Coral Gables, FL – March 22, 2016 – It was a fashion forward afternoon as Neiman Marcus Coral Gables hosted a luncheon honoring Daniel Wingate, Fashion Director for Escada. Wingate presented the Escada Spring/Summer 2016 Collection to over 50 guests. The Mariposa restaurant catered a wonderful lunch as guests watched a fashion presentation of the beautiful new collections.

World Red Eye caught up with the fashion maven Daniel Wingate, who gave us a closer look into all the facets of the Fashion Director position, as well as where he draws inspiration from.

I would describe the Escada woman as contagious, dynamic, independent and irresistible. The kind of woman you want to invite to the party.

Daniel Wingate, Fashion Director for Escada

WRE: Tell us about your role as Fashion Director for Escada?

DW: How much time do you have? Fashion Director is not only directing a team of talented designers and motivating them to create beautiful collections four times a year, but also traveling the world and motivating the Escada teams and clients on why Escada fashion stands out in a sea of fashion monotony.

WRE: Tell us about what you are presenting today at Neiman Marcus?

DW: Spring/Summer Escada 2016. It’s a celebration of the DNA of the brand and short trip into the Archives of the last 38 years. There are special heritage items on the floor, and as well designs that I derived from heritage pieces I found last year in the archive and have reworked them for today. It’s a way of looking back to go forward!

WRE: Where do you draw inspiration from?

DW: Its always a mash up-or fusion of different things – museums, art, traveling, books, and often clients. It’s important to draw from all life’s beauty and then to edit it down to match the DNA of this amazing brand.

WRE: How would you describe the Escada woman?

DW: I would describe the Escada woman as contagious, dynamic, independent and irresistible. The kind of woman you want to invite to the party.

WRE: What sets Escada apart from other high-end labels?

DW: What sets Escada apart from other labels is the perfect fit; the highest quality, daring design that still has its roots in timeless, ageless effortless clothing.

WRE: We know being Fashion Director can include many different facets, which is your favorite?

DW: Traveling and meeting people. Interaction and seeing the world keeps me inquisitive and young.

WRE: Unfortunately it can be hard to do “seasonal” wear in South Florida when it’s nearly the same temperature year-round, what are some must-have items to accommodate this?

DW: Breathable fabrics that do not wrinkle, and of course, what we say in Germany – the zweibel effect – also known as the onion effect of being able to layer many different weights at any time to adjust to cold or warm temperatures.

WRE: How have you seen fashion change over time?

DW: It just keeps getting faster and faster, but I hope we are all starting to realize that we need to take time to smell the roses.

WRE: What are some things you like to do/see while visiting South Florida?

DW: Of course the great food here, preferably the seafood or Spanish food. I also love the beach and any place where the color and sunshine inspires me.