a conversation with fashion designer emma atlman
Image courtesy of Rachel Monteleone
Emma Altman is a native New Yorker and revolutionary fashion designer whose collections are delightfully nostalgic, flirty, and bold. Ready to meet the icon behind your new favorite brand? Read Dreamworldgirl Zine’s Q&A interview with Emma Altman Apparel below.
Q1: Hi Emma! First, talk to me a little bit about yourself. How old are you and how did you become involved in fashion?
A: Hi! I am 33 years old and became involved in fashion when I was a teenager. I always loved art and then one day I went to the doctors office for an appointment with my mom in the early 2000s and I saw a girl there wearing baggy ripped up denim jeans with safety pins all over them.
Image courtesy of Joshua Eichenbaum
I was totally obsessed with her style and clothes and wondered to myself whether she had bought the pants that way or customized them herself?
That’s when I realized that I could make and design my own clothes! From there I started taking sewing classes in my local neighborhood and then design classes at FIT and then later at RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) where I got my college education with a Major in Apparel Design.
Q2: What was your experience like at RISD?
A: RISD was amazing! I met so many inspiring people while going to school in all different majors and am still friends with many of them today! I knew leaving NY for college would be difficult, but I also knew New York wasn’t going anywhere and as soon as I graduated I found myself back in NYC working in the fashion industry for icon Betsey Johnson.
Q3: How did you come up with the idea to start your own brand?
A: While in college I developed my senior thesis collection that was showcased at the end of the semester. My plan after RISD was to return to work for Betsey Johnson full time, but unfortunately soon after going back to intern for her the business went bankrupt so I had to pivot.
I decided to start taking my brand more seriously and began selling in stores in NYC, doing festivals and having NYFW Runway Shows showcasing my collections.
Q4: What sorts of styles, eras and icons inspire the look and feel of the apparel?
A: I’m very inspired by nostalgia, focusing on the late 90s/early 2000s. I also take a lot of inspiration from music. When I’m working on new collections I decide a theme and era and only listen to music that reflects the mood and theme.
For example, my recent FW24 Collection“ The Power of 3” is inspired by the show Charmed which aired from 1998-2006 so I only listened to music from that time period.
I frequently look to the iconic looks of Christina Aguilera, Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan for fashion inspo.
Image courtesy of Joshua Eichenbaum
Q5: As far as items that are currently available for purchase, what is your favorite Emma Altman piece? What would you recommend to a new buyer?
A: I’m currently obsessed with my scarves. They pull inspiration from the early 2000’s red carpet looks worn by Ashley Tisdale and Hillary Duff.
They are a perfect accessory to add to any look and can also be worn as a headband or belt!
Q6: I read that you also volunteer with the non-profit Artolution by teaching sewing and fashion design with refugee youth internationally. Why is this important to you?
A: Yes! I am the Global Fashion Specialist for Artolution where I teach fashion design with youth all over the world. I believe there is creativity everywhere, no matter what the circumstances and all people need is access to materials and education.
The arts bring joy to people in the hardest of circumstances and I believe it is my core mission to help people feel empowered by their own creativity so they can take on all challenges in life.
I have worked in Refugee Camps and conflict zones in Lebanon, Greece, and Uganda and I also teach fashion design in Central Harlem in NYC. I have also led programming in Japan and Italy.
Q7: What does girlhood mean to you?
Image courtesy of Joshua Eichenbaum
A: Girlhood means a community of people who can learn from one another, share their feelings and can inspire each other.
Q8: To anyone hoping to start their own business in fashion, what would your advice to them be?
A: Be patient! Things take time. It’s all about trial and error and not being discouraged. It may be helpful to work for some other companies before you start your own business so you can learn the ins and outs of the industry before going solo.
With social media it’s easy to be wrapped up in other people’s lives but if you stay focused and set goals you can achieve anything! Don’t be afraid to go to events and meet people in your industry.
And lastly, always ask for what you want, the worst thing someone can say is no.
make sure to follow emma altman apparel on instagram and use the influencer code: emma15 4 25% off all dwg merch orders over $45
Image courtesy of Joshua Eichenbaum
