As featured in Unfolded Magazine Issue 04
We interview Mandi Gallegos, the designer behind Mikailee
Alton about her work, interests and creative expression
through fashion.
Being a designer, how important is it to be creative and
explore new boundaries with your work?
Design is an art form and expressing my creative side through my
designs is everything. I believe that any artist sees their
surroundings a bit differently than others and create from those
images. For me, inspiration can be set off by a flower, a colour or
even nature itself; anything can bring back a memory and shift my
mood. I am bolder in creating pieces that reflect what I am feeling
at the time.
Where did the name of the label originate
from?
The label name actually comes from a mixture of my twin nieces'
first names, Mikayla and Brilee (Mikailee) and my sons' first
names, which are Alec and Easton (Alton)
What would you describe your label as?
The Mikailee Alton label creates designs that have a unique blend
of structure, nature and grace enhanced only by the individual who
wears it.
How important has the education at IADT been in allowing
you to experiment with patterns, cuts, design?
When I enrolled in design school, I more or less knew what I was
getting into. It wasn't until my first pattern making class that I
realised how wrong I was in understanding the way designs took
shape (I laugh at myself when I say that). Some teachers were
amazing at helping me see design in a whole new way. I don't think
everyone says that they "LOVE" pattern making in the beginning,
because for some it's difficult to understand. I adore pattern
making, even when I am off by half an inch, the design goes
terribly wrong and I must unravel to start again. Schooling is very
important, even if you’re good at something, perfecting your craft
can only make you better at it.
Could you briefly describe the design process you go
through in making a signature piece?
Sketching is first and foremost my beginning. I sketch in pencil,
outline with a black fine tip marker and hardly ever colour in my
designs. Colouring to me is restrictive to my creative process. One
day I might like red and other day blue, so I leave it raw.
Finding my colour palette is next: Should I pick monochromatic or
split complimentary colour's? I fight myself a lot on this subject.
I don't like colour trends, I believe fashion is open to every
colour.
Fabric shopping is the hardest for me to decide on, because I am
picky with material. The feel of the material can make or break a
design.
Next, comes pattern making. Always my longest process, not because
the difficulty of it, but because the pattern IS the design.
Cutting the material is where 90% of my second guessing takes
place; because once you cut it out... it’s a done deal.
Sewing out of all the others steps is a breeze for me.
Lastly my favourite part of my design process, the detailing.
Perfectionism is my worst enemy, so this is when I say I can always
make it better… even when everything fits into place.
Where do you source your materials and fabrics
from?
Joann Fabric, Hobby Lobby or Sew Elegant in San Antonio, Texas.
Sadly, San Antonio is not very fabric friendly; I try to make do
with what my community offers me. Beauty in the most unlikely
places!
You have had to endure life changing experiences before you
decided to embark on a career in fashion, how has it changed your
attitude to your work?
Everyone has life altering experiences that helped guide him or her
back onto the path to their destiny. I had two beautiful sons that
challenged me to be a better human being and I was given, what I
believe, a second chance at life after surviving months of
chemotherapy at the age of 31. I see things more clearly and it
shows in my design style. It has been non-stop for me since my last
chemo treatment going on four years ago, it feels much longer
though. When I dream of my design… that in itself tells me I am
still on the right path. I am always thankful when I wake up to my
sons and a room full of beautiful fabric.
Currently based in San Antonio, are you looking to venture
further afield and set up bases elsewhere?
Texas is my heart and always will be. I do believe though, that one
must travel to gain experience, so I see myself venturing to other
places for enrichment. San Antonio has a very fashion-forward
style; people need to look beyond the East and West Coasts, because
there are so many talented models, photographers, makeup artists,
wardrobe stylists and designers in between them.
What or whom inspires, from the fashion and art world, or
something personal?
Well 98% of all my designs I dream about and the other 2% is
inspiration from everyday life. I can’t pick one famous designer
that inspires me then another, because I might see a Givenchy gown
or a Basil Soda runway show and be head over heels inspired, but I
can also see a young model trying to be the next “IT” girl and be
inspired to design something to bring that inner being out. Music,
art, fashion and family, too many things inspire me.
Could you describe some of your recent
designs?
Futuristic beauty I think describes my collections recently. I have
been designing garments that have been leaning toward the dark and
edgy with a twist of girlie femininity right now. I am obsessed
with my uneven shoulder armour pieces I put on a dress for a photo
shoot recently, then I added similar ones to a shrug jacket; adding
something as little as a dark grey alien-inspired flower to a
shoulder of a gown that adds a hint sci-fi which I am into right
now.
You do a lot of work within the local community and for
charities, how important is this to your label?
Serving the community is very important to my company, largely due
to the fact that since I grew up in San Antonio; I believe every
one should give back to the place that made them who they are
today. Many of the charity runway shows I helped produce or been a
part of gave 100% of ticket sales to local charities. Most recent
charities include Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Lone Star Chapter and
the San Antonio Food Bank. When I was ill, I was thankful for what
was available for me, it’s only right that I give back.
You say that 'the secret to style is in the clothes', could
you describe what you view style as and what sets your clothes
apart from the rest?
Style begins with the clothing you choose to wear. Quality is
important to me, so I pride myself on the construction quality of
every garment. I like to say that couture wouldn’t cost as much as
it does if it was poorly made, right? Haute couture designers
specialise in tailor made designs, the quality of material they put
into the design and the construction of it. Hence: the secret to
style is in the clothes. I don’t feel the need to set myself apart
from rest; I make clothes for women who want something different
than your everyday trends. You can’t please every one; I learnt
that lesson long ago. Fashion is fickle and you either love or hate
it. I would prefer you love mine though
Do you live and breathe fashion or do you have interests
elsewhere?
I hate to admit it, but I think about fashion constantly. I don’t
show my obsession for the world to see though. I don’t walk around
with designer bags or Louboutin heels, I am a simple artist who
wears T-shirt and jeans; because my job isn’t to strut around town
shouting at the world “I AM A FASHION DESIGNER, LOOK AT ME” My job
is to make you look and feel good in the garment you choose to wear
every day. I love seeing the women’s faces when they wear my
garments and I feel honoured when models want to work with me. I
love the outcome of photo shoots, because when I see my designs on
print, I see my dreams come to life. Looking at me for the first
time, you would never know how much fashion is a part of my
persona, especially when I show up to work in flip flops.
Where can our readers see more of your work, do you have a
store, online shop or other outlet?
I post a lot of my photo shoots on Facebook, under the Mikailee
Alton name. I am starting to sell some accessories on Etsy.com.
Everything I do is custom made, so I don’t house inventory. Once my
label stabilises, I am considering just designing one of every size
so my line remains exclusive.
What plans do you have for the remainder of 2011 and
beyond?
Design, Design, Design….. with a few photo shoots in between.
Fashion Weeks are fast approaching and I have a few shows I am
interested in being a part of, to reveal my new collection.
www.mikaileealton.com