Ana Segura, also known as Annie S, is a creative, passionate and dedicated fashion designer from New York. Throughout her career, she has created several beautiful articles of clothing, some of which have appeared on National Television on the Tyra Banks Show, as well as several fashion magazines. Some of the publications which showcase Annie S Intimates’ pieces include EXIT Magazine, Talent Motion Magazine, La Geneve, Intimate Apparel Business Magazine, Dominican Times Magazine, The Catwalk Magazine, El Nuevo Newspaper, and Body Magazine. Her designs have been worn on several runways, including the New York Fashion Week.
In this interview, Ana discusses her inspirations, visions, successes, and beginnings.
Image Credits:
Photographers (left to right)-Shannon Michelle, Debbi Rotkowite, Amy Dunn, Raiza Arroyo, Abdul Smith
Models-Vanessay Accey,Lupita and Erin, Diana Schnaidt (last 3 photos)
AVIVA: How long have you been a clothing designer?
ANNIE: I went to a vocational HS in NY for Fashion and then went on to college where I graduated with a Baccalaureate Degree in Science in Design and ever since I graduated in 2003, I knew I wanted to start to adventure on my own. I always believe to have a very clear view of what I wanted to accomplished and believe working for someone else would persuade my mind to see art through someone else vision, so I went ahead and started my first line under the then name Annie S. Limited as a sole proprietor. Now I have a couple of people on my team and 4 labels under my Brand Annie S. Intimates, LLC.
AVIVA: How did you get started with clothing design?
ANNIE: I learned how to sew at a very young age, it is a tradition in my family for the women to pass on their craft to their daughters. My grandmother taught my mom how to sew and crochet and my mom taught me. Growing up I did everything from ballet dancing, modeling, pianist even martial arts but never in a million years I believe the one thing that I would sit and do for hours become, what I consider today my passion and career.
I was once told by a wise professor, a job is what you do to pay for your bills. A career is what you can do for hours and enjoy the successes and challenges.
AVIVA: What excites you about designing?
ANNIE: My ability to remain unique and revolutionary, inspirations that come beauty and value from other cultures, historical time periods, ethnic traditions and everyday observations. When I create a line, is not just about the clothes, is about history, is about a story and all the pieces come together when to presented to the world. From the choice of venue, music and lighting I create an images of those times or places.
AVIVA: Do you have any designers that inspire you? If so, who?
ANNIE: Late Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood, are both very influential in me as a designer and artist. Their ability to create has always break the mold of what fashion means to retail now in days. Not allowing the norm to decide what art means them is why I one day loved to follow their footsteps and only wish to be just as great of a designer. Creative, Innovative, theatrical, and mind blowing.
AVIVA: Do you have any interesting/exciting/crazy photoshoot stories that you like to share?
ANNIE: Every time I have a shoot there is a story to tell. My photographers, models alike know that working with me is going on an adventure. One of my many favorite shoots was shooting in a old broken castle in NJ that’s been around since the 18th century and although there is not much left of the structure the feeling you get when you are standing in it, it’s as if you could go back in time and picture how it really was back in those days.
AVIVA: What do you believe has been your greatest accomplishment(s) in the fashion industry, and could you tell me more about it?
ANNIE: My signature collections. To know that I could express my way of thinking and art through my work and know that I have full control of my inspirations.
AVIVA: If you weren’t designing clothing, what else do you see yourself doing (other passions and interests here)?
ANNIE: I always wanted to incorporate pastry to the my world of fashion. I remember watching a runway show when I was 16 were great designers pieces like Oscar de la Renta and Coco Chanel designs were paired up with the most talented pastry chef to create these intricate designs entirely out of dark and white chocolate. I always have envisioned myself creating art through pastries.
AVIVA: If money/time were no object, where would you like fashion to take you?
ANNIE: I would love for fashion to take me on global journey, to learned from other cultures while been able to influence their own and when preparing to re-created to have the ability to capture each place I’ve visited through my work.
AVIVA: Do you have any additional comments?
ANNIE: Yes, I am very excited for my new collection and I hope is well received, please stay tuned for my upcoming fashion event during New York Fashion Week September 9th.
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It was a pleasure interviewing Annie about her career and artistic visions. She has talent beyond measure, and I hope she continues to succeed in the fashion industry.
You can see more of her work and updates on her website. You can also find Annie S Intimates on Facebook
Thank you,
Aviva
