FW Part 4: Leith Clark

Leith Clark by Frederic Aranda

Leith Clark (stylist and editor-in-chief of Lula) has been a long time girl crush of mine and I have a sneaking suspicion I'm not the only one who has entertained daydreams of parading through London in shamelessly girly outfits arm in arm with this talented young lady. After years of internet correspondence and me leaving (possibly creepy?) "i like u" style comments on various social networking sites we finally met in person for an Orla Kiely video shoot she was styling. I promise you internet, she is every bit as lovely and charming as the magazine she is responsible for. She is Lula personified!

1. What was your first fashion-related creation?

I made clothes with my mom when I was little. She did the actual making. I did the imagining. Around the same time my dress up box was vital for play time and many plays/music videos/short films were made with pretty... special costume design.

At 19 shot by Jennifer Sargent

2. What or who inspires you?

Right now especially Jeanne Lanvin and Armand Albert Rateau, Julia Margaret Cameron, Sarah Moon... I adore Gloria Steinem, Coco Chanel. I'm staring at the original poster for 'Bonnie & Clyde' (a Valentine's Day present!!). I'm listening to the new Marianne Faithfull album (especially song 2).

Photo by Yelena Yemchuk

3. Biggest sartorial blunder?

Oh lots. I couldn't choose just one. But mistakes are great. Mistakes make the girl! Looking back I think i have dressed the worst when I've been unhappy or... not felt like myself.

4. What job/project would you consider "a dream come true"?

There have been so many already! Lula is still happy after 6 years and that's dreamy.

5. Any advice to those wishing to follow in your footsteps?

Love what you do. Learn balance. Take rests. Trust your instincts.

Leith's Magazine Lula


In Review: Elvia / Nicole / Tara-Lynn / Kathryn / Alexandra / Kelsey / Victoire / Wray

FW Part 3: Wray Serna

This next interview is with a friend near and dear to me, Wray Serna. Wray and I met on this magical place (where I meet all my favourite people) called LiveJournal many years ago. She and her partner Amber Jimenez founded their company Ambit just last year and are already working on putting out their second collection, available soon for pre-sale. Their beautiful streamlined collection is handmade locally with as much love as there is attention to detail (those buttons!). Yay Wray (sorry, the temptation to cheer and rhyme was too strong for me to resist)!

1. What was your first fashion-related creation?
My first Fashion-related creation would have to be a dress that I made out of a 1950's lady cotton swimmingsuit fabric. I was 16 and an avid flea market goer. I had no idea how to sew and as a result, lots of fitting pieces of fabric to myself and pinning ensued. After a while the pieces of fabric slowly morphed into a dresslike item. I don't know that I would proudly display my creation, but I do still have it (and wear it) !

2. What or who inspires you?
I am greatly inspired by both photographers and designers. I have always been a fan of Stephen Shore and William Eggleston for their clean lines, composition, and beautiful colors. I also greatly admire Dries Van Noten, Comme Des Garcon, Mason Martin Margiela, and Maria Cornejo.

3. Biggest sartorial blunder?
Oooo there are quite a few. My biggest sartorial blunder (and continues to be) would have to be my 1970's print floral dress which is cut so short I sometimes wonder if it is meant to be a top. I will start off by stating that I am a shapely women (derrier in specific). The dress looks fine and proper in the front. However, be there ever so slight a breeze or movement in the back and people get an eyeful. There have been so so so many instances where people will walk right up to me and tell me they can see my backside. I am pretty sure I have walked 10 plus blocks, ridden 3 subways, had lunch, and traveled home, all with an exposed behind. Despite its treachery, the dress is cut so lovely and nice that I cant get rid of it ever.

4. What job/project would you consider "a dream come true"?
I can honestly say that the job I have now is a "Dream Come True" and working with my partner Amber helps (A Lot). I get to think about fabrics, colors, photography, growth, and the fashion world of New York City every day. I honestly can say that I dont think I could survive without having a job that involves a large amount of creation. Individuals need creation, society needs it, I love it.

5. Any advice to those wishing to follow in your footsteps?
My personal advice I would give to someone following in my footsteps would be to develop a strong identity for yourself, organize your goals and how to obtain them, understand that everything is a learning process, always treat the people you work with, with respect, and most importantly smile, you are your own boss!

Wray's blog.
Ambit's website.
Ambit's blog.

Keep your eyes on their website as they are planning a pre-sale for their latest collection shortly!

All photos courtesy of Ambit by Landon Metz (and yep that's Emily)!

