Renee DuMarr

Renee DuMarr has “new found energy.” When I spoke with the womenswear designer early Thursday morning, she was at the hair salon dying her dark locks an easy shade of blonde. “You have to change it up,” she said with enthusiasm of a woman whose seven-year-old son now spends his days at school so she can focus on her business. After a twenty year career in fashion (she is the former Vice President of both Perry Ellis and K L Karl Lagerfeld), DuMarr struck out on her own and her namesake label aims to redefine apparel for overcommitted women.

How would you categorize your label’s style? 

Chic, classic, elegant…and a little bit out of the box.

Who is wearing Renee DuMarr now?

30 and up.

What inspired your current line, featured at next week’s sample sale?

My new found energy…and comfort. The line is a product of what I’m feeling. I’m rethinking and redefining all of the aspects of a woman’s life to create something that takes a woman out of her box, which is where I want to be.

In one sentence, what do you do all day?

I multi-task.

If you didn’t design clothing what would you do?

Work on the exchange floor or on a bond desk. I deal with colors, silhouettes, fabrics that are all real…that I can feel. If I didn’t do this, I’d be intellectually creative with numbers: packaging, buying, selling. They’re not really that different – finance and fashion – they just use different mediums.

If you could dress someone famous, who would it be?

Hilary Clinton, although she’s governed by her environment. Demi Moore. Sharon Stone. If Sarah Palin weren’t Sarah Palin, then Sarah Palin. I would love to dress Jackie O, but she’s dead.

After our interview, Renee sent me a text message that read “Thanks Emma! Always enjoy the journey. R” Like Renee, sassy but breezy, her designs reflect her present aim to balance her blessings. Because when you think about it, Lagerfeld or Legos, life yields infinite inspiration when we revel in our journey.

Emma Dinzebach