Lucky Magazine's "Stand Out Designer" Ramona Senese, Float Designs

I met Ramona when she first joined Fashion Industry Insiders. We had just done a casting for an upcoming show and were getting ready to name the FII Designers To Watch. I checked out her website and was blown away that this NY girl had so nailed Florida resortwear!

Please be sure to check out her company's website - the address is belows.

Where are you originally from?
Charlotte, Vermont

How & where did you begin designing?
After business school in Boston I had a brief career working in advertising, which I found pretty unfulfilling so I decided to pack up and move to NYC. I applied to Parson’s
School of Design and as soon as I was accepted I started designing and haven’t stopped since. I studied women’s and children’s wear and when I graduated from Parsons I was offered my first design job by Osh Kosh B’Gosh in NYC.

Describe your personal style.
I would have to say “beachy-chic”. All the pieces in the Float
collection reflect my personal style. I love classic silhouettes with fun updates and bright, colorful and unique prints. I wear my pieces alone or I pair pieces such as my Maritime Tunic with jeans and wedges and then I am out the door.


Describe the style of your line?
I have dreams of bringing beach life to everyday life and that is what I am hoping to do with Float.

Where do you find your inspirations? What kind of woman or man inspires your designs?
I find inspiration everywhere I go. Living in Florida and so close to the beach all I have to do is walk outside or take a stroll along the beach and I become inspired. I also travel for inspiration. My Dad lives in Europe and when I go to visit him we try to take fun trips to exciting places such as Milan. We usually take tons of pictures of anything that is inspiring and do a lot of window-shopping.

How many collections do you produce per year?
I produce two collections a year and I hope in time I will produce four collections a year.

What kind of fabrics do you use or look for?
I am always on the look out for new fabrications. I currently use a lot of light and airy silk/cotton blends and cotton gauzes because these are perfect for very warm days at the beach. However, I like to give my customers different options and I know that sun protection is important to my customers so I also offer beachwear in fabrications that I have had tested for their individual UPF ratings (Ultra Violet Protection Factor). My Lounge Loop Terry Hoodie and Salt Air Shorties have UPF ratings of a 50+ and my Cast Away Cover-Up and Smocked Sailing Dress come in
cotton modal fabrications, which have a UPF rating of 35+.

In your opinion, what separates you from other designers?
Float features unique textile prints which I design myself along with the clothing. I believe Float’s unique prints are one of the elements that separates the Float line from other resort wear lines out there in the marketplace. My love of bright colors and interesting patterns led me to children’s design earlier in my career where liberal use of colors and prints allow for more creativity. I feel as though I have brought that design process into my women’s wear collection and this allows Float to stand out.

Has there been another designer, throughout history, that has really inspired you?
I love all designers that feature unique prints. I am a huge fan of Emilio Pucci and Marimekko.

Which of your projects has brought you the most satisfaction?
I started Float two years ago and all aspects of my business are still bringing me great satisfaction, however when Lucky Magazine named me as a “stand out designer” it was very exciting and also satisfying.

What is your latest obsession & why?
I love these new sandals by Born! My aunt was visiting last week and was wearing a pair of these. I tried them on and they were so comfortable and so cute! I ordered them in the sage color. Big surprise that they were also featured in the Oprah magazine this month…

What Hollywood starlet would you like to see wearing your clothes?
I would have to say Halle Berry. I think she is SO naturally beautiful and I know she would look great in any of the Float prints.

If you had to describe yourself with only 1 word, what would it be?
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

What hobbies do you have?
I would call interior decorating a hobby of mine. We just bought a house and I have become obsessed in the past few months with decorating ideas and paint colors. This is how I spend most of my free time lately.

What magazines do you commonly read?
Coastal Living, Lucky, Domino (I’m very sad that the publication was just discontinued), Vogue, and Self magazine.

What kind of music do you listen to?
I usually listen to Pandora during the day. It is such a great (and free) service. You just type the name of an artist that you like and the service plays music all day by that artist and artists that are similar. I just took a look at my play list of artists and I see Jack Johnson, Amos Lee, David Gray, My Morning Jacket, Ben Harper and Big Head Todd and the Monsters. I guess since my days are pretty busy I like to listen to “mellow, feel – good” music.

How would you like best to be remembered? I would like to be remembered as a designer that successfully brought the beach life to everyday life through beautiful, unique and laid back designs.

Where is your store located, how would you describe the store’s energy?
I have an online store www.floatdesigs.net and Float can be found in over 60 upscale boutiques, spas & resorts nationwide.

How can customers contact you?
Email/phone/website
Ramona@floatdesigns.net
1-866-OHFLOAT
www.floatdesigns.net

To check out my full blog, please visit http://SouthFloridaStyle.blogspot.com

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