Interview with Vanessa Di Palma Wright
Words cannot adequately describe our passion for Vanessa Di Palma Wright. So, it isn’t hard for us to appreciate her gorgeous boutique, Farasha, in Park City, especially after knowing the woman behind the scenes. She’s a fashion wonder woman; her personal style, equal parts edgy and totally glamorous, in conjunction with her passion to promote designers from around the world, makes her a global catwalk hero. Her fashion house features up and coming designers, from all around the world, often one-of-a-kind pieces, making her boutique known for its exclusivity. We had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Vanessa about why she does what she loves and we didn’t think it was possible, but we are even more obsessed with her.
How did you begin Farasha? Farasha boutique was started in 2009 with the focus to represent global, emerging designers by setting up temporary storefronts in strategic locations. The concept came to fruition in Park City and has since traveled to NY, LA, Palm Beach and Sun Valley. Farasha operates as a fashion PR Company by offering an outlet in which designer’s can expand their brands to other markets they would not have access to otherwise. We currently represent over 50 designers from around the world featuring apparel, handbags, jewelry and accessories.
What does Farasha mean? Farasha means “butterfly” in Arabic.. I have always been intrigued by the beauty of the butterfly; the way in which it transforms itself and travels in a carefree manner. I thought it very appropriate for the name of the boutique but I wanted to use a word that is more mysterious and not familiar to most.
How old were you when clothes became of significant importance? Wow! As long as I can remember it was a natural obsession for me. It was the eighties and let’s just say that fashion was at the epicenter of self-expression. It was 1985 and I was 8 years old. My mother gave me my first issue of Vogue (Madonna’s first cover) and I was literally entranced by the fashion industry from thereon.
Why are clothes so important? It is a representation of who you are and what you want people to interpret about you. Regardless of what people say, we are judged by our looks and how we present ourselves. My clothes are an extension of the way I am feeling. I love to put together outfits and play dress up. Having a boutique and working with talented independent designers has given me the opportunity to do what I love.
How do you find designers in so many remote countries? Traveling is my passion. I always set aside a day, regardless of where I am to explore and seek out designers and unique boutiques. While on a recent trip to Nepal I was chatting with our travel guide about all things fashion. He connected me to his brother-in-law who has a cashmere company. We are currently in the process of negotiating to bring the collection to Park City next winter. You just never know! I do not attend trade shows because it is too mainstream. I seek out indie, under the radar designers to bring my clients something new and unexpected. I frequently attend NY Fashion Week for emerging designers’ runway shows to find new talent. I also work with showrooms in NY and LA. Finally, we get a lot of inquires from designers through our website.
Who inspires you in the fashion world? Women who are not driven by the status quo and want to make a statement inspire me. Diana Vreeland. She was truly a visionary in the fashion industry who was not afraid to ask for the impossible and get what she wanted. I think that role models in the fashion industry all have a wild hair in their personas. They see an opportunity and choose to be a catalyst of change. They are not afraid to stand out and speak up. Like, Coco Chanel who pushed the envelope in being different. Offering comfort and versatility to fashion at a time when women were constricted and so formal. Her looks are still timeless and true investments.
Who was the designer of the New Years Eve dress? Annaikka, designer from New Delhi who I met during my last trip to India. She is a phenomenal designer and businesswoman. Her aesthetic is very avant-garde and she incorporates metal and studs which creates a flawless structure.
Future plans for Farasha? Currently seeking opportunities for pop ups abroad in South America and Europe. We are always trying to think outside the box to promote Farasha. I have a feeling that future PUREfourhundred collaborations are in the works.
