Introductions are in Order

Hey Everyone,

I am still taking a bit of a breather on the review of the runway shows for Spring 2010. This is just a short, but very important, post to introduce our newest member. We are all very excited to have her on board and we are certain that all of you will be happy to benefit from her input.

I had the good fortune to speak to a class of journalism students at the University of Washington. During that discussion I met a young woman, Kirsten Soelling. She is bright, energetic, enthusiastic and has graciously agreed to become one of the posters for The Designer's Story. Our intent in recruiting Kirsten is multi-faceted.

First, we need the opinion of someone who is under 30 as we opine on fashion and the collections that are making it down the runways of the world. Second, I was impressed by her knowledge of fashion and some of the questions she asked about the fate of the industry, in print form, as the world of journalism morphs from hard to electronic copy. Third, unlike Janice and me, she is actually a trained journalist and may be able to add some editorial style and comment that is currently lacking. And finally, but maybe most importantly, Kirsten is not technologically challenged.

We are looking forward to having her jazz up the blog page and add a dimension that is currently missing. She actually knows how to post pictures and videos, understands the importance of layout and graphics, and it wouldn't take her 3 hours to try and figure out how to move the photo from the left to the right side of the page. (I have no problem admitting that I have weaknesses when it comes to technology. My mobile phone is now upgraded beyond my technological skills).

So, we aren't sure when the first post is coming but I am confident that Kirsten will give you something to think about. Like us, she is open to hearing about topics you would like covered. As we have written many times, we would love to make this blog as relevant as possible and that means we address your concerns, questions, thoughts and even disagreements with our opinions.

So, if sometime in the not too distant future there is a post from Kirsten where she blasts me and Janice because we are of an age where we missed the symbolism of a designer's collection, or don't really understand the reason younger fashionistas are interested in this label or that silhouette, don't be shocked. Janice and I are all grown up and we can take it. A young, intelligent and straight shooting colleague is just what we need to keep us honest.

Kirsten has no restrictions on when to post. To prove that we have given her the keys to the kingdom. She has as much access and do Janice and I. We now simply need you to welcome her and make sure that she feels at home.

Welcome aboard, Kirsten. Knock 'em dead.

a la prochaine

Debra