Chattanoogans Orean Collier, Teresa Le and Jada Loveless are making waves in the fashion industry.
From winning a national design contest (Ms. Collier) to accessorizing celebrities (Ms. Le) to making international fashion news (Ms. Loveless), all of the Chattanooga-connected women are living their dreams.
Ms. Collier, a handbag designer, opened Da’ Lon Originals in East Brainerd in April. Last year, she won the “Be Discovered: Design a Handbag” international competition sponsored by glam.com and Marie Claire magazine.
“I’ve always created things that have to do with fashion, so winning a major contest is a dream come true,” she said. The winning handbag was featured in Marie Claire magazine.
Ms. Le’s designs, clothing and accessories have been highlighted on “Entertainment Tonight Canada” and “E! Canada.”
“Designing petite clothes is mostly my thing because hip, urban, petite fashions are hard to find,” she said. Sophie’s on North Market Street and Posh at Northgate Mall carry her designs.
Ms. Loveless, who launched her handbag collection two years ago, has skyrocketed to success with luxury handbags made from exotic skins including alligator, crocodile, ostrich and lizard. The handbags, each accessorized with precious and semiprecious jeweled vermeil clasps, have been featured in numerous fashion magazines including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Bazaar and InStyle.
Celebrities Kate Hudson, Brooke Shields and Eva Longoria Parker have been photographed carrying a Jada Loveless purse. Locally, the purses will be available next month at Amanda Pinson in downtown Chattanooga.
Teresa Le
* Age: 35
* Company: TLE Designs, clothing and accessories
* Web site: www.tledesigns.com
* Back-ground: Born in Vietnam, Ms. Le grew up in Chattanooga
“I’ve always sewed and designed things because my mom did it, too. I am basically self-taught. At first, designing was a hobby and a necessity. I’m short (4 feet, 11 inches), and it has always been hard to find clothes that fit.
“... I started making fashions for myself and learned that everyone loved what I was wearing. The feedback I was getting about my designs encouraged me to set out on my own. There’s a demographic of petite women ages 18-42 looking for stylish fashions. I’m hoping to fill that niche with hip and urban clothes.”
Jada Loveless
* Age: 36
* Company: Jada Loveless Luxury Handbag Collection
* Web site: www.jadaloveless.com
* Background: Born in Ringgold, Ga., Ms. Loveless moved to Chattanooga after high school.
“I have always loved design and began my career in interior design, but fashion has been something I’ve always loved. I love accessories because it’s something that truly works for everyone. My mom has a vintage handbag collection, and I grew up loving it.
“I use exotics, and the best thing is that it never goes out of fashion. I have worked in every aspect of the fashion industry and came back to my roots of designing. It’s fun for me, and I’m excited to have my work sold locally at Amanda Pinson Jewelry (in Chattanooga on West 13th Street).
“My purses are in Vogue this month, and they were on the TV show ‘Lipstick Jungle’ last season and will be again this fall. Launching a business is crazy, but I’m very proud.”
Orean Collier
* Age: 43
* Company: Da’Lon Originals by Orean Collins
* Web site: www.dalonoriginals.com
* Background: Born in Germany, Ms. Collier moved to Chattanooga 10 years ago.
“I opened my store last April to mainly sell my designer leather handbags. I have shoulder bags, clutches, handbags and I’m featuring the design that won the contest. I have it in many colors, and I’m working to get them in major stores.
“I’m always coming up with designs, and I have new colors for fall. Handbags are my passion, and I name most of them after people I love. The bag that won the contest is called “Lillian” after my grandmother.
“I am looking into designing wallets and cosmetic bags. Owning a business and selling my product is fun. I’m having a blast. It’s all new to me. I took a leap of faith. I stepped out and followed my dream.”
