Mark Roscoe (Part 2)
Mark Roscoe
By Rodney Branche.
In Part one we were introduced to the origin of Mark Roscoe Designs, now we will escort you into the world of the great clothing designer. Recently, we had the opportunity to speak once again with Mark after he had returned from New York from participating in NYFW with his EMERGE show. We now share with you the informative interview with Mark.
In Part one we were introduced to the origin of Mark Roscoe Designs, now we will escort you into the world of the great clothing designer. Recently, we had the opportunity to speak once again with Mark after he had returned from New York from participating in NYFW with his EMERGE show. We now share with you the informative interview with Mark.
Copa: How did you get started in designing for the award shows?
Mark: I was a judge at the Miss Illinois USA Pageant in 2012 where I met Mark and Matt Harris. Their company provides the gift bags for events like the Academy Awards, Emmy Awards and Grammy Awards, to name a few. They invited me to their Oscar party at the Lux Hotel on Rodeo Drive to showcase a few of my garments and neckwear for the Oscar nominees. At that event, I met Andre Marcel from AMB publicity who later retained me as the official designer for the Pacific Southwest Emmy Awards.
Copa: How would you describe the "Mark Roscoe Look"?
Mark: Timeless, classic elegance that reflects the inner and outer beauty of the woman from whom the garment is designed.
Copa: What is the basic process from concept to showroom?
Mark: During my initial consultation with a design client, we discuss the event at which the gown is scheduled to appear, the role the wearer will play at that event, and the look that the client is wanting to achieve. Measurements are taken at this meeting and fabric choices are reviewed from my inventory and sourcing options. Thereafter, a second consultation is scheduled at which time sketches of proposed designs are reviewed and approved by the client. Additionally, muslin patterns are then created on the client's body for a custom fit and foundation garments are discussed and selected. At the next fitting, the tailored muslin pattern is fit to the client over the foundation garments before the actual garment is cut. Thereafter, another fitting is scheduled where the selected fabric is presented and is fitted to the client from the muslin pattern. Hair, makeup, shoes and accessories are determined at this fitting. Finally, a final fitting is scheduled to present the entire finished look.
Copa: We know what textures and colors mean to us, how do you interpret them into your creations?
Mark: Textures and colors are important in the creation of my garments. However, textures are the predominant focus for me since I'm color blind. I love to mix rich texture with soft silky fabrics...for me, it's like walking through nature.
Copa: Does it take very long for you to capture your client's look that they desire to achieve?
Mark: The process of creation from concept to completion takes about three weeks depending on the fabric selection and hand embellishments. It could take up to five weeks if fabric is ordered from Europe.
Copa: Rosemary Fanti,(Illustrator) there is much chemistry between you both in how you bring the design to life. How do you both stay on the same 'page' without losing that special feel for the piece.
Mark: Rosemary Fanti and I are good friends and speak the same artistic language. She has illustrated many of my garments and understands the importance of capturing the same quality in her renderings that is represented in my work. She always rises to the occasion.
Copa: Do you feel that there is a great difference between the east coast, Midwest and West Coast, in reference to how they visualize fashion?
Mark: I believe each region has it's own sense of style but many of the fashion choices that are made in each are governed by the climate (warm versus cold), predominate events that are hosted in each region and the general personality characteristics of the individuals that make up each region. I find that people on the West Coast are more relaxed in their fashion presentation but are fashion forward in their presentation; the Midwest is slightly more conservative and cautious in their vision, but have more options due to the seasonal changes in climate; and the East Coast appears to be the melting pot of all tastes...from Wall Street conservative to edgy red carpet looks...anything and everything seems to work well...for the most part!!!
Copa: Chicago, tell us why it's "Your Kind of Town".
Mark: I love Chicago and am proud to call the region my home. The people are warm and welcoming and seem to be more comfortable in their skin than any other cities that I have ever visited. The city is clean, relatively safe and full of opportunity for all types of businesses. The Mayor's office has expended significant resources to heighten the awareness of fashion in Chicago by hosting Fashion Focus Week in the Fall. This year I have been invited to participate in the Style Chicago Fashion Focus Runway Show under the tent at Millennium Park in October. I hope your readers will attend the show.
Copa: Do you believe there is a change emerging in Haute Couture in America?
Mark: As you are aware , Haute Couture literally means high or elegant sewing. It typically refers to a custom garment that is specifically created for the individual wearer. Although couture is typically viewed as a luxury item, many garments are reasonably priced. Custom made garments provide every woman the opportunity to look beautiful, especially women with challenging body types. For that reason alone, once awareness is created, we will see a move toward and rise in couture purchases in America.
