have created a strong foundation for building my
brand, The Lydia Simone Company, and bringing my fashion
dreams to life.
I’ll say the thing about networking is that you have to put
yourself out there. People often asked me about how I got my

opportunities in the fashion industry, and I simply say from
networking. I have been able to participate in New York Fashion
Week, a pop-up shop in New York City and featured a collection
on the SHEIN website. I would definitely say that networking has
been instrumental in opening doors and creating opportunities I
may not have found on my own. Early in my career, I made it my
priority. to always connect with other professionals in
the fashion industry. I never knew that these relationships would
provide valuable advice, led to collaborations and features in
fashion shows that elevated my work to a broader audience.
Networking requires effort and authenticity, but the amazing
relationships I’ve cultivated have been essential to my success,
proving that who you know is just as important as what you
know.
I learned how to sew from a very young age, so my design skills
have been a critical component of my fashion journey. From
sketching and sewing my first designs in my parents’ basement,
to creating entire collections for LA and NYFW, my ability to
conceptualize and execute ideas has always been my passion. I’ve spent countless hours honing my designs, from
understanding the technical aspects of garment construction to
experimenting with textures, colors, and silhouettes. I admire
my ability to translate inspiration into wearable art has allowed
me to stand out in this very competitive field. These design
skills enable me to meet the unique needs of my clients, which
has helped me build a loyal following and establish my brand as
a trusted name as a custom fashion designer.
A lot of people love to brag that they do not have formal
education when it comes to fashion design however, I have two

degrees in fashion. As an African-American woman, I pride
myself on my education. My education has provided me with
the knowledge and tools I need to navigate the complexities of
the fashion industry. College not only taught me technical skills,
but it also taught me the importance of research, trend
forecasting, and the business side of design. As a college
graduate, my commitment to lifelong learning has been equally
important. Staying informed about market trends, consumer
behavior, and advancements in textile technology allows me to
adapt and innovate. One of my favorite quotes is about
education, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you
can use to change the world.”-Nelson Mandela
Combine networking, design skills, and education have not
shaped my fashion journey, but to this day has continue to
influence how I proceed and grow as a designer. I feel like
having all three of this elements has given me meaningful
connections, create compelling designs, and maintain a forward-
thinking approach to my designs. As I look back on my life, I’m
eternally grateful for the impact these qualities have impacted
me. I look forward to continuing to develop my skills, as I take
on new challenges and opportunities.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

I know people are gonna laugh when they read this next
statement I’m about to say, but it is the truth. With being in the
industry for over 20 years now, I’ve learned that not everybody is
your client and that is okay! My ideal client is somebody who
has disposable money. Being a custom fashion designer means I

do a lot of hand sewing and I give a lot of attention to detail
which in return is expensive work.
A lot of people that contact me think that because I’m not a big
company my prices were not reflect my work, however they are
mistaken. My ideal client would be someone who is a
professional.
They have a steady income, and they want a distinct style. Or
they could be in high school or college, but they have the funds
to get their birthday dress or their prom dress customized.
Custom dresses are not cheap, my ideal client knows that they
are making an investment in their closet.

Why should you choose The Lydia Simone Company for your next Custom Design? Here are 10 reasons:

1. Expertise: Skilled designer with industry experience.
2. Personalization: Fully tailored designs and one-on-one consultations.
3. Quality Materials: Premium and sustainable fabric options form NYC and LA.
4. Attention to Detail: Precise craftsmanship and high quality.
5. Unique Styles: Original, trendy, and timeless designs.
6. Customer Satisfaction: Positive reviews and excellent service.
7. Versatility: Range of styles for any occasion.
8. Value: Competitive and transparent pricing.
9. Convenience: Easy ordering, online and in-person options.
10. Timely Delivery: Reliable and efficient delivery.

I can confidently say choosing The Lydia Simone Company guarantees a personalized, quality-driven, and stylish custom design experience.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Willam Kryzak (runway photos)
Angelia Evans (personal photos)
Lydia Simone (model photos)

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