FASHTALKS WITH CAPSULE 121

What inspired you to become a designer?

I love beautiful clothes and helping women feel self-assured, confident, and ready to take on daily adventures. 

When was your first industry experience and how did it impact you?   

I worked retail through high school and college. It was an era of clothing with strong brand identities and marketing. I loved it and studied Marketing/Advertising and Writing as a result.

What was your first job out of college, and how did you land that position?

My first job was working for Elie Tahari. I actually interviewed at Merrill Lynch. I got a really nice job offer but it didn’t feel right. I told the man that was interviewing me that I wanted a career in fashion. He introduced me to the President of Elie Tahari and I got the job!

“Our customers want to present themselves in the world in a self-assured way, I really think our pieces help them do that.”

What was your previous work experience before launching your brand?

I have worked in the industry for a long time for both American and European brands. This helps me understand that women, regardless of where they live, want to feel great about themselves.

What did the beginnings of CAPSULE 121 look like?

It was exciting! I had the idea in a journal for eleven years. The casual, comfortable clothing that was in the market didn’t resonate with me or my friends. I wanted to be comfortable but look pulled together. When we were coming out of lockdown, I met Jonathan Li. I told him my idea and we started!

What is your earliest design memory for your brand?

Making the team understand that CAPSULE 121 is an evolved idea of activewear comfortability with a ready-to-wear sensibility.

What inspired you to name your brand?  

CAPSULE has dual meanings for us. Capsule - like a space capsule because we believe this is the future way of dressing. Also, Capsule - a Capsule wardrobe. Our seasonal offerings are strategically designed items that work with other pieces from previous seasons so you can create your own “Capsule” wardrobe. 121 in numerology means to focus on creating a solid secure foundation for oneself and to live a calm and relaxing life. Our customers want to present themselves in the world in a self-assured way, I really think our pieces help them do that.

What was the toughest circumstance you overcame when just starting out your business? 

The world was just waking up from the pandemic, so we weren’t sure how it would be received. We were fortunate because retailers were open to taking on new brands with new ideas.

“As long as our CAPSULE 121 pieces make getting dressed, looking great, and feeling comfortable effortless, then we have done our job.”

Where do you find inspiration?

Strong, accomplished women in history with great style. Trailblazers like Gloria Steinem and Mary Tyler Moore to name a few.

How would you describe the style of your brand?

High-end chic with a slight edge. The clothes may seem ordinary on paper, but they are extraordinary on the body. Our clothes have shape to enhance all women. We offer sizes from XS-3X.

What sets your brand apart from the rest?

Stretch, stretch, stretch! Once you wear one of our blazers you will be addicted.

What brand values are most important for CAPSULE 121?

Celebrating strong women. Women are amazing! We are mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, professors, professionals, artists... I can go on forever! We have the capacity to do anything. This is a great time to be a woman. We can juggle a lot of things at once. As long as our CAPSULE 121 pieces make getting dressed, looking great, and feeling comfortable effortless, then we have done our job.

Do you have a passion other than fashion or design?

History and music.

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career, what would it be? 

It will all work out. Stay focused and don’t doubt yourself.

What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?  

Starting this brand!

What is the most important thing you would like your brand to be recognized for?

Great clothes!

What do you envision for the future of CAPSULE 121?

Being recognized as an American brand with global appeal. Creating clothes that every person wants to wear.