Design pictures courtesy of Melanie Andujar
By Sean Tuohy
I’ll be the first to admit this: I know nothing about fashion.
My go-to outfit is a black t-shirt, jeans, and used Chucks, which is why I was surprised when I was drawn to a line of costumed designer t-shirts from Revision Apparel.
Started in New York City by Melanie Andujar, the fashion company features eye-catching designs with a personal touch.
I was lucky enough to chat with Melanie about her designs, her future, and the finer points of fashion.
Sean Tuohy: When did you know you wanted to make fashion your passion?
Melanie Andujar: Around 8 years old. My parents would leave me at my grandmother’s house where she had a chair full of buttons from her years working at a sewing factory. She taught me how to sew and I would make garments out of her loose ends of fabric in the house or practice on a paper towel. After making all my creations I would have my sister Stephanie Andujar model them in front of the family.
She was eager to wear my creations since she was only 6 year old at the time and was proud of her big sister. She is my biggest fan and I am hers.
ST: Who or what influenced you?
MA: I would say all the 1980s or 1990s movies my sister and I watched that focused on fashion. Movies like the Euro-wardrobe scenes in “National Lampoons European Vacation” (the Chevy Chase version), “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead,” “Pretty in Pink,” “Mannequin,” “Sabrina,” “Pretty Woman”...the list goes on and on. I would say film and television played a big role in both my life, as well as my sister’s, growing up as 80s babies.
ST: Where did the idea for Revision Apparel come from?
MA: I would have to say my years working as an assistant for Roca Wear. Every time we pitched an idea to sales, they pretty much went with a lot of original designs later on after many "revisions." The word was said so often, I thought it would sound good on a pair of jeans or a brand. Changing fashion, making it as your own.
We'll take 10, please and thank you.
ST: As far as being a designer, what was your goal with Revision Apparel?
MA: My goal is to offer graphics and apparel that are fashion forward, trendy, and inspirational.
ST: What does Urban Chic mean?
MA: Having a mix of both worlds. Being able to cross urban apparel with a touch of chic fashion. For example, pair our graphic tee and leather pencil skirt, throw on some high strapped heels with a gold chain, and you’re urban chic!
ST: What is your creative process when designing a new shirt?
MA: My most creative ideas are created at night with a pair of head phones good music, tuning out the world. I trend research at the same time to have find out what's in the market. I use Adobe Illustrator, and sometimes Photoshop, to turn my ideas into a t-shirt brand.
ST: What does the future hold for Revision Apparel?
MA: Brand expansion and becoming a household name as a well-established couture line.
ST: What advise do you give to others thinking about following in your footsteps?
MA: Don't give up and stay motivated. There are many resources out there to become a fashion designer or graphic artist. Stay positive.
ST: Can you tell us one random fact about yourself?
MA: I won an art award in 1993 for a Heal the World art contest run by Michael Jackson.
To learn more about Melanie Andujar, follow her on Twitter @Melanie_Andujar.