Cassie Kogler's Journey From "Freak" to Fashion Phenom - Stylehive

A girl ridiculed for her individual style growing up in Long Island becomes the fashion world's next big thing. That's the amazing story of Cassie Kogler, the designer for New York Couture, the one-of-a-kind clothing company spreading across the globe.

What's even more amazing? She's only 24 years old!

Cassie graduated at the top of her class from Pace University with a business degree, never thinking she would become a fashion designer. But while working for Halston, she was approached by fashion editors wowed by her eclectic outfits and urged to start her own line. Cassie debuted New York Couture in December 2004. Spreading by word-of-mouth, her collection grew to the point that it is now sold in over 20 stores in the United States, Canada, and Japan.

SH: Tell us how your design philosophy began at 4 years old.

Cassie Kogler: I think it even started as a fetus...lol. My mom says I used to sing the JCPenny song when I was very young...you know the one "where fashion comes to life". I just always loved clothes...playing dress up.


SH: What influences your unique sense of style?

CK: I tell people I have ADD...my brain is always running at 150mph. I have an idea and I just have to make it...the idea just won't go away until I do it. Sometimes the ideas just appear...other times I'll be at a club or even walking in NYC and see something and get inspired.


SH: What was it like growing up with your eclectic style?

CK: Hard...until I found myself. I was always the "freak". People would say shit and I would not know what to do...it was upsetting. I think of myself being a freak as something I was born with...for example, I would not be happy dressing like everyone else...it just wasn't who I was. By 10th grade I found myself. I wouldn't take the shit anymore and started giving back what I got...then no one gave me anymore shit. Now I don't care what people say/think about me because I am happy with who I am. The only people that really matter to me are the people that really know me and their opinions are the ones I listen to.


SH: Describe your "street dior" philosophy.

CK: Dior is crazy amounts of money. I try and buy a piece every year or two, but most people can't afford it. I wanted my line to be affordable...funky...and that's why I it's called "street Dior".


SH: How did you go from doing marketing for Halston to designing your own line?

CK: I didn't do marketing at Halston...I was at a desk job in the showroom. But I got to meet lots of famous people, like stylist Freddie Lieba, actress Rosario Dawson. It's the parties, shows, etc that I got a lot of attention at because I would wear my designs and everyone would love them...for example, at Bryant Park during Fashion Week I wore a dress I made and everyone inside the tents took pictures of me as if I were Paris Hilton. It was funny.


SH: What other designers inspire you?

CK: Marjan Pejoski (he made Bjork's swan dress), John Galliano, Vivienne Westwood, but Patricia Field is #1 for me because she does it all. Patricia has a line, a store, and styles...and I would love to follow in her footsteps.


SH: What is it like being 24 years old and having your own line, and showing in fashion shows?

CK: It's crazy. Everyone thinks designers have this glamorous life...but we work realllly hard! Some months I only get to go out dancing with friends once or twice. I do a lot of events, shows, etc...so I'm always on the go. In fact I haven't had a vacation in several years...lol. But I love what I do and wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm my own boss and that's the best part. If I want to stay up to 4am and wake up at 2pm I can.


SH: Your line took off very quickly, and has gained international recognition. How do you remain balanced, and down-to-earth?

CK: I'm not famous....so i'm not stuck up...and if I were I wouldn't be anyways. I worked hard and will continue to work hard. I just take one day at a time and try and treat people how I want to be treated.


SH:What do you think of the clothes that are on the market today?

CK: Ehhhhh...nothing too great. Not saying my clothing is magic...but I'm not inspired by anything coming out currently. We need more craziness!


SH: What's your favorite part of the design process?

CK: Lol...I'm really laughing in real life. Designing as in making a pattern, cutting out the fabric, and sewing the garment together is not fun. I will one day have people that work for me that can do that. I am not a traditional designer, as in I do not sketch...I just make...so it's harder for me in some ways. I guess my favorite part would be the first idea and seeing how it comes out (only if it comes out good b/c if it comes out bad it aggravates me...lol).


SH: There are rumors that you may open your own boutiques. What's in the future of New York Couture?

CK: I plan to (in the future) open a boutique in NYC on the LES. I would like it to be the hands down most crazy boutique in all of NYC. I will carry my line of course, some rare vintage, and the craziest designers from around the world. I'll keep you posted when the time gets closer to that.


Cassie's Stylehive picks newyorkcouture

New York Couture's Site in the Hive: site/newyorkcouture.net

New York Couture's Website: newyorkcouture.net