Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

Today's Takeaway with Florine Mark


Nov 7, 2022

With Carly Mark, Fashion Designer & Puppets and Puppets Founder

 

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to go behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week (NYFW)? It all sounds so glamorous and exciting, but what is it really like backstage at a show? What’s it like for the designers and where do they get their inspiration for a collection? How do designers style models for a show and come up with hair and makeup to compliment their fashion? 

 

My guest today, Carly Mark, is a New York based fashion designer. Her line of clothing Puppets and Puppets (PNP) have appeared in NYFW since their debut collection premiered in 2019. A 2022 Counsel of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Nominee for the American Emerging Designer of the Year Award, Carly’s eye-catching designs are uniquely unconventional and resemble beautiful, surreal sculptures. I’m incredibly proud to say that Carly is not only a wonderful and talented artist and designer, but she’s also my granddaughter! 

 

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

  • Carly shares all about her first runway show back in 2019.
  • How did Carly introduce herself as a new designer at NYFW?
  • How did Carly get the inspiration for her highly celebrated handbags?
  • Has PNP had many copycats?
  • What are the prices for the bags?
  • What kind of clothing does PNP offer?
  • What is the target demo for the clothing?
  • Where can you buy PNP?
  • Do you need an agent to get your clothing into stores?
  • How did Carly feel watching her clothes in the first fashion show?
  • What was Carly’s internship with Versace like?
  • How does finding models, styling, hair, and makeup come together?
  • Who is in charge of lighting and music for a fashion show?
  • How does Carly manage the backstage stress at a show?
  • Does Carly have celebrity clients?
  • What is unique about the PNP line?
  • How do people get invited to a fashion show?
  • What are some lessons Carly has learned since her first show?
  • What is the craziest thing that has ever happened backstage?
  • What is the day after the show like for Carly?
  • What did Carly do after being nominated for the CFDA award?
  • How does Carly choose her colors?

 

Today’s Takeaway: 

One of the most popular ways that we express ourselves is through the clothing we wear. The women's wear fashion industry is estimated to bring in annual revenues of almost $900B! When you factor in the additional revenue for men and children’s wear, the annual revenue of the fashion industry will exceed THREE TRILLION DOLLARS! Currently the fashion industry employs more than 1.8 million people with an average hourly rate of slightly more than $25/hour. If a designer is fortunate enough to display their collection at a major fashion show, they are not only trying to make a positive impression for their peers and journalists, they are often looking for an audience to purchase their designs. For the consumer, having such a wide range of styles, colors, designs, and clothing options to choose from is not only a gift but it’s how we show our individuality. It’s how we define the image we present in public. For fashion designers, it’s not only their livelihood but it’s an expression of their artistic dreams and visions. These shows support an entire industry of people and allow them to share their cherished creations for the world to see. So for all of you designers, please keep dreaming and keep designing so we can all continue to enjoy the fruits of your amazing vision and be inspired by your designs. Remember that today is a gift and you make it what you want it to be! I’m Florine Mark and that’s “Today’s Takeaway.”



Quotes:

  • “People love fashion and people want to see what new young designers are doing.” - Carly
  • “Putting a show together really takes a village and it’s all about synchronizing a ton of people.” - Carly
  • “I love what I do, but I signed up for a really crazy job!” - Carly
  • “People want to wear what’s cool and new and be the best thing out there.” - Carly
  • “Every show is a little bit different and all I can do is my best.” - Carly
  • “I try to be better every day and I try to evolve every season.” - Carly
  • “It’s mayhem…it’s true mayhem! But the show must go on.” - Carly
  • “I’m a very good fixer.” - Carly
  • “There are some days that are tough, and there are some days that are great.” - Carly

 

Brought to You By:

Gardner White Furniture

 

Mentioned in This Episode: 

Puppets and Puppets Clothing Line

Puppets and Puppets on Instagram