Designer Spotlight: AprilMarin

April Bukofser and Marin Milio, AprilMarin

As much as I love the latest trends, there is a certain comfort in knowing that there are designs that never go out of style, the classics. It’s the little black dress, or the simple clean silhouettes Jackie O or Grace Kelly used to love. It is these classic outfits that are at the core of AprilMarin line started by April Bukofser and Marin Milio in 2007. What makes these two designers unique is that the clothes are all custom made based on each client’s measurements submitted on their website. So not only do you pick the style and color, you get the outfit made to fit you perfectly. This is a rarity, since it’s close to impossible to find clothes that universally fit all women even of the same size. April and Marin are dedicated to the classic styles, yet they add new twists to each collection. Below is my interview with this custom powerhouse design duo.

What made you create this brand a little over 3 years ago?

As women ourselves we understand the importance of a perfect fit. We initially researched other women’s custom clothing companies and realized that there were no other contemporary clothing designers offering high quality designer custom made garments…and so AprilMarin was born.

Why did you decide to work together?

We met in a marketing class at Pace University and instantly hit it off! With a fashion design background (April) and marketing background (Marin)- we have a perfect combination!

What are the biggest advantages of custom made clothing?

The biggest advantages of custom-made clothing are that you can literally customize every inch of the garment. From the dress length to the sleeve length – it is truly amazing! The AprilMarin design team designs all of the AprilMarin pieces. We are fashion designers that are able to tailor our designs to different body types. AprilMarin gives customers the option of submitting all of their measurements as well as picking their fabric and lining colors. Our customers really enjoy choosing their colors as it makes the design to fit their individual style.

How do you avoid the issue of needing to try things on before they are finalized?

We offer on our website a very detailed measuring guide that walks customers through the measuring process. When measurements are submitted we go over them very carefully to ensure they look correct. If there looks like a problem we get back to the customers until we have it correct. We find that customers know their body best and it is best to measure yourself.

Is there an item of clothing you think every woman should have, aside from the little black dress?

A great cape! The AprilMarin Liberty Cape is a classic that will stay in your wardrobe for decades. It is easy to throw and looks great with so many outfits including jeans and a tee!

What do you see as the biggest fashion trends for Spring 2011?

We really don’t follow trends. We believe in investing in classic clothing pieces and using shawls, wraps, scarves and other great accessories to add some trends to your style.

Where do you draw your inspiration recently?

We design after classic icons like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O. These icons always wore clean lines, which gave them a simple elegance, which is timeless and memorable. We like to add contemporary twists, like ruffle sleeves, or a peterpan collar to our simple clean lines. At AprilMarin we aim to design timeless pieces that can be worn season after season, year after year!

Do either of you have a favorite outfit? What do designers wear on a daily basis – more unique or more ordinary clothing?

Our favorite outfit is a pair of leggings with our Liberty Cape and flat boots – comfort is key- especially since we are always on the go! We also wear the AprilMarin Capri dress a lot… it is great for meetings, cocktails parties or wedding…depending on our shoes and accessories we really dress this up and down.