An Interview: Yanique Barnes from Trendsetter Vintage

An Interview: Yanique Barnes from Trendsetter Vintage

I was lucky enough to interview Yanique, the amazing owner/designer of online store Trendsetter Vintage in Los Angeles. Stocking beautiful vintage and lace dresses for women.

1. Can you tell me a little about yourself and your label?

Early on, as a young girl growing up in Jamaica, I knew I wanted to be in fashion. I remember making elaborate collections for my dolls, out of paper. Fast forward 20 years, I moved to Los Angeles, and after high school, attended a trade college, and earned a certificate in fashion merchandising. I also spent the last 13 years working as a manager working for many aspirational fashion brands. My most recent was working as a manager for CHANEL in Beverly Hills, where I worked for 4 1/2 years. This was until I recently resigned from this once ‘dream’ job, to dedicate my time fully to my new DREAM-ERS line.  It is also worth mentioning that I also run an eBay store, which I started in 2008, in addition to my newly launched, online clothing store.  The DREAM-ERS line focuses on simple clean cuts that transcends time, using quality fabrics and extremely well-made, all pieces are made in Los Angeles. Best of all, each piece can be customized to the wearers unique body measurements. The collection is comprised currently of lace dresses.

2.  How you first got involved with designing your label?

After selling vintage clothing, working for CHANEL for so many years, and touching, feeling, wearing and experiencing the luxury of the clothes, and to witness first-hand how beautiful, well made clothes made people feel, I was truly inspired, and felt liberated to start my label. A few months back, I made my first 4 samples, showcased them on eBay, facebook, and on my online vintage clothing store. I was thrilled that people were buying, watching, and being engaged.  DREAM-ERS is still in its infancy, but I am passionate and excited to grow this line/brand.

3. What inspires you? 

I am inspired by beauty, goodwill, hard work and perseverance. I usually start each day either reading a motivating article, quotes on pinterest, or watching a motivational video. I am constantly being inspired by by people who have overcome the odds, and lived their dream, such as Coco Chanel, who was raised as an orphan.

4.   Name some of the designs/labels whom you look up to and why?

There are so many really, its hard pinning down a few, but I will take a stab at it. First, CHANEL, the quality, and the timeless appeal is awe-inspiring. I was often amazed of how young girls, would come in to the boutique, wearing their mother’s 20+ years old vintage Chanel classic handbags, and they were still in excellent condition, still very relevant, and still the symbol of style.

Secondly, I love Stella McCartney, she knows how to dress a woman. Her pieces are simple, yet stunning, and always relevant.

Victoria Beckham continues to WOW me, with her timeless designs, and impeccable clean silhouette. This post is getting long, but I have to mention, Ricardo Tisci, of Givenchy, the details, and pride of each piece is mind-bogging.

Thank you Yanique for such an amazing Interview!