Antoinette V. Cardenas consistently carries a strong passion for all that she does and whom she believes in. She combines her network and resources with her extensive background in fashion, music and public relations. With over 12 years in the fashion industry, along with a keen eye and attention to detail, Antoinette executes all of her work with all things considered. Currently, Cardenas is one of our contributing writers here at FIDOO in addition to freelancing with other creative initiatives and ventures.
Describe your personal style in three words.
AVC- Flirty, fanciful, and forward.
What influences your style?
AVC- Masculine Femininity; Mid-century Modernism; Simple Complexity; Romantic Nomad
Who is your fashion doppleganger?
AVC- Rachel Bilson or Zooey Deschanel.
What brands could you positively not live without?
AVC- I fully admire fashion all around, but these are at the top of my list: Society for Rational Dress; 3.1 Phillip Lim; Yves Saint Laurent; Balenciaga; Rad Hourani; VPL; Rodarte; ACNE; Quail; Bijules; Han Cholo..on and on and on….
What is your go-to shop or e-commerce site, where you can always find something you want?
AVC- GILT (on-line); Ten Over Six (LA); Pixie Market (NYC); Virgo (DTLA); Painted Bird (SIlverlake); sample sales!
What is currently playing on your playlist? i.e. what type of music would you say influences your fashion style the most?
AVC- Beach House; Kisses; Oh Land; Sade; Hot Chip; Portishead; Serge Gainsbourg; Flying Lotus; Little Dragon; KCRW; Delacroix et Ramos Mixtape Files
How has working at FIDOO influenced your personal style, already?
AVC- I am not sure that my personal style has changed necessarily. However I would say that working for FIDOO has definitely increased my motivation and intention of staying aware- from emerging labels to well established designers and then from collections to trends and such.
How do you think FIDOO will influence fashion?
AVC- I believe FIDOO is going to influence fashion by providing the fashion community with innovative ideas, useful information, current/relevant news, and some things that will be unexpected but very interesting.
Which fashion trend from history would you most like to resurrect?
AVC- Fashion is constantly repeating itself, one way or the other, so in a sense trends are derived by history and are given a new twist of life to it depending on the designer and their vision. I would say that it would be delightful if styles from the Belle Epoch era would come back.
If your friends had to describe your style, what do you think they would say?
AVC- My friends would probably say that my style is well curated with meticulous finesse.
What previous work experience did you have in the fashion industry before FIDOO?
AVC- I have a versed array of experience with companies such as Creative Recreation, Disney, Dolce & Gabbana, Paper Magazine, as well as, Flaunt from account management to advertising assistant to producer to consulting.
What do you think will be an upcoming trend?
AVC- With the way the economy has been, trends are created on an individual basis more frequently- unique and appropriate for YOU.
How did you get your foot in the door before breaking into the industry? What sacrifices did you make and what advice do you have for a young fashion whipper-snapper?
AVC- My foot in the door story has had more to do with my eagerness to be involved and my interest to learn/ get to know more along the way. I have found myself surrounded with amazingly talented people and engulfed in some pretty awesome projects. Sacrifices I have made entail having worked internships that were unpaid, taking demotions, and pro-bono.
The advice I have for the fashion young-ins would be to:
-Stay passionate and positive.
-Make sure your radar is constantly beeping.
-Network and build with people that pique your interests.
-Create projects for yourself that will support examples for your work.
*everything that you do and experience now (both the good and the bad) will all make sense one day….seriously!*
