WHAT PROMPTED YOUR CAREER IN FASHION?
MARYKATE: At the age of seven my grandmother taught me how to sew. We started sewing on scrap fabrics then created pieces I could actually wear. I was always just super interested in the construction of a garment and it always came second nature to me. While attending Framingham State in their Fashion design program I really found my niche as a designer. I started off making women's dresses then fell in love with creating streetwear couture. I just always wanted to create something no one else had.
GRISELDA:I was always intrigued by art and I didn't know it till I got to college. I decided to take some art courses. That's when I realized I knew what I had to do. I was a maker. One summer I took a fashion class and I immediately fell in love. Framingham State is where MaryKate and I really picked up BlancoMaj.
WHICH PHOTOGRAPHER, DESIGNER OR MODEL WOULD YOU LIKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COLLABORATE WITH?
We would love to collaborate someday with our mentor David Josef. He really inspires us to create with our hearts and to make every piece with love. We think it would be really dope to see what we could come up with.
WHO INSPIRES YOU THE MOST IN FASHION?
We are super inspired by everything around us. Our Inspiration is really driven by what we love.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE CREATIVITY WITH COMMERCE?
.Our garments are one of one art pieces and creating them is a story in itself. We try not to allow money to be a barrier and to focus more on what we love to do. For whoever wears BlancoMaj we wish they are able to create their own stories within our garments..
WHAT KIND OF FEEDBACK HAVE YOU RECEIVED ON YOUR LATEST PROJECTS?
We have really been receiving some really positive feedback. But you also have the feedback that can only make you a better designer.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOU / YOUR BRAND IN 5 YEARS TIME?
We see ourselves having our own studio in Boston where we can connect with our community. We also see ourselves on vogue because it has always been a dream of ours.
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to get into the fashion industry?
Do what you love and let love guide you. If you have passion for the art of fashion trust your instincts and let it ignite you. If you are a designer wear your own designs to feel the magic of your clothing.
What is your opinion on the current state of fashion in Boston?
We feel like there are so many hidden gems within Boston and we feel it is growing and they are beginning to shine.
