Luminosity of the Retro
Reminiscent of an elegant and classic era of the 1940s and '50s, Luminaa was launched in 2008 by designer Dorothy Williams. “For a woman who radiates from within,” the label carries simple and clean designs that flatter the female body and accentuate feminine grace and style.
Reminiscent of an elegant and classic era of the 1940s and ‘50s, Luminaa was launched in 2008 by designer Dorothy Williams. “For a woman who radiates from within,” the label carries simple and clean designs that flatter the female body and accentuate feminine grace and style.
Luminaa creator Williams is in person soft-spoken and seems a bit shy. Born to West African parents in Providence, Rhode Island, Williams was raised in Texas, moved to New York in 1998, and later attended Fashion Institute of Technology to study museum studies in costume and textiles.
Like a lot of designers, Williams had a thing for fashion since she was a kid. Making clothes for her little doll was her first sewing experience. What really inspired her to have fashion as a career was, well, not what, but who — Patrick Kelly, an African-American designer from Mississippi, who moved to Paris and became the first American designer to be included in the Chambre Syndicale du Prêt-à-Porter, the governing body of the prestigious, French ready-to-wear industry.
“[He] had no money,” Williams says. “He just came from nowhere. Somehow he ended up in this place. That’s just such an amazing story. I love rags-to-riches stories.”
Sadly, Kelly passed away in 1990 at the age of 35, but that didn’t stop Williams from dreaming. Instead, she made up her mind and decided to venture into the world of fashion design.
Williams started out as an assistant to another fashion designer and later became a technical designer. Working in the technical design field for nine years has honed her skills, and she has become familiar with every little detail of how a garment functions.
“Sometimes you can come up with a fabulous idea, but you can’t really make it come to life if you don’t know the basics and the foundation of making a garment,” Williams says. “Technical design has helped me a lot in that.”
As an emerging designer, Williams is working full-time as a technical designer for another company instead of promoting and expanding her own line at full throttle. Juggling two jobs can be exhausting, but Williams bites her lips and does it with a smile.
“I think you have to have a lot of motivation,” Williams says. “And I always tell people you have to be a little bit crazy, too … I feel like my life is more fulfilled in that way where I create something that’s mine, and I can say this is mine that I’m doing. I just enjoy it.”
For the hard-working designer, inspiration comes from everywhere, sometimes from a book like The Dark Tower by Stephen King.
“In [the book] this boy says … ‘I’m living in this world where there’s cowboys and robots,’” Williams says. “And I thought I want to do a collection based on that.”
Spontaneous as it sounds, that’s probably how designers sometimes get inspired, and Williams has a way to rein her horse of creativity.
“[You] have to be very disciplined with your inspiration,” Williams says, “because you could just take something and just run away with it and not create a collection that’s cohesive. If you take one or two ideas and just stick with that and expand a little bit; I think it’s something that I’ve learned from inspiration, you know. Look at something. Here it is, just look at it in a different way. … For designers, I think what they all have in common is that they look at everyday things differently.”
One distinction of Luminaa is “fit and comfort,” and Williams understands well the importance of these elements. Her expertise in technical design enables her to see women’s needs when they look for clothes.
“It’s all about the fit,” the designer says, “because if it doesn’t fit well, she’s probably not going to buy it.”
And that is true. Comfort matters, too, physically as well as mentally. That’s what’s on Williams’ mind when she designs.
“If you’re wearing something, you don’t want to have to worry about, ‘Oh I’m wearing this,’” Williams says. “You want to be comfortable in your mind as well as your body. And you just want to go out there, not think about it. You’re confident. People pick up on that.”
When asked what her design philosophy is though, Williams laughs and says she is not sure.
“I’m still trying to figure out what that is,” the designer says. “I think my philosophy is just classic and timeless. But I do like things that are a little bit unexpected but not too avant garde that it scares people. I think that’s my basic philosophy, but it’s just something that’s going to change and I have to explore.”