Copa: Why do all of the guys love your neckwear?
Mark: Thank you for the complement! I have created a line of neckwear that allows men to make a statement without uttering a word. I have selected rich fabrics with sophisticated and unexpected designs that enrich suits created for all ages. Additionally, pocket squares have been paired with each tie for a polished finish.
Copa: What would be your special advice would you give to the gentlemen out there on choosing neckwear for those unique suites?
Mark: Choose neckwear that fits your body type. The widths of today's ties range from one inch to 3.5 inches. Select a tie that is consistent with your waistline. In other words, the larger the waistline--the larger the width should be. Additionally, make sure the length of the tie is long enough to cover your torso. The tip of the tie should cover your belt buckle. Custom length ties are available upon request.
Copa: What is your special color to work with that makes the fashion statement all your own?
Mark: I'm green/brown color blind...but I definitely see Red. It is sexy, sophisticated and the color that makes a statement for me!
Copa: What is the feeling that you experience at all of your showings?
Mark: The emotional, financial and time commitments that are involved in presenting a collection to the public are enormous. What is displayed in a ten minute show takes months to prepare. In addition to designing the actual garments, finding and selecting the strongest fabrics and actually constructing each dress, there is the process of selecting the right models, current hairstyles, makeup, jewelry and other accessories, together with the selection of venue, lighting and music. Additionally transporting and providing lodging for my design team to the host city and venue and for making sure their focus is maintained during periods of calculated chaos is amongst the many challenges of each show (although I have the best team around). Then, the day of the show arrives when you look at each team member eye to eye and say...Are you ready? ...Have we forgotten anything...Any last minute edits?...How will we be received? A waive of vulnerability overcomes me...but I remind myself that this is an opportunity for me to share my vision with the world...It doesn't have to be accepted by everyone or anyone...The presentation is an opportunity for me to evolve as a designer and more importantly, as a human being...and I begin to breathe. I look at each of my team members and am so grateful that they have sacrificed their time to be part of this journey...I am calmed by their presence and smiles. Silence overcome the auditorium... the music starts to play and the show begins. The energy is intoxicating...it is like no other...and in the end...it is well worth the effort for all involved.
Mark: I was a judge at the Miss Illinois USA Pageant in 2012 where I met Mark and Matt Harris. Their company provides the gift bags for events like the Academy Awards, Emmy Awards and Grammy Awards, to name a few. They invited me to their Oscar party at the Lux Hotel on Rodeo Drive to showcase a few of my garments and neckwear for the Oscar nominees. At that event, I met Andre Marcel from AMB publicity who later retained me as the official designer for the Pacific Southwest Emmy Awards.
Copa: How would you describe the "Mark Roscoe Look"?
Mark: Timeless, classic elegance that reflects the inner and outer beauty of the woman from whom the garment is designed.
Copa: What is the basic process from concept to showroom?
Mark: During my initial consultation with a design client, we discuss the event at which the gown is scheduled to appear, the role the wearer will play at that event, and the look that the client is wanting to achieve. Measurements are taken at this meeting and fabric choices are reviewed from my inventory and sourcing options. Thereafter, a second consultation is scheduled at which time sketches of proposed designs are reviewed and approved by the client. Additionally, muslin patterns are then created on the client's body for a custom fit and foundation garments are discussed and selected. At the next fitting, the tailored muslin pattern is fit to the client over the foundation garments before the actual garment is cut. Thereafter, another fitting is scheduled where the selected fabric is presented and is fitted to the client from the muslin pattern. Hair, makeup, shoes and accessories are determined at this fitting. Finally, a final fitting is scheduled to present the entire finished look.
Copa: We know what textures and colors mean to us, how do you interpret them into your creations?
Mark: Textures and colors are important in the creation of my garments. However, textures are the predominant focus for me since I'm color blind. I love to mix rich texture with soft silky fabrics...for me, it's like walking through nature.
Copa: Does it take very long for you to capture your client's look that they desire to achieve?
Mark: The process of creation from concept to completion takes about three weeks depending on the fabric selection and hand embellishments. It could take up to five weeks if fabric is ordered from Europe.
Copa: Rosemary Fanti,(Illustrator) there is much chemistry between you both in how you bring the design to life. How do you both stay on the same 'page' without losing that special feel for the piece.
Mark: Rosemary Fanti and I are good friends and speak the same artistic language. She has illustrated many of my garments and understands the importance of capturing the same quality in her renderings that is represented in my work. She always rises to the occasion.
Copa: Do you feel that there is a great difference between the east coast, Midwest and West Coast, in reference to how they visualize fashion?
