Fearless and a Good Sense of Style: Demestiks NYC by Reuben Reuel

APiF: Please introduce your business and your designs.
Reuben Reuel: I am the creative director and founder of Demestiks NYC by Reuben Reuel. I was born in Virginia Beach, moved 2007 to NYC and I launched my first women’s wear label in 2010. I am dedicated to provide contemporary, classic designs with a hint of vintage flair. The aesthetic of the label is finding fabrics that inspire creativity. The label’s initiative is to support domestic commerce by using fabrics, trims, notions, and production facilities in New York City in efforts to help preserving the Garment District. Demestiks NYC by Reuben Reuel strongly believes in its motto: “Live to create, create to live”. My latest collection is a whimsical, vibrant and colorful collection of flirty baby doll style dresses and magnificent feminine silhouette blouses. It features bold prints on authentic Holland Wax Cotton fabric in assorted hue combinations. A collection that re-introduces the joy of color and celebrates the spirit of African culture with a Western twist.

APiF:  If your label would be a person, what kind of person would it be?
Reuben: My label would be a fearless, courageous individual. A person with a colorful character and a good sense of style.

APiF: What inspires you?
Reuben: New York City, fabrics, textiles and colors are my main inspiration for designing. When I wake up in the morning and realize that I’m living my dream – it inspires me to continue to create. When I see women and men with great style, that also inspires me to create.

APiF: Which designer do you absolutely love?
Reuben: Yves Saint Laurent has always been my top favorite designer because he was the founder and creator of a majority of the styles we see today. More recently I have been inspired by and attracted to the works of Miuccia Prada. Her textiles and fabrics are quite amazing and she is never afraid to use color and mix prints.

APiF: How do you market your designs and how do you make them accessible to a global audience?
Reuben: Just two weeks ago I opened a shop through http://www.etsy.com and the response I have received has been unbelievable! I simply just promote through social media sites and through blogs such as this one. I also sell my collection on www.Edressme.com; which is were I sold my first collection in 2010

APiF: Any tips for new designers/start-ups in the fashion industry?
Reuben: Be persistent, be decisive and be creative! Talk to people in the industry and network as much as possible. Always be kind to others in the industry and always be willing to help when you can.

APiF: What is next?
Reuben: I am looking to work on a menswear collection…so stay tuned!

Find out more: 
e: http://www.etsy.com/shop/DemestiksNYC
s: http://www.edressme.com/demestiks-nyc.html