Who Else Wants to Be a Successful Fashion Designer?

Last month you read about Fashion Designer, Tieler James and last week, Megan Kowal with Mermania Swimwear . So today I ask the question, “who else wants to be a successful fashion designer?”

The answer …

Lauren Ashley Dufilho with Dufilho Authentic

Lauren is only 18 years old, but has always known that fashion was her calling. At the age of 6 she drew up little sketches in notebooks and scanned through the fashion sections of her mother’s magazines. 

She said, “Watching That’s So Raven and True Jackson VP always kept me inspired to pursue my dreams, even though the characters were fictional.”

At 9, she learned how to sew. Starting off with curtains and an apron, she eventually began to make skirts and dresses. Then, in middle school, she had her first disaster.

“I made pajamas that turned out way too big, You could fit about 3 people in them. Believe me, we measured it.”

Her freshman and sophomore year of high school, she worked for her Fashion teacher (in Illinois)  doing alterations.  She learned many useful sewing skills that have helped her with her current alteration business. After moving back to Fairhope, AL, she offered,

“At 17, with motivation from my fashion teacher (the fabulous Mrs. Bernasconi from Fairhope) I signed up for Mobile Fashion Week and was the youngest person to show.”

Now at 18 she has shown 12-outfit collections on two different occasions during Mobile Fashion week. Lauren is a busy young lady. She does alterations, is majoring in graphic design and creates custom orders for her clients. She designs Halloween costumes, homecoming and prom dresses, Mardi Gras attire, and has plans to expand the brand Dufilho Authentic. She is looking forward to sharing her designs in various fashion shows across the South and eventually all around the world.

Who Else Wants to Be a Successful Fashion Designer?

Lauren offers, “There aren’t nearly enough creative outlets in the south-Alabama area for fashion designers. I’m so honored to be a part of introducing other aspiring fashion designers to the opportunities in this area. I want to inspire people to follow their dreams and believe that anything is possible if you work hard for it. Here I am at 18, running my own business while working and going to college. I still have so much more to achieve. Without the support of so many family members, teachers, friends, and kind strangers I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today.

 

In fashion, Lauren is inspired by Coco Chanel. She believes that Coco’s timeless, classy pieces are staples that should be in every woman’s closet. In life, she is inspired not just by people, but beautiful things in general.

“A woman wearing a dress and red lipstick wherever she goes; a flower as it blooms amongst the weeds. The different colors and angles of nature. Sunsets splashing colors across the sky.”

 

Inspiration is everywhere, as she has already begun the designing process for next years’ collection in Mobile Fashion Week. 

“I love the sunsets. Nothing can compare to watching sunsets across Mobile Bay. The bright, fire-like colors splashing across the sky are what I live for. I also love the white sand beaches, warm weather, southern accents, architecture, and live oak trees that you see in the South.”

Her favorite southern saying is “Kiss my grits, darlin’!

Her mom’s recipe for key lime pie is her all-time favorite southern recipe. She shared, “It never fails to bring smiles at every big event.”  

My guess would be that Lauren brings a few of those smiles to every event herself.

For more information, contact Lauren at dufilhoauthentic@gmail.com. She is also available to design your “Ugly Christmas Sweater” if you need one next year. Photography by Matt Gates.