Get to Know Jennifer Diederich the Founder & Designer of Suite

Her IG handle may be @suite_jennifer, but Jennifer Diederich is truly a sweetheart of the fashion industry — pun fully intended. Diederich’s line Suite is known for its whimsical prints, feminine frocks and nostalgic nods to decades past. We sat down with Diederich to learn more about how she found her way in the industry (hint: Project Runway might have had something to do with it) and where she’s taking Suite next.

Growing up, were you always interested in fashion? If not, what was the turning point?

Since I can remember, I have always had a love for all forms of creativity. I lived for music (all my pocket money went towards buying CDs growing up), took ballet lessons for a decade, went to the theater, acted in the theater, always had a marker or pencil in my hand, played piano, spent hours putting together outfits for school and making little movies with my best friends. I was lucky enough to be exposed to a lot of different kinds of art.

I wanted to be an art teacher growing up because I like to help others and art was my passion. It wasn't until I turned 14 and visited NYC for the first time that I changed paths. It was love at first sight with NYC. I decided then that I had to live here, but I saw that I also needed a profitable career in the arts to do it. So it hit me...fashion design! From that moment on, it was like everything clicked, fashion was it.

How did you come to curate your personal style?

I have always had strong tastes and ideas. As a child, I ate whole lemons. I wore all neon outfits. I refused to participate in group activities where I felt like I couldn't express my point of view uniquely. I tried out all the trends and saw what worked on me. It wasn't until my last year at FIT that I started to pull all these ideas together to create my personal sense of style. I have an affinity for old movies, playful colors, whimsical prints, dresses, swing coats, cocktail parties and city life. Because I love these things, I always have them in my mind while creating or shopping. I believe the most important rule in creating your own personal style is to only buy what you love. Always search out that detail that feels uniquely you.

Can you tell us the story behind Suite?

During a week-long stay at the Plaza Hotel, I couldn’t help imagining some of Eloise’s wardrobe getting mixed up with the luxury luggage destined for one of the splendid suites. That moment of inspiration sparked the idea for Suite, which is also inspired by vintage 50’s and 60’s bon ton clothing, playful prints, and all things colorful. It was also very important to me to create unique, conversation-starting coats at a price my friends could afford.

How did appearing on Project Runway alter your career?

Before Project Runway, I was designing embroidery designs for Blumarine in a small town in Italy. When I got back to Italy after filming PR, I wasn't really sure what to do next. So, I slowly started creating custom dresses and developing Suite. As you start a brand/business, insight from others who have already created one is priceless. Project Runway helped to facilitate those introductions because people were curious to meet me after being on the show. However, any notoriety from Project Runway is only a foot in the door. The rest is up to you.

What lessons did you learn from living and working abroad in Florence?

I have to admit that while living in Europe may be a dream for many, it was never my dream. I lived there for 15 years while my now-husband finished college and got some work experience. Because we lived in tiny towns for most of the time there, my big city loving heart yearned for more creative inspiration. However, I was able to become fluent in Italian (out of necessity - I only knew Italians who didn't speak English) and learned about Italian traditions and culture. I feel lucky to have had those experiences looking back with a little distance.

When we moved to Florence for the last three years abroad, it was a welcomed change because I met some inspiring, creative people that were a little more open-minded. It was then that I started to appreciate the charms of Italy through a foreigner's curious eyes.

As far as running a small fashion business in Florence, there were quite a few uniquely Italian obstacles. The fabric available to me was all at-retail price. You have to have an Italian tax id to buy wholesale, and the Italian tax ids (partita IVA) are expensive to get. The tiny notion and fabric stores in Florence were closed Monday morning and every day from 1pm-4pm, not to mention, for the whole month of August for vacation. I remember going to pick up a bunch of white zippers to have for orders while they were closed on vacation, but they were sold out and the stock wouldn't be replenished until September! Life and business definitely move at a slower pace.

All differences and difficulties aside, having the chance to get to know another culture and country so in-depth, is a gift and helped provide a wider view of the world than I would have had stayed in the US.

Where do you find inspiration?

I am always trying to keep my eyes open for inspiration. I love 50s/60s style, museum wandering, fabric hunting, estate sale shopping, and long chats with friends that lead to interesting ideas!

Where do you want to take Suite next?

Together with my business partner, AnnMarie Mattila, who was also my roommate at FIT, we are looking to expand Suite's reach through adding new wholesale accounts and introducing as many people as possible to our fun little world on our website. At the moment, some of the pieces are sewn by me in our studio, however, we will continue to move towards producing more of the collection in a production studio we work within the garment district in NYC, to accommodate a larger demand. We will continue to bring highly unique conversation-starting prints in fun vintage silhouettes. I am looking forward to the faster pace that New York brings!

Can you give us a hint on the inspiration behind your next collection?

The next collection will be full of colorful, fun prints! In particular, you will see crosswords, bingo, and cocktail quick escape coats.

If you could give yourself a piece of advice before starting your company, what would it be?

No matter what I would tell myself (and there are many things), I must remind myself that it is all a journey of twists and turns and there will always be lows and highs. I believe that listening to the advice of people who have already accomplished what I hope to achieve is priceless. Be flexible, stay innovative and pay for as many things as possible without the help of a credit card because it forces you to be deliberate about spending. Focus on what you excel at and don't try to be everything to everyone.

Do you remember what you wore to your first interview?

A Marc Jacobs light blue sparkly jacket with puff sleeves that I bought at Saks on sale. This was before I made all my clothes, but it is the type of fun piece I would wear today. I still have it in my closet

What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue a similar path?

Fashion design may seem so glamorous; but in reality, it is made up of long hours, dragging bags around and sewing all night. You will need to be fully dedicated for success. Here are some things I have learned along the way.

-Listen to customers, their wants and needs

-Accept help

-Delegate work that you can't do, or don't have time to complete

-Surround yourself with supportive people, so when you get down on yourself, they can help bring you back

-Reach out to people who inspire you

-Stick with what you know best, don't try to be everything to everybody

-Try to search for innovative ways to reduce impact on the environment

-Be humble and kind