Robin Harris,
the brains and beauty behind Model Atelier’s luxury capsule collection, is an entrepreneur, designer, creative director, professional fashion model, #Tallista, wife and mommy to be to a future #Tallista.
Tall District does not own the rights to this image.
Standing at 6’0” tall, a height she reached by 17, Robin is well versed in the #TALL experience. An experience that lead her to create a chic and sophisticated line for #TALL women.
Despite being a high fashion model Robin found it difficult to find clothing that fit in length and proportion off of the runway. A struggle we Tallista’s are all too familiar with in our daily lives.
After receiving her MBA in International Business she decided to embark on a journey of entrepreneurship. A journey we Tallistas reap the benefits of. After extensive research coupled with her life experience Robin decided to create a line for women 5’9″ and above focused on high-end, quality, and stylish clothing.
Click here for TALL District‘s review of Model Atelier‘s inaugural capsule collection.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Robin Harris over the holidays to discuss her vision, tall experience, and goals. Here’s a recap from our conversation. Find out how Zena Warrior princess played a role in Robin’s life.
Q&A with Robin Harris
Background
Hometown: Born and raised in Chicago
Neighborhood: North Lawndale, Maywood and Naperville
Siblings: 5 siblings raised by an amazing mom, 1 sister, 4 brothers
Current City - Chicago, Hyde Park
Alma Mater(s) High-School Proviso East High School
Undergrad International Academy of Design Technology
Grad Keller Graduate School of Management - International Business She saw business opportunities in South Africa and London leading her to pursue an International MBA.
Height 6’0
Inseam 34” - 36"
Height Origin
Father’s side of the family. Father is only 6’0’ tall.
Siblings? Tall? 5 siblings. 4 boys. One girl. All of her brothers are tall. The shortest brother is 6'3" while the tallest is 6'5". Her sister is only 5’7 (her mom’s height)
Growth Spurt? Were you always Tall? At what age did you reach your height? She has always been tall. She was 5’9” in the 8th grade (always the tall girl lined up at the back of the line).
The Height Impact on Robin’s life
When did you own your height? Did you always like your height? Did someone encourage this? Robin was not always comfortable with her height growing up. However, her 'height confidence' came from modeling and inspiration from Zena Warrior Princess. She loved Zena Warrior Princess because she was tall and taking care of business; not afraid, beautiful, and strong while maintaining her femininity.
Once she grew into her look modeling definitely helped as she was around other tall women giving her a sense of normalcy. Robin really owned her height and loved by the age of 23.
"Once you own your height people respect you and you command attention" - Robin Harris
What would you say to a tall young girl? Do not look at media to define yourself. Own your height. If you’re interested in boy the tall boys will have to find you. ”OWN IT”
What did you do to get clothing that accommodated your height as a young Tallista? She wore men’s Levi’s. 34” inseam Levi's at the time when she wasn’t into wearing things fitted. Aaliyah baggy pant and tight top was her go to look during high school.
Did you play any sports? She did play basketball.
Profession Fashion Model Entrepreneur – Model Atelier
The Tall Experience
What are your favorite/annoying or most frequently asked Tall questions and quotes People always ask her if she plays basketball or models. She choses not to tell them that she actually is a model.
Has anyone asked why you wear heels? Indirectly. Ohhh those heels are kind of tall. “What am I supposed to wear a kitten heel?”
What do you find most annoying?
People just stare.
What are your favorite stores/brands?
Favorite Brand
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Chanel, Tom Ford, Celine, Eli Saab
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Pregnancy Preference – Target & Nordstrom Favorite Car Sports version of the Mercedes-Benz. She likes to drive close to the steering wheel. Her legs might be cramped but she feels safe and in control. She also likes the luxury and speed. Other cars of preference Maybach – spacious, Tesla – cool but not as spacious
Dating
Always dated taller, even lucky in high school (2 prom's)
Robin Harris on being an entrepreneur and what inspires her.
What lead you to take the leap of faith and start your own business? Robin always wanted a clothing line. Her mother purchased a sewing machine for her at a young age. The sewing machine gave her the ability to add designs and details to denim and other articles of clothing she owned. She loved details like lace on the ends of her jeans which also gave added length. She also designed her prom dresses and had them made (she attended 2 prom's).
Her inspiration:
After modeling for 10 years and being married for 4 years she realized that she was ready to move away from modeling to pursue motherhood and put her MBA to use. Once she became pregnant she realized she had to leave something for her daughter. She wants her daughter to know her as a savvy and successful business mom.
Modeling was and is her first love. Like many of our first loves it will always have a place in her heart. Fashion was her next love as was make-up. Put them together and you have Model Atelier.
How did it go from Vision to Reality? Robin conducted a lot of research. She decided she wanted to be more than a designer. She wanted to give something to tall women. Through her research she realized there is a lack of luxury for tall women. She then researched funding and successfully pitched to angel investors for seed money.
Goal --> Presence in major department stores – have clothing in major stores.
Model Atelier – Style of Clothing & Background Clothing is classic chic, clean lines, very transitional pieces (office to cocktails). Robin partnered with Latonya Williams founder of Elizabeth Smith (ES) Fashion to create her inaugural capsule collection. She modeled for her and liked her style.
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Niche – Luxury, what Chanel is for Tall women. Providing quality and fit! It’s a lifestyle of luxury
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Work and Evening apparel
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Model fashion - people look to models for latest fashion trends
Any goals or business ventures outside of retail?
Robin prefers the pop-up format. She likes to travel and provide a memorable shopping experience for Tallistas around the world.
What should we know about Model Atelier?
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Fit Models are 6’0” tall and a Size 4
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Uses a grading pattern. She can accommodate taller women. Pattern maker grades according to height. Future Collections: 2015 Fall/Winter Denim Jeans, Trench Coat, Sweaters – Modern/ Trendy pieces
2015 Spring/Summer
Maxi’s, dresses, short mini-dresses for tall women, various styles of slacks.
Current Collection = Capsule Collection – Staple Pieces
***Also working on gowns – A la mode dress, luxury gowns for 2015 gala season
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