Offering some of the most dreamy designs with bold colors and luscious fabrics, MEGMANSKI designs some of the most gorgeous pieces to have ever been featured on the runway. The designer behind MEGMANSKI, Meg Lemanski, sat down with our team to share the story behind the brand. Continue reading to get this exclusive look into the behind the scenes of MEGMANSKI.
Q: Tell us about your brand. What is the story behind your brand?
A: I have always in my heart been a designer. I had designed/created many of pieces over the years, but I just couldn’t figure out how to get to BE the designer in the fullest. I had just lost my son in May of 2020, and I had been trying to keep busy with my works. One day, I had a client come to me and tell me about Fashion Bar in Chicago. My daughter got into contact with CEO Tony Long and in a few weeks we came up with the name MEGMANSKI along with the website. We then showcased within 5 months my first collection at Chicago Fashion Week powered by Fashion Bar.
Q: What do you like most about being a designer? What are some of your favorite achievements?
A: I like being able to see my designs come to life on people, especially when I’m designing for specific models. You can see the personality in a lot of the outfits especially the gowns that I design. Every day is always an achievement, however being asked to go to Paris and Milan fashion week just days after my first showcase was one of my biggest achievements.
Q: Tell us about your new collection. What inspired this collection?
A: Most of my collections are inspired by my Filipino background. All of my collections are colorful and vibrant. I feel a lot of designers stick to the same color a lot of the time, but any time you see a full collection of mine, you see a rainbow. Anytime I see a rainbow I think of my late son, my drive to inspiration!
Q: On October 5th, 2022, your video of your new collection premiered on IDFW. What do you hope viewers take away from watching your video?
A: From an outsider’s perspective, I have been told that this video makes it look like anyone can wear my designs. You do not have to be a model, doesn’t matter how old you are, and it does not matter how they identify, whether they are male, female, trans, or whatever it may be. I am hoping that the viewers also see how inclusive my brand is to all individuals.
Q: What is your favorite part about participating in IDFW?
A: I like the idea of my brand to continuing to grow, which is why I chose to participate in IDFW. It was another unique growing and learning experience for myself and my team and we loved the final product of it!
Q: Where can our readers find more information about your brand and see more of your work?
A: Almost all of my works are featured on my website at megmanski.com and available to purchase. You can also follow my journey in the fashion world or see what I’m up to by following me on Instagram or Facebook @megmanski