I had the pleasure of interviewing Denise-Richard Pegeus, a self-taught designer and fashion entrepreneur. Denise unique, couture clothing is made for any woman looking for edgy, sexy, and stylish clothing. Denise's hard work attitude shows throughout her collection and it is my pleasure to introduce Diary of Joli designer Denise-Richard Pegeus and her journey of building her brand.
LA-How did you get your start in designing and what has been your favorite part of the process?
Denise- I first began as a young girl, designing and sewing with my mother, and modeling for my father/photographer. I jumped into fashion by owing my own shoe boutique. People constantly commented, and one morning I just woke up! After reading The Fashion Designer Survival Guide, I gained the confidence to step out on my own.I always had a love for fashion and created it for myself. It seemed like the right time just presented itself. My favorite part of this process is the networking, the shows and meeting new people. When my garments are created exactly as they were sketched on paper...seeing my work come alive and hearing the reactions makes it all worth the while.
LA-What can women expect from your collection this spring?
Denise-Women can expect a great deal from Diary of Joli' this spring. We are completing the Fall 2011 collection, which will be manufactured in December to show in February. We are also sketching, and gathering our creative team. We are working on the second chapter of the Diary of Joli'...and preparing for our introduction of Le'on, the menswear line. Denise is focusing on evolving and incorporating more detail in her designs.
LA-Tell us about the trip to South Africa, what was it like?
Denise-Denise's trip to South Africa was truly that...an experience. When she found out that she was going, she packed two suitcases - one full of garments, and the other full of shoes and jewels. Many of the items, Denise had collected over the years. Denise owned two boutiques in the Houston area, and also sold and designed jewelry for 15 years. She had a tremendous supply of jewelry that wasn't selling, and only accumulating. She believes in GIVING. Denise says, "God will bless you to give more. Be givers than borrowers." She feels inspired daily by the blessings that God has bestowed upon her...simply being healthy, having strength and her children in her life are so much to rejoice about. She knew that she was going to do a mission (give clothing to women from refugee camps), and was excited to connect and participate in any type of global sisterhood. This trip was purpose filled. Unfortunately, when she arrive, due to strict customs and heightened security from 9/11, Denise found that all of her pieces had been gone through, some damaged and even missing. She felt defeated, but forged on. She was going to make the most of the situation in which God presented her. Denise was able to visit several squatters camps, where the homes in which people live are just big enough to "squat in." These homes simply cover your head...nothing inside. She literally was amazed at what she saw and how her people were living...Thousands of shacks as far as the eye could see. This was amazing and transforming but yet very emotional at the same time. Denise looked introspection in the face as she visited homes and walked the streets. Children flocked and followed her everywhere she went...they were so happy to see a successful American woman. It was difficult for Denise to pick and choose who was the most in need, as she wanted to help everyone she came in contact with. The women there have a different lifestyle than our American ways. They were unfamiliar with what perms/relaxers were. Denise felt like she could share some of her American tips with them, and tune into some of the things that they could offer her. Denise was very much interested in how these women viewed fashion. "They have a fashionable eye...enjoy bold colors." So she dressed them in the items that she brought with her. Sometimes even given the shoes off of her feet and walking back to her living quarters each day. Denise says, "Anything I had on...if I could strip down to give the shirt off of my back and the shoes off my feet, I did!" Denise spent ten days there. When it was time to depart, she felt instant sadness...thinking about what she was leaving, and what she had to go back to. She was almost ready to go, because the amount of sadness she was feeling was overwhelming. At that point, she vowed to return often and do it all over again. It was an amazing experience, to see how our cultures differ. The children there were so focused on God, that they prayed all day everyday. They prayed through song...anyway opportunity that they could. She learned how our children, American children, really don't know how good they have it. We complain...yet, we have jobs (or the opportunity to get jobs) and they do not. Denise learned to cherish God's blessings. It was a blessing in itself just to see how others live.
LA-What was the inspiration behind the name of the company "Diary of Joli"?
