Each week we will be highlighting one of the fabulous emerging designers from Phoenix Fashion Week 2017. This week, meet fashion designer Christine Adar Ammon, who defines her designs as “Alluring Glamour for Elegant Women.”
Hometown: Beloit, WI
First fashion job: Retail Sales/Bridal Consultant for a bridal store during college. I had no sales experience or knew anything about being a bride. Luckily retail sales came naturally to me and I rose to be the top producing sales rep within the first month and a half!
When did you know you had a passion for fashion: When I was a little girl and my grandma (a seamstress) would sew, I would take all her fabric scraps and make dresses for my Barbies even when I didn’t know how to sew yet.
Person who has impacted your life the most: My father has impacted my life the most. He has always been my biggest supporter and always, always let me make my own choices on what to do with my life and who I want to be. He helps me see the good in bad situations and learn that mistakes just bring you closer to your successes. When I gave up a successful career in the finance industry to pursue a career in fashion, he was right behind me cheering me on and helping me stay sane as I struggled thru the beginning pitfalls of being a starving artist. My father has always been there for me when I needed him most. I am beyond blessed with my parents and all their love and support. And my mother is my second most important influence in my life.
Your biggest fashion accomplishment in your eyes: My biggest fashion accomplishment was going back to school for my second Bachelor’s degree (in Fashion this time), computing 2 ½ hours each way everyday, and then graduating with honors. Everyone said I shouldn’t give up a successful career in finance for fashion. They said fashion was worthless and wouldn’t pay the bills. Well…It’s fabulous to be able to do what you love everyday. It is a “struggling artist” type of career when you start out but over time things just start to happen if you work hard enough. I couldn’t be happier!
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: Honestly this is not one I share with many people but it has molded me into the woman I am today. My biggest obstacle was having my 15 years of marriage (23 year relationship since high school) come to an end when my then husband realized he was gay. Many people have asked… and yes, it was a complete shock to me. He was my world, the support I always leaned on and my best friend. It was an extremely difficult struggle to get thru that time period and I didn’t feel like designing for a few years. Slowly with my family and friends cheering me on, the creativity came back and now I can’t create things fast enough at times. I learned that I am stronger than I ever knew possible and I can stand on my own thru anything that life throws me. I decided not to let the devastation ruin me or take my passions away from me. I choose to not be bitter but to let it push me in a new direction that was just about me and my dreams. And I am happy to say that all things happen for a reason and we can learn from life’s curve balls. I learned that he is still the same best friend he has always been and I am still the same creative woman I always was. We have remained very good friends and support each other in all the opportunities that come our way and relationships we have with other people. While it was a really difficult time period, I didn’t let it consume me, I used it to climb out of the pitfall life threw at me and push myself to be a better and more compassionate person. I believe that has shaped me into the person I am today and drives me to become as successful as possible.
A Designer who inspires you: Marchesa (Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig) Marchesa was established in 2004 and has become a household name on the lips of anyone talking about stunning red-carpet gowns. They have gorgeous fabrics and beautiful draping. Not only are they extremely successful for such a young company but they continue, season after season, to make elegant couture evening gowns worn on the red-carpet by all of the Hollywood elite.
Favorite quote: “I can’t think about that right now. If I do, I’ll go crazy. I’ll think about that tomorrow.” Margaret Mitchell, Gone With the Wind
Advice to someone pursuing a career in fashion as a designer: Image is everything when it comes to your brand and garments. The product you put out should be well thought out, well constructed and look as professional as possible. There is always another eager young designer waiting in the wings to take your place if you don’t polish the look of your garments or your brand. Don’t fall short or cut corners. Someone else will look better if you don’t always put 110% into the image of your brand and garments.
Favorite piece you have ever designed: Black beaded gown from the last year.
For more information about Christine Adar, visit christineadar.com.
If you would like to attend Phoenix Fashion Week 2017, you can purchase tickets here: bit.ly/PHXFW2017FABAZ. Use promo code FABAZ for a $20 gift card good towards any seat (not applicable towards standing room tickets).