In Review: Elvia / Nicole / Tara-Lynn / Kathryn / Alexandra / Kelsey / Victoire

FW Part 2: Victoire

Today's interview is with Regine and Katie, the lovely ladies behind Victoire, an adorable boutique in my hometown Ottawa. Victoire is exactly what Ottawa was missing while I lived there (was so tempted to say "during my youth" but that sounds decidedly grandpa-ish). Their beautifully curated shop caries a host of Canadian talent including previous interviewee Tara-Lynn! I'm enthralled to have had the opportunity to meet these two and to watch their business grow. I want to thank them for giving me a place to shop when visiting (their neighbour) my pops in Ottawa!

1. What was your first fashion-related creation?
In 2002 we participated in a Ladyfest craftsale selling glued on lyrics on cut-up sweatshirts, wallpaper and spray paint on 80's purses. It kind of makes us cringe now and was definitely 'crappy crafty' but we just soooo wanted to be a part of this craft sale/DIY movement that was bubbling up at the time.

Though we now sell beautifully made pieces by other much more talented people, this time in our lives got us into this part of the fashion industry that has nothing to do with capital F "fashion". It's about appreciating beautiful things and getting excited about things made by your neighbour, or your friends, or someone just like you. Being a part of a creative independent community as a consumer is just as fun and rewarding as producing things! So even though we spend a lot more time now selling and promoting the works of other designers and not as much time making our own things anymore, it's still really rewarding and we love being part of an independent economy of sorts.

2. What or who inspires you?
You do Hannah! Not only are you adorable and nice but we love your entrepreneurial spirit and your work ethic. (oh gosh :D)

We also love love love Oprah's wisdom, Dolly Parton's sense of humor, In God We Trust's perfection and inspiring merchandising, and Dace's longevity in the business.

Complexgeometries, Audrey Cantwell and Norwegian Wood inspire us to be more adventurous. Our feminine cutie-pie look comes more naturally but we admire the risks these designers encourage us to take. It ensure we live in a rock'n'roll tea party duality.

3. Biggest sartorial blunder?
Trying to be Electro-clash in the early 2000's in a small Canadian city. We were having fun but boy we must have looked silly. Stage get ups looked awesome on Le Tigre and Karen O but never quite worked in the school cafeteria.

We are thankful we took these fashion risks and played with different looks, but we wish there weren't any pictures!

4. What job/project would you consider "a dream come true"?
Though we love to sell new Canadian designers, we have an out of control passion for vintage dresses. We host 2 vintage dress parties a year but it is not enough to satiate our hording impulses. We would really like to start an etsy store this year. Any words of wisdom, and lessons learned from selling on etsy would be most welcomed.

We would also love to see Victoire beat the odds and stick around for a very long time. Doing what we do right now is a dream come true, and doing it for many years to come would make our hearts very happy.

5. Any advice to those wishing to follow in your footsteps?
Just do it! Ask anyone and everyone for their advice and never forget that it's a good thing to find people who can do things better than you. That way you can learn and improve. Every day you meet people who can teach you something. Don't be afraid to ask for help and advice, even people who may intimidate you. People like helping others!

Victoire's Blog
Victoire's Online Shop

Visit them in Ottawa at:
246 Dalhousie St (closest intersection is St-Patrick)
(613) 321-1590
&
1282 B Wellington Street (near Holland)
(613) 421-0089

All photos courtesy of Victoire by Arden Wray.

In Review: Elvia / Nicole / Tara-Lynn / Kathryn / Alexandra / Kelsey

FW Part 1: Kelsey Genna

As nyfw draws to an end I thought I would share with you a few interviews with inspiring women working in the fashion industry.

First up is Kelsey Genna, a young woman based in New Zealand. Kelsey's handmade dresses are deliciously dreamed up with generous floral references, pastels and sheer fabrics (all of which are presently my weakness)! Very much looking forward to seeing her collection, erm, blossom O_O.

1. What was your first fashion-related creation?
When I was fourteen I started getting into sewing. The first thing I ever made was a pair of pyjamas; I was a little more ambitious on my second project and decided to make a prom dress. At this time I truly knew nothing about pattern making or sewing. I didn’t even know rules about grain lines etc. so I just placed all the pattern pieces on the fabric wherever I wished. You certainly do learn from your mistakes!

