We're completely in love with vfish, the Chicago-based womenswear line that's beautifully tailored and infused with a confident, feminine sensibility (shop our sale today). We've also fallen for its dynamic founder and designer, Mandy Moise, a mom and P.E. teacher-cum-fashionista who turned a love of fashion into a thriving career. We recently got the ideeli Scoop from vfish's impresario about her dramatic career change, summer trends, and love of the Windy City!

How did your love for fashion come about?
The whole story is pretty crazy. I went from wearing sweat suits and gym clothes— every day, all day—to fabulous dresses! (I can’t say my husband was displeased.) I loved being a Physical Education teacher, but I had an opportunity to travel extensively on a hiatus from teaching, and it was then that I discovered my hidden talent. I began designing dresses for myself in a small tailor shop in Vietnam just for fun. You know how you try things on, and you think in your head, "It would be so much better for me if it had..." or, "If it was [this way]..." So I made myself some custom things that were just right for me. It sparked something in me, and I knew then that this is what I wanted to do.
What style icons/influences have played a part in developing the line?
My grandmother, Vera Fishbaugh (hence the "vfish") was and still is the inspiration for the line. She was a fashion-forward lady—way ahead of her time. I dig through old photos of her and steal her style. I'm also really inspired by all of the women I have met over the past three years since I launched vfish. I listen to what they love and don’t love about their bodies and their clothes. Every piece I design, I try to be conscious of all of the things I have learned from them.
What's the most meaningful praise you've ever received from a vfish wearer?
My mom is not a dress wearer. Never has been. A few weeks ago she had a wedding to go to, and decided to finally try one of my pieces. She told me that she felt beautiful, and hadn't felt that way in a dress since her wedding day. That was really meaningful to me!
We imagine that vfish's effortless pieces are among your warm weather essentials. What else do you rely on during the summer months to stay put-together?
Cute flats!! I'm a mom, so I'm always carrying my little sidekick around with me. I love a great pair of flats that can dress up a basic knit dress, or even cut off jean shorts and a t-shirt.
You recently opened up your flagship store in Chicago; what are your other plans for vfish in the coming months and years?
We are constantly improving, and growing, and all I can ask for is that we continue to see as much success in the future as we have since we began! I'd also like for Tim Gunn to dress someone in vfish. That would be a true measure of success.
What do you love most about being based in Chicago?
I love the city of Chicago. It is up and coming as far as fashion goes, which is really exciting to be a part of. Everyone always assumes that to be successful in fashion you need to be New York or L.A. I really like that we have had such great success as a Midwest-based line.
Lastly, what advice do you have other aspiring fashion entrepreneurs?
Take business classes! If you ever want to have your own line or brand, you will need to be very business-minded. Talent is important, but a strong business foundation is what can make or break you.

It's hard to go one-on-one with fashion royalty and remain unaffected, but we somehow managed to write our interview with legendary designer Carlos Falchi (shop our sale today) without (completely) going into fangirl mode. Simply put, there's almost no career milestone Falchi has not reached. As a costumer, he has outfitted icons such as Mick Jagger, Miles Davis, and Elvis Presley. His coveted handbags reside in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, and have been carried by both the old guard (Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Tina Turner) and new generation (Cate Blanchett, Mary J. Blige) of stylephiles. And, as an arbiter of exotic skins, vivid prints, and creating functional accessories that work just as splendidly as they look, the elegance and richness of his pieces are acclaimed the world over. We talked to the master craftsman about music gods as muses, the beauty of his native Brazil, and just how does one successfully incorporate those beautiful prints of his into a wardrobe.

What is the most extraordinary/unusual muse you've had?
I had two. Miles Davis and Tina Turner.
You have an esteemed background as a costumer, especially for renowned artists such as Elvis Presley, Tina Turner, and The Rolling Stones. How have those experiences influenced your design?
I love music and to be able to work with my heroes was amazing. They appreciated my work. Just as they express themselves through music, I express myself through my designs.
What is your most memorable story from your years in that world?
Seeing Miles Davis wearing my snakeskin pants at Carnegie Hall.
Brazil is a country known for beauty: in its people, places, and culture. How, if in any way, do you see it reflected in your work?
Everywhere. I am Brazilian. Exotic runs in my veins. Brazil is magic, colors, textures and exotic, which is reflected in all my work.
You're known for vivid prints and textures. What advice do you have for how to successfully incorporate these elements into a wardrobe or outfit?
Mix them up. The more the merrier.
What advice do you have for aspiring handbag designers who would like to be the next Carlos Falchi?
Never give up. Work, work, work. Repetition is the name of the game and there are no rules.
Given your status as a master handbag crafter, what's in your bag? What do you always have when you leave the house?
I carry all kinds of bags. The tote, the satchel. I’m always test driving my bags. I carry fun and personal things, like pictures of my daughters.