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FeedQ&A with Erin Habes, Buffalo's fashion maven
Luke Copping
You might not have heard the name Erin Habes before, but if you are a Buffalonian with any interest in fashion, you have likely felt her influence. Habes has had tremendous impact on the emerging Buffalo fashion scene, both as a consultant and through her organization of the area's two hottest runway shows.
We're delighted that Erin will be blogging here on BuffaloSpree.com every Tuesday and Thursday, and since we thought you might like to know a little more about her, we asked her to answer a few questions about her background and point of view. Click over on Thursday for her fun fashion gift guide, assembled from a recent night out on Elmwood.
Buffalo Spree: Where are you from?
Erin Habes: Born and raised in the Village of Williamsville!
BS: Have you ever lived elsewhere?
EH: The second I was able to get out of Buffalo and experience the world, I did! I moved to the best city on earth, New York. I’ve also lived in Siena, Italy while studying abroad my sophomore year.
BS: When did you discover your passion for fashion?
EH: I have grown up with amazing influences, especially my great aunts, Agnes, Priscilla, Vera, and Gladys. They all have epic names with impeccable wardrobes to match.
BS: Describe your personal sense of fashion as a teenager?
EH: My style in the 90s is best be summed up by the iconic television show, My So Called Life. I was a little into grunge, but was also one step ahead of the trends. Hush puppies, jellies, big hats, oversized blazers—I had so much fun getting dressed for school.
BS: Does your love for color, texture and design translate to other non-fashion aspects of life?
EH: It’s what I breathe! I always say that if I hadn’t gone into the fashion industry, I would have been an interior designer or makeup artist, for color and texture alone. I really bring my design aesthetic into every facet of my life.
BS: How would you describe your fashion-related work experience?
EH: My career started with working at local boutiques like Tricia’s, Jacqueline Shoppe, Shoefly, and Half & Half during my college years. After graduating from Buffalo State College with a degree in Merchandising I moved to NYC and began working for a trendy footwear company called Farylrobin. I was the East Coast sales rep and traveled the country. After awhile, I moved back to Buffalo and opened Sweet & Dirty, a women's clothing and candy boutique. But my desires were bigger than four walls. I now own a consulting business which produces the Elmwood Village fashion event, Mass Appeal, and Buffalo State College's Runway series. I’m also in my fourth year as a teacher with Buffalo State’s Fashion Program. It’s so gratifying to see the light bulbs going off above these kids heads. My life has really come full circle and I’m honored to give back to my alma mater and community.
BS: Where do you see Buffalo's fashion scene--some pros and cons, maybe?
EH: In the past 5 years I feel that Buffalo’s fashion scene has come a long way. People tend to be more conscious of what they are wearing then they used to be. I think the youth of the city—and their awareness of trend—is trickling up.
BS: In terms of fashion, what are some things you think WNY could do to rise to the top and become the next chic hot spot, following on the tails of Austin, Portland or Brooklyn?
EH: It really starts with embracing the community of designers and boutiques. They’re the ones putting everything on the line and we need to support them.
BS: As members of the community, what can we do to support the rising local fashion industry?
EH: It’s about being a sustainable community and spending money at our locally owned businesses. The consumer’s thought process needs to evolve. We need to take the time to learn about the local fashion industry. Also, attending fashion events, like Mass Appeal, Runway, and more will open many people’s eyes to something they likely never thought existed here.
BS: Which local designers should we be on the look out for?
EH: My favorites are Aella, Anatomy, Clementiny clothing, Holly Hue, and Morgen Love. Each of these lovely ladies is unique, talented, and has the necessary drive to succeed.
BS: What is the one must-have clothing item for this winter?
EH: One favorite trend for winter 2010 is the cape or poncho….belt it or let it flow.
BS: What can Spree readers expect from your Tuesday and Thursday columns on Spree.com?
EH: An interesting approach to our local fashion scene and beyond! I’ll be profiling stylish individuals, showing the inner workings of Buffalo designers, examining fashion and beauty trends, exposing creatives and their living/work spaces, and highlighting local fashion events.
