Designer Spotlight: Dana-Bands Hair Accessories
Ah, 2012, the epitome of “New Year, New You!” As we step into the early stages of spring semester, I’d like to ring in the New Year with a new column, Designer Spotlight. This is all about up & coming designers that create incredible products perfect for the college Fashionista. We start the column off with a wonderful accessory designer, Dana Gelenter, creator of Dana-Bands.
The Story:
Dana-Bands began back in May 2009, two weeks upon graduating from the University of Delaware, with a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising. I was in the midst of looking for a job in our down spiraling economy, only to find that a majority of companies had a hiring freeze and were laying off thousands of workers! It was in my frustrations that I turned to fashion magazines, such as Lucky and Elle, to look for budget ways to keep fashionable and fabulous. One day as I drove my design major roommates to the local JoAnn’s fabric, I suddenly became inspired. I remembered seeing the trend for feathers and flowers in one of my magazines and decided to make some of my own. Once I got home, I couldn’t stop! Each pin was better than the next… I quickly moved onto embellishing headbands that were picked up from campus pharmacy store, which jump forward two years later, are now handmade and satin wrapped. Creating hair accessories quickly took over and became my passion as I struggled through part time jobs, long grueling hours, and minimal pay with tons of bills and loans to pay off. I used what little money I had to kick start my business from scratch and in June 2010, established Dana-Bands LLC. officially. Every day is spent juggling a full time career on Fashion Ave. with my passion, Dana-Bands, shopping for new materials and creating my pieces in home office of North Jersey.
The Interview:
Carbon Magazine: Dana, what was your inspiration behind creating Dana-Bands headbands, wraps, rings, and other accessories?
Dana: I was inspired by fashion magazines and creating trendy pieces on what little money I had at the time. However, this wasn’t the main reason I began Dana-Bands or pushed to make it become known. I’ve had entrepreneurship and creativity running through my veins since birth! The best of both worlds, a father who started and owned a business without going to college, as well as a mother who has worked in the fashion industry since I was a baby. My dad always
had the mind for customer service and sales and the talent to sell anything to just about anyone. On the other hand, my mom was always a hardworking, trend setter who could rule the fashion world and come home to make an incredible
arrangement for the house. I used to beg her on Christmas for these big craft kits and other art sets instead of giving me any type of doll. When I began customizing accessories and then selling them, both worlds just seemed to come together so perfectly.
CM: What is your favorite piece you’ve ever designed?
Dana: The classic rosette with spotted guinea feathers will always be my favorite. It is what I built my business from and has continued to be the most popular seller each season. I feel this simple handmade flower makes every girl or woman feel pretty and special as well as completes just about any outfit. With styles ranging from bands, wraps, pins, rings, hats, to flip flops, everyone can enjoy!
CM: What type of consumer is your brand directed towards?
Dana: Dana-Bands is geared towards females and of all ages! My line goes from infant to adult and has a variety of styles that would fit within most tastes. If not, I always customize to a customer’s exact needs and wants. I’d say my main customer is someone like you and me, a desire to look great and not spend a fortune. Since my items are handmade, they aren’t priced to hit the Forever21 budget. Most designers like myself would typically price items double what I list. A Dana-Band is something you treat yourself or a loved one to on a bad day, a good day, or a great day! People love to see that package show up in their mail box and thus, has resulted in my line having 100% satisfaction. I strive to continue to keep it this way!
CM: What was your favorite trend of 2011?
Dana: My favorite trend of 2011 was the hanging feathers and different types of feather style accessories. I’ll always ove the boho chic, hippie look! This is what i Initially started Dana-Bands with, so seeing it come back in fashion and so strongly made me excited to work with them again. Unfortunately, a lot of companies cheapen the look when they start to become available everywhere. Stop in your local drug store, and the aisle is filled with feather pins, earrings, and extensions. Once the market becomes flooded with cheap product, I tend to have long moved on.
CM: What are you looking forward to trend-wise in 2012?
Dana: For Spring 2012, I’m looking forward to light silk chiffon fabrics, lots of lace, and pastel and ombre colors. Each DB collection will be updated with a Feminine, romantic feel yet still have that funky appeal.
The Product Review:
I had contacted Dana after seeing her designs on Jessica Romano of the show “Glam Fairy.” Jessica rocked a gorgeous silk band threaded through a gold chain, and I fell in love! One thing a college girl knows, is that looking cute with minimal effort is a must (hey, sometimes sleep is greater than impressing that hottie from philosophy class) I contacted Dana and received a beautiful “Midnight Aztec” chain and the classic “Indian Ocean” rosette ring. I wore my chain to the mall for some Black Friday shopping and the compliments reigned in. My ring even accompanied me on New Year’s Eve! The diverse selection, quality, and versatility of designs make Dana-Bands the college girl company go-to. Check out Dana on DanaBands.com and hint to your BF about the perfect Valentine’s Day gift!
You must be logged in to post a comment.