Design Thinking: retrofête

(Image courtesy of Retrofête's instagram. Image depicts the Gabrielle Robe in Lemonade. This dress is described as, "Introducing the ultimate party frock: The Gabrielle Robe. Enveloped in hand-stitched sequin embellishments, this timeless silhouette features a wrap bodice, which is complemented by voluminous blouson sleeves and a velvet tie belt to cinch the waist." Price varies depending on color but the Gabrielle Robe in Lemonade is $445. Gabrielle Robe comes in twenty-two varieties. To purchase this dress, you can go to https://retrofete.com/products/gabrielle-robe-lemon )

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 into their market offerings. I had the opportunity to talk with Xiomara and Jesse, head of influencer marketing and media relations respectively, to learn more about the retrofête.

(Image courtesy of retrofête. Image depicts the Mindi Dress. This dress is described as," Enjoy a night out in our Mindi Dress. The spaghetti strap knee-length dress features a cowl neckline and drapes beautifully over the body. Crafted with delicate tulle, the slinky design is illuminated with shimmering sequins and light-catching crystals. The style is finished with an invisible side zip closure. Shown here in Mint Aqua." Price= $615. You can order this dress at https://retrofete.com/products/mindi-dress-mnta )

1.How is retrofête different from other fashion brands?

Ohad Seroya, our creative director, is keen on designing garments or accessories that create a joyful experience for the wearer. His vision behind the brand is creating a positive ambience through clothing. For instance, the butterfly motif was both important and prominent in our Spring Collection. The butterfly represents metamorphosis and a rebirth into a time after 2020. This collection reflects the time it was created in because we were emerging from a very difficult last year full of uncertainty.

(Image courtesy of Rachael Kirkconnel. Image depicts Rachael wearing the Gabrielle Robe in Butterfly. This dress is described as, "Introducing the ultimate party frock: The Gabrielle Robe. Enveloped in hand-stitched sequin embellishments, this timeless silhouette features a wrap bodice, which is complemented by voluminous blouson sleeves and a velvet tie belt to cinch the waist." Price varies depending on color but the Gabrielle Robe in Butterfly is $995. Gabrielle Robe comes in twenty-two varieties. You can order this dress at https://retrofete.com/products/gabrielle-robe-btfly )

2. How does retrofête stay ahead of upcoming fashion trends?

Ohad focuses on creating products not seen in the market. This was the reason why Retrofête was created because the company saw an opportunity to utilize a design and sales team to create a brand that does not exist in the marketplace previously. Its not about trends; rather about creating pieces that are designed well and imbue the wearer with confidence. The brand focuses a lot of sequins and embellishments. The team's forward thinking allows for the normalization of sequins in everyday wear by creating beautiful prints and designs.

(Image courtesy of retrofête. Image depicts the Rhinestone Alphabet Hair Clip. This hair clip is described as, "Crafted with scores of light-catching crystals, our Alphabet Hair Clips will instantly take your look to the next level. Designed with each letter of the Alphabet, the '90s throwback accessory can be worn alone or stacked together for a statement effect. Shown here in Silver." Price= $79. You can order this hair clip at https://retrofete.com/products/rhinestone-alphabet-hair-clip?variant=39473040326707 )

3. How does retrofête incorporate its mission and vision into its product offerings?

Our guiding principle is creating an ambience that make women feel empowered when wearing the clothing.

(Image courtesy of retrofête. Image depicts the Kiara Jumpsuit. This jumpsuit is described as, "The essential utility jumpsuit gets a seductive update with our Kiara Jumpsuit! Crafted in luxe Italian denim, the silhouette features side cut-outs at the waist, an exposed zip closure and a frayed neckline. The design boasts a skinny fit in the legs and short puffed sleeves. Shown here in Light Laguna." Price=$595. You can order this jumpsuit at https://retrofete.com/products/kiara-jumpsuit-ltlag?_pos=1&_sid=278bade3b&_ss=r )

4. What is the future of the company?

Growth. The goal is to create new pieces that haven't existed yet, grow our e-commerce presence, and expand the team.

(logo courtesy of retrofête)