While most 20 something year old girls are still trying to find out what they want to do with their lives, Mariel and Lauren Armstrong from Vancouver have accomplished what most wish they could in a lifetime. The Armstrong sisters from Vancouver are proud designers of PARTYSKIRTS, which has skyrocketed its way to success since it began a few years ago. The concept was simple, versatile and beautiful—elements that are integral in any successful collection. Their recent feature and new collection with Teen Vogue have now opened them up to a whole new market internationally.
We took some time out to ask Mariel and Lauren some key questions on their journey and how they navigated within the competitive fashion market. We’ve also chosen our 5 favorite PARTYSKIRTS for this season in The Edit gallery.
Q: Tell us the story of PARTYSKIRTS and what continues to inspire you when you design.
A: PARTYSKIRTS happened really organically for us. A few years ago we had our mom whip out the sewing machine to create some items we felt were missing from our wardrobes. She made us a few different items but the star item she helped us make was the PARTYSKIRT. After making a few changes to the waist band and construction the PARTYSKIRT was born! We started to wear them out together. We would have girls crowded around us asking where we got our skirts. From there we both worked away at our own schooling and careers and sat down about a year ago and looked at eachother and we both agreed we needed to give PARTYSKIRTS a chance to be a business.
Our customers consistently inspire us. They are really want keep us going. They are so supportive and it is so rewarding and exciting every time we see a girl in a PARTYSKIRT or hear a story about her amazing experience in the skirt.
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Q: You've traveled and studied all around North America including NY and LA. You even landed a job at Hermes, Burberry and Lululemon. Why did you choose to come back to Vancouver instead of staying in NY to launch the brand?
A: We actually both ended up back in Vancouver due to our US Visas expiring but it was the best thing that could have happened to us. We know that starting our company in Vancouver has been so important to our success. Everyone has been so supportive and I don’t think we would be where we are today if we had started PARTYSKIRTS in any other city.
Q: What were 3 lessons you took from your past jobs, internship and education that every aspiring girl looking to get into the fashion industry should know?
A: - Never give up.
- Anything is possible.
- Follow your dream.
Q: You've put a twist on something classic and made it youthful, fun and functional. In what direction do you see PARTYSKIRTS heading towards for future collections?
A: It’s only going to get more exciting and fun. We launched with our one length only making skirts in solids. We have now expanded and have two lengths the lady length and the classic. We are also obsessed with doing prints now. We recently collaborated with Teen Vogue and designed a 6 piece capsule collection. Two of the prints we used we had custom made. This is something we are going to continue doing and we are so excited about it! We also now have PARTEESHIRTS! They are such a fun extension of our brand. They are so playful and are the perfect piece to wear with your PARTYSKIRT.
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Q: It's difficult for fashion designers to break through. What do you think are some qualities that helped you succeed?
A: We weren’t trying to come into the market as the next big cutting edge designers. We are real girls who created something for other real girls. We wanted a product that made girls feel amazing and confident. We see PARTYSKIRTS being the next Little Black Dress. But it’s more functional then a Little Black Dress because your PARTYSKIRT can be dressed up and down so easily.
Q: Describe your typical day.
A: E-mails, e-mails and more e-mails. 90% of our business is done over email, as most are these days. We respond to every customer email personally. We also currently do all our own shipping, production and planning for future projects! No two days are the same!
For our 5 favorite PARTYSKIRTS this season, click here.
Amy Yew is a contributing columnist at Vancouver Courier and a fashion and style writer. She is also a Lucky Magazine community contributor. Tell us what you think and submit any questions you have to [email protected]. You can also tweet your thoughts @AmyYew.