2. What or who inspires you?
I find inspiration in many places. Photography / Film / Art / Nature. I am very interested and influenced by fashion history particularly trends from the 50s / 60s… but then again who isn’t, it was such a wonderful and exciting time in fashion. For my final project at university I worked around flowers, one of my great loves. I studied some of my favourite flowers and translated the colours, shapes and textures into each dress.

3. Biggest sartorial blunder?
Gosh, I’ve made many mistakes over the years… which I don’t think is too much of a bad thing, it is good to experiment while your young! The memories that make me cringe the most are from homemade videos my friends and I use to create. There was a time through my earliest years in high school where all we did was make fashion videos. I can remember wearing blonde frizzy wigs and dresses out of crochet blankets, pillow cases and bubble wrap. I would share photos but I think my friends would kill me!


4. What job/project would you consider "a dream come true"?
I am so lucky to be doing what I have always dreamt of doing. Everything is very exciting for me right now; I have finally finished studying and getting to work on Kelsey Genna properly. I could honestly say, what I am doing is ‘a dream come true’. Of course there are so many exciting projects and plans I have for the near and distant future. I would really love to travel and create pop up stores… even more so after seeing photos from The Loved One’s pop up store!!

5. Any advice to those wishing to follow in your footsteps?
Follow your dreams and never give up on them.

All photos courtesy of Kelsey Genna. Visit Kelsey here!

In Review: Elvia / Nicole / Tara-Lynn / Kathryn / Alexandra

FW Part 5: Alexandra Grecco

Last but certainly not least we have a rather familiar face around these parts, Alexandra Grecco! She first popped up here last year when I had the pleasure of modeling her line of cheeky rompers and has since made a few more appearances (she is the other bum in The Loved One pictures)! This beautiful and motivated women is another one of my buddies who will no doubt be rocketing to fashion stardom in the coming years! Alexandra has just launched her latest line of scrumptious creations and I once again had the pleasure of playing dress-up and stuffing my face (I think it was a bit more of a smashing onto my face) with extravagant pastries. Landon also got involved and snapped these pictures of her decadent designs!

1. What was your first fashion-related creation?

Well, it was a paper shoe, or shall I say "bootie", with stapled seams. I was six, and I gave them to my sister for her baptism ceremony thinking she may need shoes for the event. To make them fancy I added a cross in pencil and called them "lordy boots". The craftsmanship was breathtakingly beautiful (har har har).

Sadly, they went unworn.

2. What or Who inspires you?

Lots of things! I get really inspired when watching some of my favorite films like, Valerie and Her Week of Wonders, Lolita, Pandora's Box, Rosemary's Baby and Badlands. Lot's of 70's horror films too.

Sexy ladies inspire me. Briggitte Bardot, Anna Karina, Ann Margaret, Hannah Metz.

Traveling and getting out the city for the weekend is necessary for good inspiration as well. Music, hikes, books, train rides, crisp autumn, all that good stuff!

3. Biggest sartorial blunder?

Probably when I styled my bedsheets into a gown and wore it to school.







4. If you had to have a uniform for this season what would it look like?

Naked with some floral hats. Maybe a velvet blazer, too.






5. Any words of wisdom for people wishing to follow in your footsteps?

Plan as much as you can before you start, and ask lots of questions! Set goals for yourself and set up the proper funds. Lists really help too on an everyday basis, BORING! But true...





Alexandra's Shop!
Alexandra's Website!
Alexandra's Blog!

That's it for this round of fashion week interviews! I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did! I hope more that you discovered a few new names to keep your eye on but most of all I hope that you find the perfect something created by these talented women to make your very own one day (now I am fist pumping and saying "support independent business! handmade yeah!"). If you know of a designing lady that you think I should interview for next fashion week let me know! I've already spied a few ladies that I'd love to get on board for next time. To the amazing young women that I interviewed: Thank you so much for your time, I wish you all the very best! You are all so incredibly talented and I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to watch your businesses blossom!

In Review: Elvia / Nicole / Tara-Lynn / Kathryn

FW Part 4: Kathryn Blackmore

In each of these interviews I've had an incredibly difficult time picking pictorial accompaniment as all of these ladies have an abundance of inspiring images. It was exceptionally hard for me to not post Kathryn's entire flickr collection! Kathryn Blackmore is a designer, illustrator and purveyor of the most delicious looking jewelry I've ever seen! She is most certainly one to keep a close eye on. 

1. What was your first fashion-related creation?

Back in my school days, I made a full-length dress consisting of leather panels and a handwoven bodice. Back then I thought it was great, although thinking about it now it was truly awful.