(Photo credit: Luminaa)
16 Comments
Add your own
I love this look. NYC vintage boutiques are very pricy…but take a trip to stores outside the city and the prices are more just…Shopping for vintage items in Buffalo, NY was by fav… Got me a nice amount of vintage jewelry for a decent price. I’m actually thinking about taking a trip soon just to get me some more stuff;)
jintu
May 9th 11
08:58 PM
o a significant part of your style. we always recommend cheap handbags for sale that you shop from a store that specializes solely on designer handbags o a significant part of your style. we always recommend high quality replica watches that you shop from a store that specializes solely on replica watch o a significant part of your style. we always recommend watches for cheap that you shop from a store that specializes solely on watches for sale o a significant part of your style. we always recommend cheap handbags on sale that you shop from a store that specializes solely on designer handbags
klkk
Jun 8th 11
01:47 AM
More information can be found in our website if you click our Gucci Handbags store. You can choose whatever you want in our Discount Gucci Handbags. There are many kind of bags you would deeply love which with high quality but also follow the fashion trend. Just as the Gucci Wholesale Handbags and the Gucci Man bags. It is not only functionary but also elegant. As long as you are on it, your are powerful and attractive. It is a best gift for yourself or for your partner. Of coerse, you can also find many Other Luxury handbags or Designer Handbags, they are all known for its top quality at reasonable price as well as good workmanship. It’s you good partner wether in traveling, working or life. Various styles for you choice just in our store. Go through our website to choose any one you like. Oakley Sunglassescfdhgtyuyt
ghdAustralia
Jun 9th 11
02:03 AM
This is so great that I had to comment. I’m usually just a lurker, taking in knowledge and nodding my head in quiet approval at the good stuff.ghd hair straighteners,This required written props.Theory rocks,thanks.
More from: http://www.ghstyler.com
jennyzheng
Jun 12th 11
07:34 AM
<span lang=“EN-US”>Wholesale Gucci Sneakersis a famous reality show in American. Its success lies in the people’s attention to the Discount Chanel. It has great influence in the fashion field. It means the product show in the program will cause a great attention.Replica Designer Handbags
Althea has great show in the program. She dress herself with Nike Shoes Saleand has a amazing determination. She deserve herAuthentic Air Jordan In the first opening show, she does win great appraise. However, she do have a strong redeeming quality. .</span></body>
71
af001
Jun 13th 11
12:10 AM
インターネットで調べてカーデに関する情報を集めてアバクロいけば、率先して着たくなるかもしれませんよ。カーデは使い勝手の良いアバクロ 店舗ファッションアイテムなので、一着や二着は持っておきたいでアバクロ 銀座 セールす。一つのカテゴリーとして、もはやカーデは成立していません。例えば、ジーンアバクロ 銀座 価格ズと言って履くための一本を探すようなもアバクロ 通販のです。カーデを扱っているブランドは、洋服を扱っているのなら大半が該当するのアバクロ サイズではないでしょうか。アメリカのカジュアルファッションアバクロ福岡ブランドで、カジュアルとなればカーデの存在に期待できます。唐突ですが、アバクロとホリスターいうブランドをご存知でしょうか。実際カーデを扱うブランドは非アバクロホリスター常に多く、街を見渡せば真夏を除いて結構な確率で見掛けるでしょう。アバホリスター 日本クロファッションの特徴としては、カジュアル感にミホリスター サイズリタリーなテイストを加えておりカーデも例に漏れません。この手のファッションホリスター 公式が好きな方にとって、アバクロのカーデはジャストフィットではないでしょうか。
vbhht4
byasi
Jun 21st 11
02:47 AM
Another superstar who was very famous in this planet wears a pair ofbirkenstock sandals and takes a Mulberry bag. She was so attractive and elegant.
Except the stars, some well-known brand designers also showed up in this big partiesbirkenstock store.
birkenstock shoe on saleand Serena’s attending makes the crowds screaming.
birkenstock clogs alway show my tast in all kind of parties.
We have professional marketing team, as well as with the Ed Hardy purses outlet.
dsd
jintu
Jun 21st 11
04:13 AM
ompanies to share - 33 countries produced the same type discount hermes handbags of program, program rights and advertising is the developer of christian louboutin shoes knockoffs ompanies to share - 33 countries produced the same type buy designer shoes of program, program rights and advertising is the developer of high heel sandals ompanies to share - 33 countries produced the same type ed hardy uk of program, program rights and advertising is the developer of ed hardy outlet ompanies to share - 33 countries produced the same type discount silver jewelry of program, program rights and advertising is the developer of sterling silver jewelry rings
jintu
Jun 21st 11
09:00 PM
the stage. Van Cleef & Arpels watch the night sky ed hardy knockoffs of Monaco Monaco copied over night star charts, platinum case ed hardy the stage. Van Cleef & Arpels watch the night sky Classics Peep Toe Pumps of Monaco Monaco copied over night star charts, platinum case louis button shoes the stage. Van Cleef & Arpels watch the night sky custom jewelry of Monaco Monaco copied over night star charts, platinum case cartier panther the stage. Van Cleef & Arpels watch the night sky brian atwood suede maniac pumps of Monaco Monaco copied over night star charts, platinum case herve leger dress with fringe replica
byasi
Jun 24th 11
05:19 AM
birkenstock sandals,that is good thing when you travel or take pictures.
