Leaving a 9-5 job to pursue a dream job in fashion

(photo credit: Ted Ancher)

That’s what Vienne, founder of luxury hosiery brand VienneMilano, did.  She had been in the corporate world for 5+ years, mostly working on launching new software products. Last winter, she was talking with someone (who is now her business partner) about her desire to start a business on her own someday and how hard it was to find hosiery in the U.S. that she learned to like after traveling in Europe and experiencing thigh-high hosiery.  After that talk, Vienne realized her idea of starting her own luxury hosiery fashion brand could be something.  When thinking about acting on it, she said to herself, “Why not?”  She’s not married, no kids, no major responsiblities; she had nothing to lose.

And that began a very busy year!  Since last winter, Vienne came up with the brand and positioning for VienneMilano, visited Italy twice to find a factory and then check on her products, built a website, found a fullfillment warehouse, photographed and styled her products, managed casting sessions, and launched her brand at a runway show on 11/11/11 that she produced!

It’s only been a few months, but VienneMilano has been successfully bringing the luxury hosiery that is popular in European fashion to women in the United States.  Think thigh-high hosiery is just for Halloween costumes and sexy Valentine’s Day gifts?  You’re not alone.  But after talking with Vienne, she opened by mind to think beyond those perceptions.  Yes, the hosiery can be sexy, but it can also be elegant and professional enough for the office.  It’s more hygenic than pantyhose or tights and VienneMilano’s are top quality.

Try them out for yourself!  Check out the VienneMilano website where you can find hosiery by the occassion that’s right for you – work, play, party, or love. Vienne is even nice enough to offer the clothing menu readers a 20% discount off her products (enter the following code at checkout: clothingmenu)! I’ll be buying a pair to tell you what I think of them – buy a pair too and let me know what you think!

PS – if you do buy, sizes are based on height.  If you are under 5’4″, buy a small.  If you are over 5’4″, buy a large.