BB: When did you first realize you wanted to design clothes?

PA: Well when I was little I used to make those paperdolls *LOL*, with the changeable outfits. Then when I got older I would alter my clothes to make it different. It wasn’t till I was about 19 and got my first sewing machine and wanted to pursue it.

BB: How did you learn how to design/sew? Self taught? School? Apprentice?

PA: I used to sew by hand until I got my sewing machine. My grandmother was a seamstress and always made nightgowns for me so once I got my machine and showed interest she told me what she knew. Then a few years later I enrolled in F.I.T. where I learned a lot about the design process and fabrications

BB: What designers do you think make the biggest mark in fashion today?

PA: Karl Lagerfeld!!!! He’s designed for Chanel, Fendi and Chloe. Also, DVF for sure. Every woman needs a wrap dress that fits perfectly and Diane Von Ferstenberg put the stamp on it. Right now Tory Burch is making her mark. But in the “urban” fashion world, Definitely, Pharell with BBC and Ice Cream, and right now Fabolous is doing it with Rich Yung.

BB: If you could get your clothes on any entertainer, who would it be?

PA: Wow, I could list soo many. It would be heaven to see Gabrielle Union, Sarah Jessica Parker, Chanel Iman or Rihanna in one of my pieces. But I’ll say hmm Roxy from 106 and park.

BB: Why Rocsi?

PA: I choose Rocsi because she has a fun young personality with a little sass and my designs are the same. She also has a great body and would wear my designs well.

BB: What makes your designs different from all the others out there? Like why would someone need to check for your clothes specifically?

PA: Well, because I have a point of view. I’m a contemporary designer with an extra kick. And I also don’t only do party dresses, or only knitted goods. Someone can come to me for a bridesmaids dress, a dress for their 5 year old daughter, or an outfit to wear to the club, and jewelry also. POW!

BB: *LOL* How long does a new piece take to create, from design to final product?

PA: I could finish a new piece in one day. It just depends how intricate the design is and whether or not I need to move from the sewing machine lol. Typically I ask customers to give me a week to two weeks, so I can hunt for the perfect material and we can do fittings.

BB: At what point will you feel like you’ve made it in this industry?

PA: *Sigh* I will feel like I made it when I branch out more. My market is in NYC and Boston right now so venturing to different states successfully would be awesome! And also when I’m not only do custom pieces; but when my designs are in boutiques and stores and are moving. *LOL!*

Visit www.punchinellaapparel.com or www.myspace.com/punchinella_apparel to peep some designs.

PA: Anyone interested in placing an order or just want to say hello *LOL* can send an email to Staff@punchinellaapparel.com and we’ll go from there.