Emily James is one of Marcella's own designers! Originally from Maplewood, New Jersey, she moved to New York City to study fashion design at the Parsons School of Design. She studied more in Paris and then came back to New York, where she now lives and works.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Growing up, I was very involved in the performing arts. I took dance classes and piano lessons, which I started when I was three and five. They were both incredibly creative outlets for me, teaching me discipline, hard work and giving me confidence. My dad is an architect and my mom studied theater and later went into the non-profit world for public health. Both of their backgrounds definitely shape my perspective.
What led you to studying fashion design? What was your experience in school?
Early on, I was very interested in photography and thought it was something I would pursue when I got to college. When I was in fifth grade, a classmate of mine showed me a website called Stardoll. It was a digital paper doll website where you could dress up and style different celebrities. I got sucked into this world of creating a persona through clothing. I also enjoyed watching Project Runway when I was younger because it showed the "behind the scenes" of how clothing was created by designers in a more intense and time sensitive environment. I eventually started taking sewing and some design classes to dip my toe in the water. When I began studying fashion design at school, we were treated as professionals from the start. We were simultaneously learning how to construct and design, while also being expected to create work at a high level. It was intense and demanding at times, because a lot is being thrown at you. However, I learned a lot from the talented students around me, as well as my professors. I made great friends while I was studying there.
“Continuing to stay curious and be a student in your own field, and the world in general, allows you to be open minded and willing to grow.”
What does education mean to you, and how has it influenced your experience as a professional fashion designer?
I think education is incredibly important in expanding your mind and your potential. In the context of the current state of the country and the world, I think education is unfortunately still a privilege and not everyone has access to quality education due to a multitude of reasons that are economic, geographic and political. Continuing to advocate and support educational systems is really beneficial to society. Going to school for fashion design helped me to find professional opportunities. However, education doesn’t really stop once you leave school for any field of study. Continuing to stay curious and be a student in your own field, and the world in general, allows you to be open minded and willing to grow. I’ve found I learn so much in design from observing those around me.
What led you to working with the Marcella Team?
I became acquainted with the brand when I first bought the Manhattan Top at the very end of 2021. In the late summer of 2022, I was hunting for a new job and I wanted to work for a brand that was more focused on sustainability and overall more purpose-driven. I cold-emailed Siyana, expressing interest in working for the brand, which ultimately led me to joining in the spring of 2023. We have talked about how serendipitous it was since they were looking to bring someone onto the design team, but hadn’t yet posted a position.
What is something that you do behind-the-scenes at Marcella that you wouldn’t expect our customers to know about?
In addition to helping design the collections, I work behind the scenes on our photo shoots. While my role on set is less active, I get to see the designs come to life on set through the art direction and photography. It also gives us another chance to see if there are any fit or design amendments we want to make before the style goes into production.
What role does style play in the work you do?
Style definitely plays a role in design. When brainstorming and sketching ideas, you always have to think about it through the lens of the brand ethos and aesthetic. You may gather different research and inspiration for each collection, but ultimately the design aesthetic of the brand dictates how it gets interpreted. Style continues to play a role when it comes time to photograph the line. We have to work with the stylists to make sure there is cohesion amongst the different looks; that we show the garments in the best way possible; and that it aligns and both elevates the brand image. It’s a balance.
How would you describe your personal fashion style, and does your work have any influence on it (or vice versa)?
I always find this question difficult because it’s much easier to define another person’s style than your own. My personal style is mainly influenced by my mood, the weather and the activities I have going on that day. My closet has a mixture of core items and more special pieces. On a day-to-day basis, I can flip flop from being more casual and laidback to polished and pulled together. A lot of the time, my outfit consists of jeans, a t-shirt and a pair of sneakers. I think my personal style definitely influences how I design. However, I think the beauty of designing for a brand is you get to put your personal touch on the designs, but you also learn how to challenge and grow your design skills. You learn to merge your aesthetic with the brand so it feels harmonious.
What is your favorite piece from your Marcella Capsule?
It’s interesting since the pieces I enjoyed designing for the collection are different from the item I enjoyed wearing the most. The Diana Coat and the Peyton Dress are styles I enjoyed designing and seeing come to life during development. But my favorite piece to wear is the Carter Dress. It’s very effortless and flattering across all body sizes. I’ve seen different women wear the dress, and I always think they look beautiful.
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