Beautiful dresses from Ricorso and an interview with Daryl below!
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I love supporting local talent and was introduced to Ricorso (Founder and lead designer Daryl Sneed) through a close friend. He designs beautiful modern, feminine pieces (also does custom work) in limited collections each season and believes in investing in timeless pieces. I wore two of his dresses for my rooftop shoots and love the vibrant, girly feel.
I thought I would start a series once a month where I interview various professionals and I’m excited that Daryl will be first in the series! See below for more about him and his process of design.
This dress I’ve worn here is custom (contact info@ricorsodesign.com) to order!
Sunglasses (love all these too) | Manolo Pumps (more awesome pumps)
Location: Z Bar Peninsula (my rooftop bar picks here)
Bella Dress | Manolo Pumps (more awesome pumps) | Sunglasses | Wing Earrings only $9
Location: Noyane/Conrad Hotel
Bella Dress | Manolo Pumps (more awesome pumps) | Sunglasses | Wing Earrings only $9
The dresses were so pretty and the fabrications were beautiful. Daryl answered some questions I wanted to know and take a peak below for the best insights.
#1) How did you get started?
My fashion journey began in 2007 with my close friend and mentor, Richard Morse. For almost ten years, Richard trained, designed and had his own private label in New York. Together, we launched the Chicago-based line, 5p1t.
Our collection was featured in many Chicago and New York boutiques, including the 28 Shop at Macy’s State Street. In 2008, 5p1t received the Rising Star Award from Chicago FGI (Fashion Group International).
In 2009, we rebranded the line to the kirk James Collection.
During our brand development and launch, I continued working in the healthcare industry. Unfortunately, in 2011, Richard passed away unexpectedly. Luckily, with the support of the Chicago fashion production community, I decided to start a new fashion brand – Ricorso (2012).
In Ricorso’s beginnings, the brand featured modern silhouettes that retained authentic tailoring and construction for women.
Now, our latest limited-edition label translates our modern archive into covetable, wardrobe essentials featuring elevated fabrics, prints and patterns, produced in limited run capsules.
#2) What inspires you?
Ricorso is inspired by the modern woman’s journey celebrating her strength, independence and beauty. When she looks at the vintage pieces, she will ponder about the life of the woman who originally had the piece. What kind of life would she have today?
#3) What kind of women are you dressing?
Our predominant customer is the professional woman who leverages fashion in creating her own identity. From day to night, she values skillfully constructed pieces that complement her wardrobe with effortless elevation.
#4) Do you design all your prints and where do you find your fabrics?
The ricorso fabrics and prints originate predominantly from Europe (France, Italy) and Asia. Select prints and fabrications are made to order from Europe. We exclusively look for colors, patterns and fabrics that complement our heritage derived silhouettes to create timeless, modern identity. In the past, we explored designing our own prints including collaborations with Chicago-based artist, Bret Grafton.
#5) Do you design a new collection every season?
We generally follow seasonal trends with an intention to create transitional versatility year-round. For our limited-edition label, we design 3-4 capsules per year, targeting 10-12 releases (usually one release per month).
#6) How has it been being Chicago based?
In comparison to New York, Chicago has a small design/production community. The Chicago design/production community is all built on relationships. Once you build your network, it’s fantastic what you can get done here. The community works together to help you succeed.
#7) Who would you dream to dress?
The new royals- Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton. Kate and Meghan embody the idea of modern heritage by breathing new life into “tradition” for the modern generation.
#8) What are your goals for the next year for your designs?
Next year we plan on advancing design to look at juxtapositions- think texture, day to evening, along with the intersection of femininity X masculinity through heritage silhouette, fabrication and modern style
#9) Any advice for new designers?
Always remember “it’s a marathon- not a race.” Creating your brand identity takes time.
I love that last piece of advice! Support local designers, it is really important to support, buy and spread the love for entrepreneurs out there. Check out Ricorso here. xoxo
