We are proud to have got the possibility for an interview with the founder and owner of Sasse-Design, Melanie Wedemeier. Our fashion editor Briana DeShields had several questions for her:

Can you tell me a little about yourself?
I am 42years old and live in Hanover/Germany. A nice city in northern Germany.
I finished a professional training in tailoring first, and then studied Fashion-Design in Hamburg.
I also worked for a year for a well-known print fashion magazine in Hamburg. I live in the center of Hanover and like clubbing and meet up with friends.

Can you tell me a little more about Sasse-Design?
I founded my brand Sasse-Design in 2001. We design and manufacture all kinds of clothes on the requirements of our customers. E.g. wedding-dresses, dresses for graduation balls and business-outfits.
We already dressed event and TV moderators, designed and manufactured dresses for the Bayreuther Festival, Salzburger Festival, Bundespresseball and “Ball des deutschen Sports”.

Do your friends and family support your career choices?
My family supported me during my training and with the opening of my business.

If you could style one celeb, who would it be?
And what would you put them in?
Every character in a Tim Burton movie! I love all Tim Burton movies, they are very stylish with well dressed actors.

Have you faced any challenges?
Most challenging part is to have enough time for daily business and creative work as well.

How did you overcome those challenges?
From time to time I work at the weekends as well. The dresses and photographs which you can see are done in my “spare-time”, while my store is closed to the public. ;-)

What would you tell people who are facing similar battles?
If you work as a creative, take your time to be inspired by art, music and theaters/movies. Then transform your ideas in something which people love. You do not have to work, if you love what you do.

How many shows have you been in?
We are doing many shows in a year. I forgot to count them. Besides, we also are doing a lot of fashion-shows on big events which are organized by the press.

Any new lines or exciting news you would like to share?
Sasse-Design celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. We are planning a big fashion show for all our clients.

What sets your designs apart?
Elegance, every woman shall look elegant and self-confident.
We are working with high quality fabrics, only. The manufacturing is done directly within our store.

What has been a highlight in your career?
A dress for the Oscar award ceremony.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I will design clothes for movies and sell collections which are presented at the Berlin Fashion-Week.

Do you ever travel to the states?
I already visited my uncle in Seattle. I like the amazing scenery of Seattle.
Next time, I would like to visit New York. New York must be an inspiring city.

Where are you located and where can we find the designs?
Where can we find you on social media? My store is located in the center of Hannover. For all inquiries just contact me via mail: mw@sasse-design.com

Interview by Briana DeShields, fashion editor of Streetfashion MagZZine

I was fortunate enough to meet Matt Addison at my Pulse Benefit in August. He came through in a clutch, when i was in need for more male designers.

Matt is also our lead graphic developer for TRU LUV MEDIA.

In five years he see’s himself as a hubb for a thriving art business specializing in graphic designs and clothing!

Written by Briana DeShields

Using Fairtrade, ethically sourced traditional materials and methods to fight against unfair treatment within fashion as well as keeping with London's contemporary style, Stacey is connecting her heritage to her designs, really showing her care and passion for Fairtrade movement in the fashion industry. Empowering the lives of many artists, bettering their quality of life while still creating stunning Fashion apparel and accessories.

How does your brand benefit artisans and weavers from the Northeast?  
Our brand  teams up with local artisans through NGOs and self-help groups giving  them a global platform. We  buy their crafts for  fair price instead of going through middle men, who  pay them 1/3  the price. Through this fair business and trade conduct, we create fair  sustainable income  and employment. This encourages  local artisans to continue their much loved tradition.

Using fabrics and materials from the Northeast, why did you think that would appeal to people across the world and how has the response been so far?
The response has been overwhelming. There are still people out there, who highly appreciate handmade items. They are aware, that handmade things are painstakingly  made and time consuming. 

How can people purchase your products? Do you ship products all over the world?
Online at www.littlehillpeople.com and yes, we do.