My Flair Lady: Carmelita Couture's Camelita Greco, fearless fashionista - Main Line Media News

By Caroline O'Halloran

Except for her Wynnewood address and a curious fondness for bold Lilly Pulitzer prints, theres nothing traditionally Main Line about fashion designer Carmelita Greco.

With her edgy hairstyle, her exotic Mexican/Hungarian/French ethnicity and her high-drama wardrobe, Carmelita, 36 is nothing short of a showstopper. Its no wonder she often models in her own fashion layouts.

Perhaps the only time this daring Michigan native played it safe was when she chose a career as a stockbroker over her first love, fashion a decision rectified less than a decade later when her design hobby made a such a splash among her Miami friends that she launched her own label.

Less than four years later, Carmelita Couture is sold online (www.shopcarmelitacouture.com) and in fashion-forward boutiques in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Sidney and Dubai. Celebrity clients include Paula Abdul, Kourtney Kardashian, London pop star Vivi Brown and Vampire Diaries TV s tar Katerina Graham.

Now based in Philadelphia, Carmelita closed her eponymous Old City store a few months ago but this fall plans to open a fashion co-op with like-minded designers in the Rittenhouse Square area.

Carmelita and her husband, Eric Greco, an options trader and professional bridge player, have a three-year-old son, Julio.

Describe your personal style.

Creative, feminine, fashion-forward, colorful and unique.

When youre not in Carmelita Couture, what are you wearing?

Usually something vintage. I also like Lilly Pulitzer, especially her bold pieces like corduroy paisley pants. Its like walking back into the 60s. For basics, Ill go to Target and for polos, I like Ralph Lauren.

Whats the newest thing in your closet?

A cream colored, mid-length lace jacket I bought in London.

Whats the oldest? Continued...

A vintage red lace dress in a classic cut. I took out the old red lining and put in a nude one to contrast with the red lace. I often take vintage pieces and alter them to suit my taste.

Whats your current go-to piece?

A black mini (dress) from my current collection. It has interesting shoulder beading and its in a heavy stretch fabric that keeps everything in place. I feel good in it.

What was your all-time fashion splurge?

My Dolce & Gabbana over-the-knee boots. High-end shoes are worth investing in because they tend to be more creative and interesting than inexpensive shoes, and theyre made so much better.

How about your all-time best buy?

I have a very bold lion medallion necklace; its a vintage piece from the 70s. It looks handmade but I paid very little for it. You dont need to spend a lot to fi nd great costume jewelry.

What style will you never wear?

Low-waist pants. A higher-waist makes your leg look longer so you look taller and thinner.

If you could return to one fashion era what would it be?

I love the 40s the strong shoulder, the tiny waistline, the fitted suits, the glamorous silk gowns with open backs and little trains.

If you could be compared to one designer, who would you most like it to be?

Id love to be called a more wearable [Roberto] Capucci. His clothes were fun, colorful and creative. Plus, we both work with ruffles and plastics. Continued...

I noticed you praise Jesus on your website. Ive never seen a religious reference on a designers web page.

My Christian spirituality is the premier thing about who I am; its wh at drives me to create and inspires me. Faith has allowed me to try new things, to understand that life is short and I have nothing to fear.

What else influences your designs?

Global culture, the history of fashion and sculpture, nature, the heavens and travel.

I also stay on top of pop culture trends.

Who makes your best-dressed list?

Charlize Theron and January Jones anyone who takes a little bit of a chance and shows personality in what theyre wearing.

Which celebrities would you most like to dress?

Blake Lively, Audrey Tautou, Daphne Guinness, Jessica Alba and Sarah Jessica Parker. For our more eccentric pieces the singers Katy Perry and Jessie J.

What will you be wearing this fall?

Capelets, jumpsuits, jumpers and lots of cobalt blue suede because I use so much of it in this falls Modern Warrior collection.

Whats your best fashion adv ice?

Use fashion to express your personality. So many women play it safe. If you wear a black dress to a party, wear something so you stand out: a bright pair of shoes, a funky ring or an interesting necklace. And dont be afraid to embrace your curves and wear clothes that show your figure well, things that accentuate your best body parts, whether its your back, your legs or your bustline. Lighten up and have fun with fashion.