Mark: I believe each region has it's own sense of style but many of the fashion choices that are made in each are governed by the climate (warm versus cold), predominate events that are hosted in each region and the general personality characteristics of the individuals that make up each region. I find that people on the West Coast are more relaxed in their fashion presentation but are fashion forward in their presentation; the Midwest is slightly more conservative and cautious in their vision, but have more options due to the seasonal changes in climate; and the East Coast appears to be the melting pot of all tastes...from Wall Street conservative to edgy red carpet looks...anything and everything seems to work well...for the most part!!!
Copa: Chicago, tell us why it's "Your Kind of Town".
Mark: I love Chicago and am proud to call the region my home. The people are warm and welcoming and seem to be more comfortable in their skin than any other cities that I have ever visited. The city is clean, relatively safe and full of opportunity for all types of businesses. The Mayor's office has expended significant resources to heighten the awareness of fashion in Chicago by hosting Fashion Focus Week in the Fall. This year I have been invited to participate in the Style Chicago Fashion Focus Runway Show under the tent at Millennium Park in October. I hope your readers will attend the show.
Copa: Do you believe there is a change emerging in Haute Couture in America?
Mark: As you are aware , Haute Couture literally means high or elegant sewing. It typically refers to a custom garment that is specifically created for the individual wearer. Although couture is typically viewed as a luxury item, many garments are reasonably priced. Custom made garments provide every woman the opportunity to look beautiful, especially women with challenging body types. For that reason alone, once awareness is created, we will see a move toward and rise in couture purchases in America.
Copa: Why do all of the guys love your neckwear?
Mark: Thank you for the complement! I have created a line of neckwear that allows men to make a statement without uttering a word. I have selected rich fabrics with sophisticated and unexpected designs that enrich suits created for all ages. Additionally, pocket squares have been paired with each tie for a polished finish.
Copa: What would be your special advice would you give to the gentlemen out there on choosing neckwear for those unique suites?
Mark: Choose neckwear that fits your body type. The widths of today's ties range from one inch to 3.5 inches. Select a tie that is consistent with your waistline. In other words, the larger the waistline--the larger the width should be. Additionally, make sure the length of the tie is long enough to cover your torso. The tip of the tie should cover your belt buckle. Custom length ties are available upon request.
Copa: What is your special color to work with that makes the fashion statement all your own?
Mark: I'm green/brown color blind...but I definitely see Red. It is sexy, sophisticated and the color that makes a statement for me!
Copa: What is the feeling that you experience at all of your showings?
Mark: The emotional, financial and time commitments that are involved in presenting a collection to the public are enormous. What is displayed in a ten minute show takes months to prepare. In addition to designing the actual garments, finding and selecting the strongest fabrics and actually constructing each dress, there is the process of selecting the right models, current hairstyles, makeup, jewelry and other accessories, together with the selection of venue, lighting and music. Additionally transporting and providing lodging for my design team to the host city and venue and for making sure their focus is maintained during periods of calculated chaos is amongst the many challenges of each show (although I have the best team around). Then, the day of the show arrives when you look at each team member eye to eye and say...Are you ready? ...Have we forgotten anything...Any last minute edits?...How will we be received? A waive of vulnerability overcomes me...but I remind myself that this is an opportunity for me to share my vision with the world...It doesn't have to be accepted by everyone or anyone...The presentation is an opportunity for me to evolve as a designer and more importantly, as a human being...and I begin to breathe. I look at each of my team members and am so grateful that they have sacrificed their time to be part of this journey...I am calmed by their presence and smiles. Silence overcome the auditorium... the music starts to play and the show begins. The energy is intoxicating...it is like no other...and in the end...it is well worth the effort for all involved.
Mark Roscoe
Mark Roscoe (Part 1)
By Rodney Branche.
In the world of fashion, it requires an outstanding skill, and strong effort to stand out as a remarkable clothing designer. One of those individuals who makes the difference is Mark Roscoe.
In the world of fashion, it requires an outstanding skill, and strong effort to stand out as a remarkable clothing designer. One of those individuals who makes the difference is Mark Roscoe.
Mark, born and raised in Gary, Indiana, first became interested in designing clothes, as a young boy who often heard his mother complain about how difficult it was finding dresses in the local stores. Mark became inspired to develop his own individual style for creating new looks for women, no matter what their size or shape. Mark's philosophical inspiration is "when you look good, it makes you feel better about yourself, everyone should look as good as they can."
After completing his studies in Indiana, Mark moved to Chicago where he started his career, as a fashion model. He then moved on to start his own casting agency where he was able to absorb all he could about the fashion industry.
