Michelle Smith is the founder of Milly, the fashion brand that debuted its first collection in 2001. Before launching her own brand, Michelle spend years working at luxury fashion houses like Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Dior. The Milly collection embodies femininity, with contemporary edge. We loved the brand’s A/W’17 “FRACTURED” runway show, which consisted of menswear inspired silhouettes, intricate draping and stunning dresses and fabrics. The collection was personal, emotional and political all at the same time.We loved the fact that Michelle was wearing the ‘Fashion stands with Planned Parenthood’ badge, which was handed out by the CFDA during New York Fashion Week, and clearly resonates with the political statements she made within her show. MERCER7 had the opportunity to meet with Michelle backstage (after her young daughter adorably interviewed her mom!) and ask a few questions about her latest collection and what is the secret to balancing motherhood, family and a busy work life.
Please read our interview with Michelle Smith, follow her journey and take a look at her brand’s website HERE, to shop the latest collection.
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR A/W’17 COLLECTION?
I wanted it to be very easy to wear, I didn’t want my customer to feel intimidated by the beautiful fabrics. I tried to make it easy. The collection was called fractured, it is about feeling a little bit broken, and how do you find the beauty and the strength in that.
Believe in yourself. If you have the passion you can make it happen. You need to have that passion.
Michelle Smith, MILLY
YOU ARE OBVIOUSLY VERY BUSY, RUNNING YOUR OWN SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS AND BEING A MOTHER OF TWO. WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TO WORK/LIFE BALANCE?
Being an entrepreneur makes it a lot easier because I can choose my own schedule. It has definitely become easier now that my kids are in school during the day. It was really hard when they were young to find the right balance and the time.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE?
Michelle Obama wearing my clothes, she is my ultimate role model and she is wearing quite a bit of my designs.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR UP AND COMING DESIGNERS OUT THERE?
Believe in yourself. If you have the passion you can make it happen. You need to have that passion.
Website: MILLY.COM
Instagram: @MILLY