Denise- There are many inspirations behind the name "Diary of Joli'." Denise created the pseudonym to represent her collection as well as her blog, which like a personal diary, divulges the good, the bad and the in-between that comes along with building a clothing line and a brand from the ground up. She documents the steps and pitfalls one must take to make it into the fashion industry. The Diary of Joli' provides a reference for the customer to connect with Denise and a resource for the aspiring designer. "The purpose was to divulge all of my secrets as if I was a ghost writer, writing down all of my thoughts and processes into this Diary. Encouraging people to take the journey with us...to follow along and unlock their style. To grow as we grow. " Denise's creole background, hailing from New Orleans, introduced her to French words and fashion. Joli', meaning pretty in French, is the key word used to represent her fashions. Again, Denise is very much inspired by French fashion...paying homage to fashion greats such as Coco Chanel and Catherine Malandrino. Most importantly, Denise wanted to create a legacy to pass onto her children. Everything that she does is for them. Each day she encourages them to fight and strive for their dreams. It was only fitting that she do the same.
LA-How would you describe the woman that wears Diary of Joli?
Denise-The women that wears Joli' is...
...confident, chic, fashionable, and edgy.
A Joli' woman is independent and is always on the move.
Our collection is geared toward the Jetsetter.
A socialite that grabs the attention of
everyone she embarks upon; is the woman Joli' aims to dress.
Our garments will allow this remarkable well-dressed woman to transition from day to night no
matter what the occasion.
If you are not a Jetsetter, wearing a Joli' design will be a great start to looking like one.
LA-You're an engineer and a designer how do you balance everything? And does it give you some sort of inspiration of what type of clothing to design?
Denise-I am very lucky to have a supportive family and a dynamic team behind me. That is how I balance it all. Educated in Engineering, yet pursuing a future in fashion only seems to be more frustrating at times. As an engineer, we are taught to draw straight lines; from right to left, and back to front. It is all about schematics. It is often difficult for me to just step back and design... to pull away from the technical, engineering side.
LA-2010 is said to be your year, if you could see your designs at any one place by the end of the year where would that one place be?
Denise-2010 is my year! By the end of 2010, I hope to have gotten media attention, and just put the brand "out there." Generating buzz and press are key for any new designer. It is all about making contacts, and this is the most important aspect of what we do on a daily basis. I look forward to completing more celebrity special requests. I have currently completed custom garments for Pocket Honore and Adam Licsko. would have set my foundation and assumed the position of "ready-to-launch." My focus will be on custom pieces and garment placing into boutiques.
LA-In fashion we all get inspired by many things what is your biggest inspiration?
Denise-Aside from being inspired to design from watching American Classical Films of the 1920s, I also become completely inspired from my weekly team meetings. After hearing what everyone is working on, and seeing how much my team is invested in my brand, believing in my cause and not just going through the motions, I will stay up all night and sketch.
LA-What’s coming up for Diary of Joli?
Denise-In July, Diary of Joli' will travel to New Orleans to participate in an Alberto-Culver Star Event during the Essence Music Festival. The event will be held on Friday, July 2 and Saturday, July 3 and provide celebrity pampering to the clients. We are currently preparing a full-fashion house for this event, and look forward to taking Joli' to the streets for an official Joli' photo shoot in the French Quarter.
LA-Where can everyone get a hold of Diary of Joli pieces?
Denise-Currently, Joli' provides custom fitting, styling and designs. Our website is under construction, but will soon launch our online boutique. We are always accessible and open to questions and comments. While we prepare to enter into boutiques Spring 2011, followers can connect with us through various social networking mediums. Please feel free to visit any of the following links, and take the journey with us! Unlock Your Style...
Diary of Joli'FacebookTwitterMake sure you check out those links to learn more about Diary of Joli and check out the gallery for more looks from Denise.
XOXO LAKEITHEA 
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Lovers&Fighters is the t-shirt collection from Semaj and Troy the owners of Legacy Ink! With the second part of the interview get to know ALL about Lovers&Fighters and how you can get your hands on a t-shirt from the collection!
(LA) What is the inspiration behind the name of the clothing company?