After establishing his own design studio, Mark introduced a distictive custom hand-made men's neckwear collection for men. From there Mark developed a one of a kind couture womens collection. All of Mark's selections in fabric are personal in nature, to insure maximum quality, and uniqueness.
Model: Mikell Reed Carroll, MUA: Ana Polanko, Designer:Mark Roscoe, Photography: Julian Skinner
The Mark Roscoe Design Womens Couture and Mens Neckwear Collection have been, introduced throughout the country at prestigious events, such as, the Academy and Grammy Awards. Recently in June, Mark 'revealed' his collection in Georgetown, at the Fusion De Filantropia Washington, DC, Event which was hosted by Stacy Adams, Diane Crawford, and Elizabeth Sarah Hillware. Mark has high hopes, that on his next visit to Washington, DC, he get's the opportunity to dress the "First Lady" of the United States of America, Mrs. Michelle Obama!
Mark Roscoe with Kristen Berset
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Briy Gilgeous
"Briy"
In the ever changing fashion world of Washington, DC, one might find all sorts of individuals.
Some standout and reflect this scene more than others....one person in particular is "Briy"!
Briy was born October 1993 at Shady Grove
hospital to Brian Gilgeous, of Guana , a New York raised Basketball star at
American University and his girlfriend, Chrystina Lunn, who originated from
Cape Cod. Later the family became four with the birth of a younger brother,
they traveled throughout Europe as her father played in the French
Basketball League. A few years later the family returned to America to settle
in Maryland with a third child when later in Middle School, Briy experienced much
more in her young life.
While in school, Briy began to grow at an amazing rate of speed, before she knew it,
others realized she was 6ft. at 120 lbs. Pairing this and the loss of her
grandmother to a serious illness, the young student had fallen into a deep
depression for 4 months. As luck had it, she picked up an "Elle" Magazine. When
Briy realized that her tall features could be used to her advantage, and
possibly she could be like Tyra Banks. So once she hit High School Briy joined
the student-designer/model club. There were a few issues ,
however Briy made that giant leap, by trying out for DC Fashion Week.
From there things had taken a positive turn for the aspiring model, Briy has modeled for three seasons
in a row for DC Fashion Week. Next there were numerous shows in DC, and New York for Latin Fashion
Week, Fashion for Hope, NOVA Fashion Week, Fashion Beauty Lifestyle Expo,
Crystal Couture, Fashion Law Week, and the Branding Korea Fashion Show. Also
modeling for numerous designers and boutiques, locally and nationally.
Briy is currently attending Montgomery College, seeking a degree in Liberal Arts.
She wishes to take her modeling talents to New York, signed under a large
agency to work for designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Jean Paul Gaultier.
Afterwards she desired to run her own agency/fashion consulting firm or to
study law to help unionize the modeling industry, in order to end the
prevalence of sexual harassment , racism, child/teen exploitation. Most
importantly...eating disorders.
Some standout and reflect this scene more than others....one person in particular is "Briy"!
Briy was born October 1993 at Shady Grove
hospital to Brian Gilgeous, of Guana , a New York raised Basketball star at
American University and his girlfriend, Chrystina Lunn, who originated from
Cape Cod. Later the family became four with the birth of a younger brother,
they traveled throughout Europe as her father played in the French
Basketball League. A few years later the family returned to America to settle
in Maryland with a third child when later in Middle School, Briy experienced much
more in her young life.
While in school, Briy began to grow at an amazing rate of speed, before she knew it,
others realized she was 6ft. at 120 lbs. Pairing this and the loss of her
grandmother to a serious illness, the young student had fallen into a deep
depression for 4 months. As luck had it, she picked up an "Elle" Magazine. When
Briy realized that her tall features could be used to her advantage, and
possibly she could be like Tyra Banks. So once she hit High School Briy joined
the student-designer/model club. There were a few issues ,
however Briy made that giant leap, by trying out for DC Fashion Week.
From there things had taken a positive turn for the aspiring model, Briy has modeled for three seasons
in a row for DC Fashion Week. Next there were numerous shows in DC, and New York for Latin Fashion
Week, Fashion for Hope, NOVA Fashion Week, Fashion Beauty Lifestyle Expo,
Crystal Couture, Fashion Law Week, and the Branding Korea Fashion Show. Also
modeling for numerous designers and boutiques, locally and nationally.
Briy is currently attending Montgomery College, seeking a degree in Liberal Arts.
She wishes to take her modeling talents to New York, signed under a large
agency to work for designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Jean Paul Gaultier.
Afterwards she desired to run her own agency/fashion consulting firm or to
study law to help unionize the modeling industry, in order to end the
prevalence of sexual harassment , racism, child/teen exploitation. Most
importantly...eating disorders.