Fashion has been apart of every girls life since she can remember… always needing the additional outfits for our Barbie Dolls to trying to create her signature look. Some girls even go as far as sowing and trying their hand at designing, and Jasmine Elder is one of them. She’s had a love for fashion since she can remember and she has turned it into more than a dream- it is now Jibri.
Jibri is Jasmine’s plus size clothing line that is international. It is designed for the strong, yet feminine, woman who is sophisticated and glamorous, curvy and also confident. Check out the interview I did with Jasmine- she speaks about starting her business, the challenges of fashion today and the things that every upcoming designer should know.
What inspired you to get into fashion?
I can’t really pinpoint the actual thing that inspired my interest in fashion. My Parents and Grandmother were always chic so that probably had something to do with it. I often feel it from my spirit so I’ll take that as inspiration from God.
How long have you had your own line?
JIBRI has been in operation since 2006 although I’ve been making clothes in some capacity since I was a little girl.
What influences your designs?
I’m heavily influenced by music, art, vintage cinema, underground culture and iconic female figures.
What skills are most important to be a designer?
I would say fabric knowledge, an understanding of shape, structure and an appreciation for construction.
Most famous fashion designer you’ve met?
The most IMPORTANT designer I ever met was Jibri Mann from Atlanta. He taught me so much and inspired the line that I design today. He wasn’t famous but he was huge to me.
What advice do you have for aspiring designers?
Go with your gut. I always tell young designers that the things that make them different are the things that will make them great. All art comes from personal instinct. You MUST follow your own. You can never be Calvin Klein or Marc Jacobs. They are already themselves!
If you could do anything else, a different career, what would it be?
Maybe a teacher, but I’d definitely be the weird colorful teacher. My classroom would be filled with a bunch of glittery knick knacks and I’d have the kids reading Dostoyevsky in the 5th grade.
What is your work flow? Do you design every day? Take time off between lines?
I try my best to work 9-5 but that usually turns into 4 am until I can’t see anymore. I release seasonal lines 3 times a year (Spring, Fall and Holiday) with a few off season pieces in between. I usually work on
each season for about 2 months so those are the hard months. I dream dresses though so I have piles of sketches everywhere. I save them up and when they make sense I’lI make them. I try to take 2 full weeks off a year but the last 3 years have not permitted that. Soon though.
Tell me who your line is for?
JIBRI is designed for the strong yet feminine, sophisticated and glamorous curvy woman. This woman is also confident. She knows who she is so there is no dress that can ever outshine her. She compliments my designs, Knot the other way around.
Why?
Designing for plus size women just made sense to me. I was my first customer. I’ve been designing and making clothes since I was a young girl, but decided to actually start a line when I realized that the type of clothes I wanted weren’t available off the rack. I’d made my own clothes for so long (not the crazy costumes you may remember from high school). I really never shopped for clothes, only accessories. When I started working full time, I didn’t have time to make everything. When I went shopping I was disappointed big time. A whirlwind of events lead me back to my sewing machine after an almost 10 year break and I started the line.
Where can your line be found?
JIBRI is currently carried in 10 boutiques in the U.S., 2 in Canada, 2 in Australia and 1 in Sweden. I also have a web boutique where pieces from all my collections are available. A list of the boutiques can be found on my website.
What is your favorite fabric?
I love natural fabrics. My favorite would be anything with a silk base I think.
Do you ever second guess your designs?
Of course I do! I have a couple of people who reel me back in from time to time.
Worst current fashion trend?
In general , all trends. I hate seeing groves of people who all look alike. BUT, I must say the specific trend that makes me itch is shorts. I just never really liked shorts. They remind me of tourists in amusements parks and there is nothing fashionable about that. Plus it’s a trend that contains so many red lights like wearing daytime fabric and/or cuts in the evening, wearing the correct undergarments and of course ignoring your body type.
What was the hardest part when you started your own line?
MONEY! LOL. The designs are the easy part. I’ve been blessed to gain recognition from media without the same financial baseboard that some bigger designers have. Sometimes I get calls from people and places and think I’m being punked because I would’ve never thought they would’ve heard of me yet.
What is your ultimate career goal?
I hope to be able to solidify JIBRI as a globally recognizable boutique brand for the glamorous, sophisticated and highly fashionable curvy woman.
www.jibrionline.com
www.jibrionline.etsy.com
Thanks Jasmine! Great interview! XOXO
Pictures of Jibri line are from the Jibri website! Picture of Jasmine working is from Miss Chastity Garner’s Curvy Girl’s Guide to Style! Great site Check it out! Love her!
Wow, those dresses are FIERCE!!!!
She has some fun and flirty dresses, love! xoxo