Artful Accessories : DeNada

I have noticed a revamp in fall fashion accessories. Trendsetters start swapping necklaces for infinity scarves and rings for fingerless gloves to create a new fall look. Functional extras are becoming more fashionable and art inspired. As we all know, I love the arts so De Nada’s exquisite knit accessories is a line I had to learn more about . Beautiful knit scarves, gloves, cowls, and beanies in warm colors ready to be paired with good denim and a cute tee are quite appealing. Style is in the details, and this brand definitely makes that their focus. Allow me to introduce to you Virginia Arrisueño, the beautiful mind, behind DeNada.

HH: Tell us about yourself, when did you know designing was your calling?
VA: When I was in college, I focused almost exclusively on fiber art. I graduated with the dream of being an artist. However a few years after graduation, my focus changed and I decided to change my career path.

I always had a strong interest for design and business. So one day, I took the plunge and started my own company. At first, I began designing handbags and t-shirts, which later led to designing knit accessories. I always had an obsession for knits. And, since I had focused on textile art in college, the transition from handbags to knit accessories was seamless and felt natural.

HH: How does your Peruvian heritage influence your line?
VA:I get a lot of my inspiration from my Peruvian heritage. My parents are from Peru, and they immigrated to the United States during the 1970’s. I’m first generation and grew up on the east coast. Since we have family in Lima, we would always travel to Peru to visit them.

I’ve always been fascinated by Peru’s traditions, and am constantly inspired by its art and culture. When I am in Peru, visiting galleries and markets is a must. I love checking out what girls and guys are wearing on the streets, and I’m always taking mental notes of what I find interesting.

As a designer, my goal is to somehow translate what I see and how I feel through my collection; however, still maintaining my own aesthetic.

HH: Why did you choose accessories over apparel?
VA: I love accessories, and I really enjoy designing knit accessories. I am overall obsessed with knits. Since I studied fiber art in college, I feel like the design process for knitwear just comes to me a lot more naturally than anything else.

HH: What is your favorite part of building your own brand?
VA: I love being my own boss and I love being able to express myself creatively everyday. Though owning your own business requires a lot of time and sacrifice, to me it is so worth it. I love what I do, and every aspect of my business.

HH: Where do you find inspiration?
VA:I find inspiration everywhere. I always keep my eyes and ears open for anything that catches my attention.

When I sketch, the type of music I listen to is very important. Lately, I’ve been listening to Dustin O’Halloran and Ólafur Arnalds. Though their music can be described as dark, I find their compositions absolutely beautiful and inspiring.

When I am out and about, I make sure to have my camera (aka, my iPhone) with me. I am always observing what and who is around me. I make sure to snap photos here and there to record what I love and what I find interesting. My latest photo obsessions are alleyways, tops of old buildings, and things I guess most people wouldn’t find at all interesting or beautiful.

I also find inspirations from magazines and from online. My sketchbook is full of magazine clippings with my notes detailing what caught my attention and why.

HH: What are you working on for the fall season?
VA: In just a few days, we are about to debut our new autumn and winter collection for 2012, along with new look book photos and video. The new collection includes simple, yet timeless knit pieces for both women and men.

In addition to the launch of our new collection, we just finished rebranding DeNada’s identity and revamping our online site. DeNada’s new identity mirrors the look, feel, and maturity of my current collections. More importantly, our new identity represents the new direction of my company. I am in love with the new logo’s simplicity and its sophisticated design. Both will launch online at the start of September.