2. What or Who inspires you?

I find Alber Elbaz inspiring both as a designer and an individual.

The inspiration for my work depends on my mood, although I can always rely on natural history, traditional crafts and a personal collection of vintage finds.

Lately I have been finding inspiration in the form of medieval imagery, dreamy landscapes and Baroque art.



3. Biggest sartorial blunder?

Oh dear, I think a recurring sartorial blunder is over wearing my clothes. I have a habit of growing attached to items until they fall apart!



4. If you had to have a uniform for this season what would it look like?

I’d be very happy in a uniform of button-down shirts, preferably in silk, paired with slim-cut trousers, lace-up boots and one of the vintage mesh collars I scored this summer.





5. Any words of wisdom for people wishing to follow in your footsteps?

For anyone who has been thinking about setting up a blog or business, what are you waiting for? Making plans is great. Putting them into action is so much better!



Kathryn's Shop
Kathryn's Blog
Kathryn's Website
Kathryn's Flickr

Up Next, Alexandra Grecco of Gluda Finds Lulu!

FW Part 3: Tara-Lynn

Up next we have 1/4 of what may be the cutest family to ever walk this planet. Tara-Lynn is an entrepreneur, a designer, a knitter, a mother and an inspiration! I've been following Tara-Lynn around the internet since our Livejournal days almost six years ago (is that right? Man, the time, it flies) and have been consistently charmed by her personality, her family, her screen-shots of favourite movies, her knack for hunting down incredible vintage photographs and her deliciously cozy knits! I have, like an absolute creep, thought many times how badly I wished she and her little crew lived nearer to me for the epic hang-outs and slumber parties that would no doubt take place.

1. What was your first fashion-related creation?

As a little girl I was always playing dress up, as all little girls do. I had a dress-up box that my aunt had contributed some of her clothing to. She had all these really outrageous wigs and crazy 1970's lingerie, negligee's and slips. The ballet Swan Lake, being the inspiration at the time, was the model for the outfits I would create. One outfit in particular consisted of a red frilly negligee, worn with frilly underpants as a swan feather head piece, paired with these red strappy high heels (of course all worn over top of my clothing!). Sadly, the dress up box no longer exists, but I am left with a handful of photos to remember ... 

(I want to see these photos so bad! - H)

2.What or Who inspires you?

I truly admire a girl with her own authentic style, one who looks timeless, and can put together a mix of modern and vintage. I really love a mix of patterns and colors that do not adhere to conventions, but somehow look great. Creative girls with the ability to sew, make patterns and who will take risks. I find I am always coming back to ballerinas, especially those from the Ballet Russes, 1940's and 1950's ballerinas photographed by Gjon Mili. The dancers evoked so much artistic style while hardly wearing a thing. Edie Sedgwick is a great example of someone who took the style of the ballerina, those infamous black tights! Anais Nin, always an inspiration. The writer Colette, Jean Rhys and the chorus girls of the early 1900's. I'm drawn to the rebellious bad girl. Girls of today that I am really inspired by, friends like Sam Purdy, Isabelle Hayes, Hannah Metz and bloggers such as Kennedy Holmes, Francesca Zmetra, Erin Perez Hagstrom, Jessica, Anja Verdugo and Siri Thorson. Every one of these girls has a truly original and sincerely dedicated sense of their own style.

3. Biggest sartorial blunder?

No regrets, I would rather take a risk than not. I am positive I have had a few blunders, or just wrong outfit choices, but I do feel it really all leads to something good in the end. Maybe I tend to give a little too much sometimes, for instance maybe I didn't need to wear a Kimono to the campfire.

4. If you had to have a uniform for this season what would it look like?

At the moment, I fantasize about a uniform that would include pretty vintage party dresses, skirts with mismatched blouses, patterned and brightly colored tights paired with inconvenient shoes that pinch your toes. This kind of uniform is meant for wearing out dancing, spilling drinks on, going to art galleries, shows to feel especially happy in.

5. Any words of wisdom for people wishing to follow in your footsteps?

Don't do it! Following in someones footsteps would only be boring and untruthful. Do your own thing, its way more fun and unpredictable.

Illustration by Jason Lee

Tara-Lynn's Shop
Tara-Lynn's Blog
Tara-Lynn's Flickr

*Edited to add: Mention Hannah & Landon when you place an order at Tara's shop and receive a free Norfolk Knitted Bow! I've got one that I wear all the time!

Jason Lee's Art
Jason Lee's Shop

Up Next, Kathryn of The Vamoose!