MAKLA – who was a sublime addition to Nolcha's Fashion Week 13’ showcases her vivid vision upon her collection of resort and cocktail wear. 1- WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION FOR THIS SEASON? I always begin with color and texture. This season is about light fluid fabrics with a lot of layering and multifunction. Most pieces can be worn as a cover up over your bathing suit by day and with a simple slip added the styles transition into chic cocktail dresses for night. The colors are bold and exotic with organic abstract print design. The imagery ranges from surreal forrest prints to psychedelic florals. This collection aims to inspire travel to exotic locales and late nights spent lounging at beach front hot spots. 2- WHEN DID YOU FIRST REALIZE YOU WANTED TO BE A DESIGNER? I always wanted to be an artist but I think a pivotal point was in my early teens. I was obsessed with Madonna and would watch Blonde Ambition and The Girlie Show over and over again. I loved all the personas she would take on and identified with how empowering the way you dress can be for a woman. I wanted to make women feel beautiful and empowered and fashion was a creative outlet that allowed me to do that. 3- WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE? Trying to do it all on my own from design to production to sales. There are never enough hours in the day. 4- WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SUCCESS? Having the courage to put myself out there and be judged by a mass audience. It was so gratifying to get my first orders and see them sell out in a few days time.5- WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR STARTING OUT DESIGNERS? You gotta LOVE this or don't even bother. This industry is all consuming and a life-style so you never really get to shut it off. Also your customer is the most important thing to remember when designing. You can make beautiful clothes but finding the right market and placement for your product is the key to success! I would have minored in marketing in college if I could do it all again. Without a good knowledge of marketing it is very hard to get your brand seen.Photo Source: MAKLA COLLECTIONWriter Source: Tina Chen