Fashion Entrepreneur Takes a Bite Of The Big Apple

Posted on 21. Sep, 2009 by Natalie in Entrepreneurs, Interviews

Malene Grotrian

In less than one year Malene Grotrian Design has developed a reputation as Vancouver`s premier haute couture designer and a talented young entrepreneur.

After debuting at Vancouver Fashion Week in March this year and receiving the first standing ovation in VFW history, Malene Grotrian Design was the only Canadian designer personally invited to showcase her Spring/Summer 2010 collection last week at New York Fashion Week.

Born and raised in Denmark, Malene Grotrian graduated in 2004 from the Danish design school, Teko Center Denmark.   After furthering her design and fine art studies in Italy, Malene re-located to Canada.  For over four years, Malene worked with leading Canadian designers honing in on her skills and love for detailed tailored designs and couture fashion.   It was during this time that she discovered her true passion for women’s evening wear and her signature bustier, these experiences inspired the inception of the Malene Grotrian label.

WomanzWorld got to hear from Malene, on return from her debut in New York, and found out more about how she mixes creativity with business.

WomanzWorld: What was the catalyst for you that made you take your business idea into action?

Malene Grotrian: The opportunity came to partner with a company I used to work for.  So I thought deeply about what my role would be, what my perfect job would be and it lead me to the decision that I wanted to have my own company.

What were the key driving factors to becoming your own boss?

It’s been a need and a desire that I’ve always had, especially since my father had his own company and that was always a great inspiration to me.  As a designer it’s important to show my creative side and owning my own company gives me the creative freedom to do just that.

It felt very natural to have my own business. It’s like a painter – painting without restrictions, allowing yourself to bring your creative side to life.

How did you engage other people to buy into your business idea?

By being genuinely excited about it and being very determined.  People have seen how hard I’ve worked to make my dreams come true.  They like the product and designs that have come out of my efforts, and the concept of entrepreneurialism is something they can relate to.

How important was New York Fashion Week for you and your business?

Being invited to New York Fashion Week was very exciting.  It was an industry recognition to be a part of such a large scale fashion event that is recognized worldwide.  It was an opportunity to leverage my business in one of the fashion mecca’s and helped to boost my business to the next level.

This week Malene is going one step further by hosting a special one-off event on Thursday 24^th September to showcase her collection to Vancouver. WomanzWorld are offering one lucky reader the chance to score two complimentary tickets to the show worth $50 in total.

For your chance to win you simply need to subscribe to WomanzWorld by email and tell your friends about the event. Also follow us on Twitter and retweet our message that tickets are available for sale at http://www.malenegrotrian.com/Bite-of-the-Big-Apple

We hope to see you there!

See also our interview with Kerry Bannigan, CEO Nolcha

• The Business Of Fashion Is Always In Style

Tags: Malene Grotrian Design, New York Fashion Week