By Caroline O'Halloran

Except for her Wynnewood address and a curious fondness for bold Lilly Pulitzer prints, theres nothing traditionally Main Line about fashion designer Carmelita Greco.

With her edgy hairstyle, her exotic Mexican/Hungarian/French ethnicity and her high-drama wardrobe, Carmelita, 36 is nothing short of a showstopper. Its no wonder she often models in her own fashion layouts.

Perhaps the only time this daring Michigan native played it safe was when she chose a career as a stockbroker over he r first love, fashion a decision rectified less than a decade later when her design hobby made a such a splash among her Miami friends that she launched her own label.

Less than four years later, Carmelita Couture is sold online (www.shopcarmelitacouture.com) and in fashion-forward boutiques in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Sidney and Dubai. Celebrity clients include Paula Abdul, Kourtney Kardashian, London pop star Vivi Brown and Vampire Diaries TV star Katerina Graham.

Now based in Philadelphia, Carmelita closed her eponymous Old City store a few months ago but this fall plans to open a fashion co-op with like-minded designers in the Rittenhouse Square area.

Carmelita and her husband, Eric Greco, an options trader and professional bridge player, have a three-year-old son, Julio.

Describe your personal style.

Creative, feminine, fashion-forward, colorful and unique.

When youre not in Carmelita Couture, what are you wea ring?

Usually something vintage. I also like Lilly Pulitzer, especially her bold pieces like corduroy paisley pants. Its like walking back into the 60s. For basics, Ill go to Target and for polos, I like Ralph Lauren.

Whats the newest thing in your closet?

A cream colored, mid-length lace jacket I bought in London.

Whats the oldest?

A vintage red lace dress in a classic cut. I took out the old red lining and put in a nude one to contrast with the red lace. I often take vintage pieces and alter them to suit my taste.

Whats your current go-to piece?

A black mini (dress) from my current collection. It has interesting shoulder beading and its in a heavy stretch fabric that keeps everything in place. I feel good in it.

What was your all-time fashion splurge?

My Dolce & Gabbana over-the-knee boots. High-end shoes are worth investing in because they tend to be more creative and interesting than inexpensive shoes, and theyre made so much better.

How about your all-time best buy?

I have a very bold lion medallion necklace; its a vintage piece from the 70s. It looks handmade but I paid very little for it. You dont need to spend a lot to find great costume jewelry.

What style will you never wear?

Low-waist pants. A higher-waist makes your leg look longer so you look taller and thinner.

If you could return to one fashion era what would it be?

I love the 40s the strong shoulder, the tiny waistline, the fitted suits, the glamorous silk gowns with open backs and little trains.

If you could be compared to one designer, who would you most like it to be?

Id love to be called a more wearable [Roberto] Capucci. His clothes were fun, colorful and creative. Plus, we both work with ruffles and plastics.

I noticed you praise Jesus on your website. Ive never seen a religious reference on a designers web page.

My Christian spirituality is the premier thing about who I am; its what drives me to create and inspires me. Faith has allowed me to try new things, to understand that life is short and I have nothing to fear.

What else influences your designs?

Global culture, the history of fashion and sculpture, nature, the heavens and travel.

I also stay on top of pop culture trends.

Who makes your best-dressed list?

Charlize Theron and January Jones anyone who takes a little bit of a chance and shows personality in what theyre wearing.

Which celebrities would you most like to dress?

Blake Lively, Audrey Tautou, Daphne Guinness, Jessica Alba and Sarah Jessica Parker. For our more eccentric pieces the singers Katy Perry and Jessie J.

What will you be wearing this fa ll?

Capelets, jumpsuits, jumpers and lots of cobalt blue suede because I use so much of it in this falls Modern Warrior collection.

Whats your best fashion advice?

Use fashion to express your personality. So many women play it safe. If you wear a black dress to a party, wear something so you stand out: a bright pair of shoes, a funky ring or an interesting necklace. And dont be afraid to embrace your curves and wear clothes that show your figure well, things that accentuate your best body parts, whether its your back, your legs or your bustline. Lighten up and have fun with fashion.