Style Scoop Q&A: Dinesh Chandrasena
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FIDM Fashion Design Grad
Dinesh Chandrasena designed the sparkling gowns worn by Miss California and the new Miss America, Michigan's Kristen Haglund, in the latest Miss America pageant. He dressed Dame Julie Andrews in The Princess Diaries and Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality and he designed gowns for Halle Berry and Cindy Crawford. Dinesh, a featured designer in FIDM's Annual Debut Fashion Show in his graduating year ('96), has been designing for Los Angeles-based company Claire's Collection since 1997 (pictured: a dress from Claire' Collection, bottom left). Read on to find out about what inspires this busy designer and get details on his typical workday! --Kim
What are your top sources of inspiration:
Premiere Vision (Paris), vintage movies, travel, the ballet
Describe a typical day:
Check my mail, discuss appointment's with my assistant designer Richard Vasquez, check on my new sketches for the collection etc.
What are some of your greatest accomplishments?
Dressing Dame Julie Andrews in The Princess Diaries, being at the same company for 11 years, and being content with all that I have been blessed with!
Biggest challenge of your job:
Doing only floor length beaded gowns for the past 11 years, and still keeping the collections fresh!
What are some trends you're loving right now (particularly those that might impact Prom 2008)?
Color, color, and more color! Flirty and sassy styling that takes high fashion with a touch of high street style!
Do you have a style icon? If so, who is it and why?
Queen Rania of Jordan (pictured at right on the cover of Vanity Fair). She manages to be completely appropriate at any event. Couture to galas, and amazingly tailored luxe chic for day to day activities. She is the epitome of elegance and youthful joie de vivre!
What do you love most about your career?
The ability to do what I absolutely love, and the satisfaction of seeing my creations on some amazing women.
The one skill you couldn't do your job without:
Beyond my design ability, this job requires amazing PR skills!
What was it like designing for FIDM's Debut Fashion Show?
Unforgettable! Mary Stephens steered us through a program that gave me the opportunity to be part of a fantastic fashion event, which was a super launching pad for my career.
The ultimate accessory is: A sincere smile!
Anything else to add? Be true to what you are passionate about... if you love designing avant-garde, don't start working in kids wear! Be persistent...Don't take no for an answer in pursuing your dreams. Know that this is an industry that can be very rewarding, and take any criticism with panache, and move on!! The learning process never ends in a design career, so constantly keep yourself updated on industry-related trends etc.
Hi Dinesh, keep up the good work. I love the blue dress!
Darshi
Posted by: Darshi | March 05, 2008 at 06:24 PM
Dinesh,
You are a very inspirational person. I love the energy that you possess. Your work is amazing and I can't wait to see more.
Posted by: Christine La | January 31, 2009 at 01:21 AM
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