Today we’d like to introduce you to Connie Roberson.
Hi Connie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was introduced to fashion while I was working as a model for Elite models. I worked all over the world. When I was in LA, I spent a lot of time working with different designers. I was always interested in the details of the design…fabric, how a garment was made etc. I was intrigued and had an idea to start a white shirt line. I talked about it for a couple of years.
A good friend of mine said to me one day…Why don’t you just do it! I took her advice and made a line of five white shirts. From there, I used the same bodies in silk. The silk was popular, so I expanded. Each season I added new designs. I have been in business now for 20 years. I work in a number of fabrications. Silk, cotton, linen, viscose, and assorted sheer embroidered fabrics. My target market is women over 50. I make both upscale casual looks as well as dressy garments for events such as Mother of the Bride. Our price points are better as every garment is made in house in Marina del Rey…I should add…with a lot of love and talent. 🙂 Now in the heat of Covid, I have been forced to think outside of the box. I started a pajama line as well as started producing a number of different accessories. Our Face masks have been a lifesaver during this period. (They have also been a lot of creative fun to make)
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like most business, it has not always been a smooth road. I use to contract everything out to factories in LA. I had numerous problems with quality and timing of things being made. At one point, I decided to bring my production in house. It was a tough financial move. In the end, it proved positive. Coming up with new things season after season has always been a challenge. One day realized many of the styles I work with are continually current. Changing the type of fabric on these pieces makes them new again. There are several styles in my line I have been showing for over ten years. I have gotten into trouble in a few instances for trying to be something I am not…trying to be too contemporary, appealing to a market that is not who I represent. I had to understand if it’s not broken…why try to fix it! We make items for Women! Real Women 50’s,60’s,70’s and up! We love them and want to offer them pretty, quality items!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I think the main thing that sets me apart is our focus on pretty fabrics. We offer the same fabrics as couture designer. Because we are a small company, our price points are immensely less…still better, but not couture price points. We also focus on women who like pretty classic pieces that are fashionable. We use many of the same patterns…in different fabrications. You may have a dressy top that can also be made in a pretty printed linen. Women like to know what kind of fit they are getting. Once you purchase a Connie Roberson top, you are set with the true fit!
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Ugh! I have learned to think outside of the box. Creating products for the Covid time. Pajamas, a new…more casual cotton shirt line as well as facemasks are part of the outcome. We are still here! These new products have been instrumental in continuing the Connie Roberson brand. I am grateful for them.
Pricing:
- 138.00 t0 378 retail
Contact Info:
- Email:Â [email protected]
- Website:Â connieroberson.com
- Instagram:Â connierobersonclothing
- Facebook:Â Connie Roberson Clothing
