“I live my brand; I am my brand. My identity is reflected through my brand,” said Fassler. “When you buy Fassler, you buy into a well-developed sense of self and identity, the exuberance of colour and print and the global appeal of the brand,” she said.
When asked about her personal process before the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, she explained that there was an established routine she started at the beginning of each year to design new collections. She manages to balance the time between delivering individual client orders from her previous success, and structuring the design of her up-and-coming autumn/winter collection for the fashion week.
“We don’t set aside any specific time to allocate the design of a collection, but by the time we close in December, we already have the broad outlines of our new collection,” said Fassler.
She expects the pattern to change over time, but for now, she calls it “accidental poetry”.
Fassler believes spring/summer collections are usually more productive as South Africans are “lazy” and “try to pretend there is no winter”.
“I love working on autumn/winter material because I love layering and textures,” said Fassler. She enjoys the production of her garments and style, and believes that “once you are a Fassler client, you never leave”.
“My clients are independent, confident women who need clothes to suit their lifestyle. They pay for their own clothes and don’t have the time or inclination to waste time in shopping malls,” she said.
Fassler has shared her experience with emerging designers by becoming a mentor to students doing internships at her Leopard Frock studio.
“I have mentored most of the designers currently making waves in the industry,” she said.
“I hope I have encouraged them to develop their intellect, personal style and work ethic,” she added.
Fassler will showcase her new autumn/winter collection at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week between 20 and 22 March at the Sandton Convention Centre.
