VUE

A lways interested in the arts, Smith's headstrong attitude and overall perseverance is what landed her at one of the top fashion schools in the country, and ultimately, as the first American employee to work for Hermès in Paris. From there, Smith went on to study at ESMOD and spent her time working for some of the most legendary names in the fashion industry such as Christian Dior Haute Couture and Louis Vuitton. After years of perfecting her technique and establishing her own point of view, Smith confidently returned to the U.S. with her sights set on making a name for herself. Her signature brand, MILLY, embodies a Paris meets New York style which has become iconic in the realm of contemporary fashion. Edgy with a feminine touch, MILLY's exceptional craftsmanship and utilization of luxe fabrics represents the level of Parisian artistry and New York flair that has allowed MILLY to extend far beyond just ready-to-wear. Today, MILLY is worn by celebrities and women across the globe who are looking for something fresh, feminine and most importantly, fashion- forward. We recently had a chance to speak with Smith, who told us all about her experiences and how she's grown as a designer. You started your career by receiving your degree from FIT. Was joining the fashion industry something you had always envisioned for yourself? I think from about the time I was 11 years old I knew I wanted to be a designer. I was always very artistic and all my artwork kind of parlayed into fashion design and I just knew that was my path. I had asked my parents if I could go to design school, to FIT in New York City, and at the time, I was going to high school in New Jersey, and you know, my parents were hesitant. They wanted me to go to a traditional university first and then go to design school but I was very headstrong. Thankfully it all worked out. After graduation, you went on to intern for Hermès in Paris. What sort of impact did that experience have on you? It had an incredible impact on my collection and on my career. I was 18 when I started working there [at Hermès] and I was their youngest employee. It really opened my eyes to the world of luxury goods and French fashion, French luxury, the language— everything. I worked at Hermès in New York City while I was in college to help pay for school and at the time, I wrote a letter to their president and they sent VUE ON FASHION V U E N J . C O M 25

• Cover