If you have a paire of birkenstock store,you will know what is the great happiness,not only for men,but also for women.
Do you want to let you be sexy and birkenstock shoe on sale?
birkenstock sandals sale,never make you disappointed!
Birkenstock gizeh,a perfect gift for you!
zara
Jun 27th 11
11:02 PM
Nowadays, the health which sesm to be the most important one among people. So these P90X which come extrem popular. Among the P90X Workout that attached with the P90X DVD as well as the p90x We are a great online store which provide the excellent design cheap p90x. you just need to follow the P90X Workout.P90X DVDthat sold ,most well in the market. And quiet a lot of people that show great love to the p9ox . If you also want one, so just come yo the <b>insanity program . </b>uyfiuygkuyg
jintu
Jun 29th 11
01:13 AM
he brand of “fans”. Elegant brand was founded in 1860, ed hardy is one of the world’s largest luxury goods group of ed hardy sale clothing he brand of “fans”. Elegant brand was founded in 1860, mens louboutin shoes is one of the world’s largest luxury goods group of jimmy choo lance he brand of “fans”. Elegant brand was founded in 1860, tiffany jewelry cheap is one of the world’s largest luxury goods group of pandora jewelery he brand of “fans”. Elegant brand was founded in 1860, brian atwood maniac pumps, beige is one of the world’s largest luxury goods group of christian louboutin lady derby” knockoffs”
jintu
Jun 29th 11
01:41 AM
and crude things will be good, for instance, hit color. hermes handbags Last year qiu dong continues today, on the stretch you replica louboutin shoes and crude things will be good, for instance, hit color. christian slouboutin sandals Last year qiu dong continues today, on the stretch you louboutin d’orsay pumps and crude things will be good, for instance, hit color. ed hardy Last year qiu dong continues today, on the stretch you ed hardy clearance and crude things will be good, for instance, hit color. replica tiffany Last year qiu dong continues today, on the stretch you 925 silver jewelry
shuijun12
Jul 5th 11
07:43 PM
Emporio tory burch handbags Armani spring and Tods shoes mineral color bagDawn Gray, babyliss Pro gray and camel color sub-quartz, Christian Louboutin Shoes combined with a little simple green and Beats By Dre black decorative use of color with children scope. Nike Air Max Shoes Emporio Armani 11 spring and summer handbag collection of various mineral colors
xiaoxiao
Jul 7th 11
08:01 PM
Coach Outlet is one of the best suppliers. Our Coach Outlet Store online with fashion and luxury goods, as well as top quality, which many who are eager to get a young woman’s dream. Our Discount Coach , we always provide the best quality coaching products. You can buy high quality, but from our coach shoes with low prices of various products. If you come to our store, we recommend that you search for new domestic Coach handbags and coach sunglasses. These new products follow the fashion trend, and add new elements, to show women’s personality. In short, in our store, you can not only find high quality products, you can also get a first class service.
rtertwsr9*
Donna2020
Jul 8th 11
02:06 AM
Welcome to order your favorite one on Coach Online! Our Coach Online Store has won great popularity Coach Shoes Coach Wallets Coach Sunglasses on the market. The Coach Handbags have exquisite workmanship.
The cheap Nike Dunk are the backbone of the Nike Dunk SB line. Our fashion 2011 Dunk Shoes saw the potential of tapping into the skateboard clothing market because Nike Blazer and sneakers were worn more as casual wear Nike Custom Dunks than for the actual sport.Thanks visit our Coach Outlet Online There is a wide range of bags to choose from Coach Online. If you want to consider the best quality bags for long term usage, you can think of getting Coach Wallets Coach Shoes. Coach Handbags sale and Coach Backpack and top quality. The new style of Puma Shoes from Puma Outlet is continuously updated in low and high versions with a variety of colors and materials and seems to be a favorite for designers nice Puma Ferrari Shoes Puma Fur Shoes Women Puma Sandals everywhere. 7990
poncee
Jan 4th 10
01:09 PM