Myrjan Unique Bridal Designs Every day woman

	MYRJAN UNIQUE DESIGN FOR EVERY WOMAN

	Fashion and life styles
April 27, 2005

MYRJAN UNIQUE DESIGN FOR EVERY WOMAN

By Rene Devis, Heritagekonpa.com

After fourteen years in the fashion industry, Haitian born bridal designer Myrdith McCormack is making her mark on the fashion landscape. MyrJan, the name of her bridal line, has earned great reviews and national recognitions for designs. Myrjan's Couture Collections are simple yet elegant, glamorous and vibrantly sexy.

Her inspiration comes from the classic couture of Carolina Herrera, Channel, Armani, Helmut Lang, as well as from her fascination with African, Egyptian, Asian, and Haitian Couture. Her multi-ethnic background and body of experience have influenced her designs, which she describes as a mixture of classic and modern. Her signature designs feature rich flamenco colors; intricate silk lace, satin, organza embroidered pieces. "My design is tailored to fit the needs and styles of today's elegant woman", say Myrdirth.

Myrdith's designs have been featured in numerous local and national publications and syndicated television shows such as CBS' "Good Morning American", TLC (THE Learning "Channel), New York Magazine, Essence Magazine, Elegant Brides, InStyle Magazine, NY 1's Fashion and Style, MAC Cosmetics Bridal Campaign, Robert Jones Beauty, The Brooklyn Papers among others. Last year Myrdith and her models were invited by Brooklyn Borough President's Marty Markowitz to participate in the joyful and memorable cutting-ribbon ceremony for the Grand Army Plaza Monument (Brooklyn, New York).

One of summer 2004's most exuberant bridal collections was Myrdith McCormack's debut show at Grants Tomb, unveiled at the Harlem Couture Fashion Show in New York, where her bridal pieces brought rousing appreciation from the international crowd of fashion seekers turning out for this historic first show. Most recently, Myrdith participated in the WBLS 2005 Bridal Expo and the Brides Noir Bridal Expo, where she showcased her own bridal collection as well as gowns from other designers such as Youlin Tsai and Reva Mivasagar.

Myrdith McCormack, 35, is a devoted and impassioned and idealistic young entrepreneur who made the journey from Haiti to United States. Myrdith , the older of three children, came to New York when she was six year old, was born to Maurice Leon, a Latin professor, and his wife, Adrienne, a French teacher. After high school Myrdith spent years studying and working in New York, she worked in numerous fashion shows from Bill Blass, Carolina Herrara, Baby Phat, Carlos Meile, Ralph Laurent, Luca Luca, etc. To further achieving her goals and dreams, Myrdith is currently enrolled at New York City College of Technology, where she's finishing a degree in Fashion Marketing next fall.

Eleven months ago, she set up her own bridal and boutique in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, designing costumed bridal wear and evening dresses. Myrjan, the name of her company, offers a full line of fashionable and stylist wedding gowns, and other related accessories. Using top quality fabrics, creating tailored made wedding dresses, Myrjan has attracted a distinguished clientele since the store opened last year . As an experienced couture designer and stylist who has worked with the top designers in the industry, Myrdith brings a sophisticated, exquisite looks and international flair to the Brooklyn area.

MyrJan Bridal Salon is located at 235 St. Marks Ave. at Underhill Avenue in Prospect Heights. For more information, call (718) 623-3848 or visit the Web site at www.myrjan.com.

This week's Heritagekonpa Magazine focuses on the real life fashion career of Myrdith McCormack, a dynamic designer/merchandiser and an ambitious business woman. Myrdith is a fine example of what real working life is like for the young and ambitious fashion professional. Heritagekonpa Magazine recently interview Myrdith at her bridal store in Brooklyn. Thank you for taking the time to talk with us Myrdith !

Interviews:

Heritagekonpa One On One with the Haitian born bridal Designer Myrdith McCormack

Q: How many years have you been working in the bridal and fashion industry?

Myrdith Leon-McCormack: I've been steadily working in the fashion Industry for the past 14 years. Throughout my career I have participated in several fashion shows along with top designers such as Bill Blass, Carolina Herrara, Baby Phat, Carlos Meile, Ralph Lauren, Luca Luca, Vera Wang etc,

Q: What influenced you to choose the entrepreneurial route instead of working for a bridal or fashion company?

Myrdith : Honestly my children, the desire to show them more and provide them with a good foundation of self-worth. I was also influenced by Carolina Herrara, an accomplished woman who already had wealth, but chose to have her own identity.

Q: Did you experience any frustrations at the beginning of your career as a designer? What was it like?

Myrdith : Yes, I did and still do. There's the obvious woman of color issue, having to work harder to prove yourself, then there is the ever going need of capital to ensure the success of your business. In addition to self-doubt and human insecurity, the feeling that am I good enough to compete with world class designers like Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang, Angel Sanchez, Youlin, whom I love and respect as designers.

Q: Myrdith Leon-McCormack, can you tell us a little bit about your personal life and educational background?

Myrdith : I was born in Haiti. I migrated to the United States when I was 6 years old along with my sister who was 5 at that time. My sister now lives in Holland. She made me a proud aunt of a baby boy, Jared Troy.

My parents Maurice and Adrienne Leon made me what I am today... My mother was my first inspiration to the world of fashion... She is the first Diva in my eyes... My mother used to rock the coolest clothes and Afro- back in the 60s and 70s.

Of course, like every other immigrant children, we wanted to fit in so bad in the mainstream culture, we were ashamed of our heritage. My sister and I hated my parents' thick Creole accent. At the time we had to deny our identity, or claimed to be French, because being Haitian back in those days was very unpopular with the stereotypes and all. However, my senior year at High School in John Dewey High school, I came to terms with who I was and I started to wear my ethnic colors and becoming more comfortable being Haitian and I was proud of it.

Within that same year, I met a number of Haitian classmates, including the fabulous; Denise Félix, who is now owner of the Famous Restaurant "Kombit Haitian". Later on, I took pride learning that members of the Fugees were Haitian particularly Wyclef Jean… he made us proud….

It is very sad that I used to hide my identity as a Haitian-American. Haiti has such a rich culture and history. Haiti was the second country in the Western Hemisphere and the first Black nation to gain its independence.

I also come from a very proud educated family. Both my parents were professors, owners of property back home. My father spoke Latin, French, and some Spanish. I say that often you come from Haiti people automatically assume that you were poor and illiterate. Both of my parents work hard to educate and integrate us in society.

I attended John Dewey High School, I majored in business. Subsequently, I transferred to Katherine Gibbs to strengthen my knowledge in business. I later attended Fashion Institute of Technology, earning my credential as an image consultant, personal shopper, event planner. I also am currently getting my Bachelors at New York College of Technology, where I will be awarded a degree in Fashion Marketing. I have just one semester left to complete the program.

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