Red Carter Summer 2007
Written by Yvette N. Coleman
Red Carter started a career in
swimwear fashion in Los Angeles after graduating
Otis/Parson School of Art and Design. In 1996
he was contacted by a large swimwear manufacturer,
Authentic Fitness, and asked to join their team
of designers and to create a new junior collection.
His experiences and knowledge gained at Authentic
Fitness were priceless - - from working with brands
such as Guess Jeans, Rampage, Mossimo, Oscar de
la Renta, which are all known for fit, form, and
detail. His use of these skills set him
apart from other swim companies.
It’s not easy being Red. His father called
the natural born redhead "red" everyday;
and now the brand that bares his moniker has become
a mainstay within the swimwear community.
This season his new collection is called Rockabilly
Debutante: “I used a lot of Vintage
treatments and fabrics for a very sweet look and
then took it really rock and roll with gold and
black and sexy solids... My girl is a saint during
the day and a devil at night," says Red.
“For me... the hottest items are the Monokini’s which means a one piece suit that is cut out in the middle to make it look like two pieces... I just love it when a new shape starts selling... trend wise... my hits have been, gold and black, antique ruffles on solids, and I always do great with nautical looks.”
“I am tired big name designers licensing
their names and creating swim categories. These
last few years the original designers are really
in a fight to stay alive... with the likes of
Juicy Couture, Michael Kors and Betsy Johnston
getting into the pool it makes it very hard
for a small label like mine to compete. But I
do hope that some day I can make sportswear just
like them - LOL.”
Carter’s collection is among the best in
the business with a great fit and sex appeal the
customers are sure to keep coming back for.
He refers to himself as the garage band of the
swimwear business.
For awareness Red believes the best advertisement
for him is one big show in Miami and Ocean Drive
“other than that we count on editorials
like this magazine to create an impression...
we have been very fortunate to be getting great
press on a very grass roots level. And I have
to be honest, there is nothing like discovering
the best kept secret.“
“I make great shit! The product
is contemporary with fashion trends. Also, quality
counts, my girl knows that the fabric came from
Italy because of the way it feels on her body
and that it has extra life lycra in it that
helps keep the color fastness. I also care - -
I meet my customers at the stores. I ask them
what works and does not work and I care...I guess
what sets me apart the most is my heart.”
Look for handbags and a sportswear collection
from Red Carter in the future due out this July:“I
am best when I make an item that people must have...
so... look for the bags in July... you are going
to go nuts!” says Red.
Words of wisdom from Red Carter:
“Well, I would say. That it is best
to learn from someone else like a big company
before you decide to start out on a road of manufacturing
a collection. I learned the most making
mistakes for other people, but I did have a few
hits along the way too. Patience is very important.
Pay attention to details, and listen
to your customers. They are always right.
Don’t forget to take a breath and get some
inspiration, inspiration can be as simple as a
walk in the park or as extravagant as a trip to
Paris. Don’t get yourself so busy
that you don’t take a minute to collect
your thoughts.
Be Original. Always.”
For more info: www.RedCarter.com
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