Tuesday, December 11, 2012

designer studio: mina + olya


If you recall from a few weeks back, I recently sported this blue wool dress, sharing my newfound love for the San Francisco-based design duo -- Mina + Olya. What I didn't share, however, is how I just came to meet these lovely ladies. While I had admired them from afar (especially after Erin's post about them here) I hadn't actually tried on one of their pieces until their team graciously shared one with me to style for myself. Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity. Their designs are perfect for a working woman's wardrobe -- polished, timeless silhouettes with an element of surprise in the details and fabric. (Plus, their manufacturing processes are completely sustainable and based in the Bay Area.) 

The dress was, needless to say, a hit at work, after which I headed out to a few evening events where I bumped into Olya herself. We were standing in the middle of the H&M Margiela pre-launch shopping event chaos, arms full of clothes we had just grabbed, both totally surprised and delighted to meet the other! We promptly made plans for me to visit their studio, and of course, to meet Mina -- all of which was a perfect way to spend this past Sunday. Being former colleagues at a financial consulting firm (they quickly bonded over their love of good clothing and design), Mina and Olya chatted with me about how they first started out, the challenges and triumphs of launching your own business with your best friend and how to find the perfect fabric. 

Here are just a few snaps from my afternoon with them -- I hope you enjoy! And be sure to stay tuned for an extra special outfit post tomorrow. You might be seeing a particular Mina + Olya design around these parts...


Above left: Inspiration swatches on one of their moodboards. Above right: Took a lot of strength to walk away without this forest green dress in my bag.

Above: Just a few of my favorite looks from their Spring 2013 collection. That yellow dress has my name all over it!

Above: Moodboards, moodboards, moodboards!



Above: One of Olya's sketches -- how insane are the hip details here?


All studio photos are my own, collection images are courtesy of Mina + Olya

22 comments:

  1. The details are really amazing..LOVE the structure of these dresses!
    Sheree xxx

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  2. Amazing post Krystal , I have enjoyed discovering the brand . I am based in Spain , do they have on line store ? Are they delivering to Europe ?

    XX Luba


    :: Well Living Blog :: GIVEAWAY :: FURLA BAG :: SORTEO
    http://very-well-living.blogspot.com/2012/12/christmas-giveaway-furla-bag-sorteo.html

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  3. The dresses are totally stunning <3

    GIVEAWAY ON MY BLOG
    xo

    glamDevils

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  4. Oh wow, the dresses are gorgeous! xo, Christina

    www.styleclouds.de

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  5. Looks like your kind of style! I love that yellow dress too!

    afickleheart.com

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  6. I´m loving those dresses and skirts!!! xo, Alma
    http://www.soulofashopper.com

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  7. love those behind the scene pics.
    xo
    Rachelle
    http://pinksole.com

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  8. I love your blog so much! You are so stylish. I started a blog with my sister and we would love for you to check it out. We are having a $50 gift card giveaway to J.Crew...check it out.
    http://www.doubletheglam.com/2012/12/jcrew-gift-card-giveaway.html

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  9. amazing structure!!
    so inspiring
    - heather
    www.ThisLifeIsYours.com

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  10. Insanely talented! I loved your blue dress when you wore it last time, but all the designs are to die for! So lucky you got to meet them!

    xo,
    Susana
    www.akeytothearmoire.com

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  11. very inspirational story!

    www.azrakuworld.com

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  12. Wow fantastic pictures. I love getting to see behind the scenes in the design process!

    Michelle
    kiwilace.blogspot.com

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  13. What an inspirational story. Thanks for sharing this great story with us.

    If you get a sec, I'd love if you'd check out my latest.
    xo

    Sofia

    Stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com

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  14. That gold dress up there is amazing!

    xo Jennifer

    http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com

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  15. Gorgeous!

    x

    chicksaboutfashion.blogspot.com

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  16. So beautiful! I'd love to be doing this in a few years(:
    xoxo, Gena
    Visit my fashion blog at Pearls, Curls, and Uptown Girls

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  17. adore the keyhole blouse.... what an inspiring team to collaborate with and learn from! their integration of keen aesthetics and business acumen is wonderful.

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  18. I love the structure in their pieces. Great photos!

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  19. I absolutely adore those looks that you selected!
    Rocio
    fashioningmylifeindc.blogspot.com

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  20. The gold one is AMAZING!!!! Love Love Love it!

    Thanks for sharing!
    xo
    Natali
    dishesrunwaysandbriefcases.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

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