CMH Partner Spotlight: Melody Amy Minagar
Fashion Designer “PROVERBiAL COUTURE”, CMH T-shirt Designer
Last fall, Children Mending Hearts (CMH) was lucky to be introduced to a very talented designer and artist who has as much passion about giving back as she does about her fashion label. Melody Amy Minegar, a fashion designer and owner of the label PROVERBiAL COUTURE, donated her talent and original artwork to help CMH create incredible t-shirt designs representing the organization’s 2012 partnership with the internationally renowned Breeders’ Cup World Championships horse race. CMH’s association with the Breeders Cup 2012 at Santa Anita Park was an incredible opportunity for CMH to receive recognition on an international level and share our mission. The t-shirts that Melody designed for CMH were not only selling out on-site at the weekend event but were also available to buy online. It was an amazing event and unparalleled exposure for all involved. CMH is thrilled to have collaborated with such a generous and skilled designer and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for her young apparel line that is already offering fabulous fashion must-haves. See below for CMH’s brief Q&A with Melody discussing her passion for fashion, charity, and starting her own design label. We are so excited to work with Melody on future CMH design projects as well!
CMH: Why did you want to become a fashion designer?
MAM: I became a fashion designer because I was an artist who best expressed my creativity through fabric. Clothing and designing were always productive outlets for me growing up.
CMH: What are you inspired by on the creative side of the business?
MAM: I am most inspired by abstract and expressionist works of art, old Hollywood and music of various genres from around the world.
CMH: Are there any teachers, classes, educational experiences from your past that you felt were influential in encouraging you to pursue a career in fashion design?
MAM: Every class that did not involve creativity encouraged me to find outlets and a career path to express it instead. I always knew I was drawn to subjects and activities that let me express myself creatively, so I guess it was a natural path that I eventually found my passion in fashion design.
CMH: Where did the name PROVERBiAL COUTURE come from?
MAM: Proverbial Couture came from my love of words and metaphorical sayings, but I believe there are so many interpretations. I want Proverbial to be known for positive action. So when the name came to me it seemed appropriate as the label to represent the clothes I create and what I want the style to express.
CMH: How has the journey been so far starting your own apparel line and what are some of the challenges you have faced?
MAM: Starting any business from the ground up is difficult, especially at 21 years old. I am fortunate to have mentors and support in all aspects from business to the fashion industry. Like anything else, I learn as I go, make my own moves and follow my heart in hopes of reaching my goals and making my dreams come true.
CMH: Why is giving back and making charity part of your business so important to you?
MAM: I know my involvement in Children Mending Hearts improves the lives of countless children, gives them what they can’t give themselves and encourages them to give to others. It’s important for a child to be given food and shelter, just as it’s important for a child to be given love, guidance, the opportunity to learn, freedom to dream, and the tools to set and accomplish goals in their future. I don’t want to simply exist in the world I want to take action in improving it.
SEE MORE: www.pvbcouture.com
FOLLOW MELODY & PVB COUTURE:
Twitter: @pvbcouture @persianmelody
