Design Thinking: MODISTE

(Image courtesy of MODISTE)

In Graduate School, one of the buzzwords professors love to discuss is "Design Thinking." Design Thinking is an iterative process in which we seek to understand the user, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be instantly apparent with our initial level of understanding (Dam and Siang). Design Thinking enables a company to understand consumer needs to serve their audience better. For this project, I contacted different companies to learn how the organizations apply Design Thinking to their market offerings. I spoke with Chloe H., Digital Merchandise Director, to learn more about the company.

(Image courtesy of MODISTE)

1. Why should someone shop at MODISTE?

We put intense care and detail into what brands and pieces we carry. We research the brands we carry and analyze the trends for upcoming seasons. We also ensure that we have various clothing pieces for different age groups, genders, styles, and events. Everything is curated for you, the customer. All of our products are made ethically and of the best materials. So each piece you get from us is an investment piece you can keep forever. We are also very accommodating to our customers. A good relationship with customers is a significant part of our business. We want

you to be happy.

(Image courtesy of MODISTE)

2. How does MODISTE incorporates its mission and vision into its product offerings?

Everything you see at MODISTE has been carefully and precisely chosen and curated. We are intentional about the brands we carry and the pieces we choose from each catalog. Our mission is to provide a curated experience, whether you are shopping online or in person. We research every brand we carry; we look into their brand mission and statement, how they produce and manufacture their pieces, and, of course, the clothing pieces themselves. We only purchase limited qualities of the pieces we carry as we understand the large environmental footprint the fashion industry has had for years. We are very passionate about the fashion industry and working towards bettering its negative impact on the environment.

3. Where does MODISTE get inspiration from?

When it comes to the storefront, most of the inspiration comes from classic New York and Parisian interiors and architecture. Everything is simple, clean, and luxurious. We have many neutrals to allow the clothes to speak for themselves and be the main focus of the store while still maintaining a beautiful, understated, and chic store. Regarding the label, Jami-lyn, our founder, gets inspiration for each piece she makes from the people around her. She names the items after people in her life and gets the inspiration for the clothes from those same people and our customer base. She sees what others are wearing, what people want from products, and what people are levitating toward for upcoming seasons.

(Image courtesy of MODISTE)

4. What is the future of the company?

Regarding the future, we plan on continuing to grow our online presence and hopefully continue to reach new people and customers. We are also renovating our new storefront and can't wait for everyone to see the beautiful new space. There will also be an Airbnb in the back of the new flagship storefront that we can't wait to open! The Airbnb felt like a natural brand progression for Jami-Lyn as she hopes to slowly venture into more lifestyle products. We hope to see the MODISTE label become a way of life with lifestyle products, luxury clothing, and more. You can get updates about the Airbnb's progress on Instagram, @maisonmodiste.