The Business of Fashion

Hello Ravishing Readers!

Today I am happy to share the story of another talented Art of Fashion http://artoffashion.org judge, Pheinixx, the creative director of Pencil http://pencil-design.com/, an innovative and cutting edge graphic design agency that caters to the fashion industry.  Pencil is the brainchild of Pheinixx, who, growing up as the daughter of an artist and fashion designer, was destined to work in the fashion world, despite her education in science.  No matter how hard she tried to look at other avenues for her career, somehow design, fashion and aesthetic seemed to seep into her life and lead her to where she is today. 

Pheinixx - Creative Director of Pencil

Her experience working with incredible designers and well respected brands like Julien Macdonald, Michael Kors, Roberto Cavalli, Lanvin, and Warner Bros. Music only add to her appeal.   Pheinixx has also designed layouts and graphic materials for such publications as Vogue, Elle, InStyle, GQ and W in Italy, Russia, China and Korea.  Founded in 2009, Pencil strives to create the perfect image for fashion designers wanting to market themselves in a way that is guaranteed to attract the right attention.  In talking with Pheinixx, it is obvious that she is a woman who really knows her business and how to make a success of any brand that needs direction, support, guidance and focus.    

Visual branding is key to any designer making it in a challenging fashion world and Pheinixx is sincerely dedicated to helping turn someone’s passion into a profession.  She very rightly says that many designers are experts at expressing themselves through their clothing, but simply need a fresh perspective on how to get their brand out to the masses.  She recognizes that everyone who is truly interested in making it in the gruelling fashion industry knows that having a unique stylistic voice combined with business sense is key launching a successful career.

As a current branding mentor with the Toronto Fashion Incubator and former regional director of the Toronto chapter of Fashion Group International, Pheinixx was naturally compelled to get involved with the Art of Fashion in order to support emerging Canadian design talent.  She speaks emphatically about the importance of nurturing our own and is so happy to be able to help fashion designers who are interested in growing, learning and taking their talent to the next level.  She also loves the fact that the Art of Fashion allows her the ability to help create a solid foundation for a designer to take full advantage of industry mentors and a large public platform of exposure.   Pheinixx knows that with the proper vision and an edgy perspective,   graphic design can truly elevate a brand and give a designer the direction they need to be a player in an industry that is quick to dismiss new talent without a strong foundation.  Pheinixx is someone who is very willing to share her knowledge and life lessons to really give designers a hand up.

In meeting Pheinixx you immediately sense her sincerity and her ability to form solid relationships with her clients. She is very proud to have worked with Nada Shepherd of NADA: to shoot and premiere the world's first 3D fashion short film in Canada, launch her fragrance with a flash mob and direct her creative through imagery, film and down a runway. Although NADA Designs recently closed up shop, her strong connection to Nada is something that she keeps with her as a testament to the importance of being genuine and investing in who and what you believe in.  

Pheinixx is currently working with a Canadian not-for-profit organization as the creative director for an event to support African women who will be constructing wearable art pieces to showcase the craft industry in Africa.   The pieces will be used to create a show and exhibition for the design and fashion industries and her role is to work with a select team in helping to  conceptualize the visual identity for the event and to develop a year-long marketing campaign.  Pheinixx says that the interest around this event is so great that 54 countries are participating and attending to see the viability of investing in African handmade merchandise.  Through this endeavor, Pheinixx will undoubtedly change the lives of women in a very profound way.  Her heart clearly comes through in everything she does and I can only imagine what else she will accomplish as her career continues to accelerate at a rapid pace. 

One thing is for sure; Pheinixx is someone whose pencil you want sketching out your path to greatness. 

Until next time my Glamazons,

Cecilia J