Connect
http://www.twitter.com/femmedarmes
Education
Pace University - BA Management Science + Mathematics
Many girls grow up dreaming of a career in fashion, but to blaze a path into the Ready to Wear industry along with your sister? That's the route Connie Majoros, who is co-owner and co-founder of femme d'armes (meaning "women in arms") along with her sister, Fannie Chan, took. The two women grew up soaking in the samples and patterns taken home in the evening by their mom, a factory worker who brought her work home to earn extra income.
But as anyone with a sister knows, for all the similarities in upbringing, tastes and styles can be a world apart. And as their official bio states, "Their togetherness only serves to highlight their individuality as women." While Fannie spends hours in vintage boutiques, Connie prefers to fill her closet with tried-and-true easy, chic separates. This creates a line for the two where feminine comes together to meet tomboy.
In her off-time Connie enjoys taking her daughter — a budding tomboy in her own right — to Bleeker Street park in New York City and heads to Long Island for weekend escapes with her family.
Ask for help, and listen to those with more experience.
Can you tell us about the path you took to creating femme d’armes?
We (my sister & business partner, Fannie and I) can go as far back as our childhood years! Our mom worked in a factory and often brought piecework home to earn extra income. I remember feeling different textures, playing with the folds of fabric pleats, sleeve cuffs and peter pan collars that I would “help” flip inside out. Our mom also made our clothes. I would pin the pattern over fabric, watch as each pattern piece was meticulously cut out, and then witness the pieces sewn together to make a whole. It was fascinating. Today, we enjoy “putting the pieces together” of our company, coupled with a love for texture and the details of fine tailoring.
With so many different designers and collections in the fashion world, what do you feel sets your collection apart?
Our collection is defined by the femme d’armes spirit -- she is a confident, independent, grown-up tomboy -- a woman who will connect with our downtown New York aesthetic; who is a world traveler and gets our modern global influences; and who being a former tomboy, appreciates wearable statement pieces with a sexy twist. It’s for the woman who likes to make bold fashion choices. And, our exclusive prints set us apart, too!
What does your job involve, and what types of responsibilities do you have on a daily basis?
While we started femme d’armes for the love and immersion into the creative aspect, we had to learn fast that this is a business! How do we maximize our capital to make desirable, quality clothing; get the attention of our customer; get our brand out in front of our customer, all the while keeping costs at a minimum? Whether it's development, sales, marketing or production, our daily actions are driven by this one question.
What’s the best part of your job?
To see people wearing our clothes!
What challenges keep you awake at night?
It’s typical for me to stay up until 1 a.m. on a regular basis. It’s my most productive time. I get to digest the day’s events and think about what needs to happen and what’s the best course of action to take.
Is work/life balance ever a problem with you? If so, what is one no-fail tactic you use to create balance?
Absolutely! I also happen to be married to a workaholic, so we’re in sync. We both make time on weekends to escape to our house in Long Island. Taking weekend breaks really helps us stay balanced during the workweek.
Was there ever a moment in your career where you’ve thought, “I made it!” If so, what was it?
I don’t think that moment of “we made it” has arrived yet ... but I do remember our first season when stores actually placed orders and Elle magazine featured our Dillon dress. And then in our second season, Brooklyn Decker wore our gown to a premiere! It all seemed surreal for a neophyte.
What qualities does it take for someone to be successful in your line of work?
Always look for ways to improve.
What one piece of advice do you wish you could tell a 21-year-old version of yourself?
Ask for help, and listen to those with more experience.
Where do you see femme d’armes five years from now?
We want to be in everyone’s closet!