July 11, 2011 |
FROM THE VAULT (SPRING SUMMER 2011)
A few tips on how to set off on a path that leads to world domination. What do you mean you haven’t heard off him? Where have you been? Under a rock? Well take note, this is the name to watch and this is how to go about world take over. If you do as he, you might, just might succeed. Or you might not. It depends on talent. Something he has in spades.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
Early on, I worked with Narciso Rodriguez at Anne Klein, and at Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. All were tremendously valuable experiences. I was able to learn a great deal about every aspect of the business and build a strong design foundation.
WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO?
I feel lucky to say that it’s because I love it. I’ve always approached the world visually, with an appreciation for colour and form, and I have a real passion for design in its purest sense. My work constantly provides me with new challenges, and within this I find a welcome freedom to continue growing and evolving.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER? MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
There have been so many memorable moments. The continued success of Coach and the CFDA Awards I received for my work at that brand. The publication of my first photography book. The launch of my eponymous collection. And yet I would hope that the best is still to come…
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I grew up in Connecticut.
HOW DID YOU END UP IN NEW YORK?
After studying art history and economics, I enrolled at Parsons to study fashion in New York.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD DRESS? A BAD DRESS? A SEXY DRESS?
Context has a great deal to do with it, as does the individual wearing the dress. This is where style comes in. As we know only too well, fashion evolves and the eye with it. But as a general rule, the right fit and the quality of the construction can make all the difference between a “good” or “bad” dress.
DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE DESIGN? WHAT IS IT? HOW DID IT COME ABOUT? WAS IT SOMETHING YOU PLANNED? OR DID IT EMERGE NATURALLY? SNEAK UP ON YOU?
I don’t really have one signature design. I think my collection is a holistic expression of my vision, my style, and is the result of what I have learned, experienced, admired and worked for over many years. That said, it is also something innate and intuitive.
WHO’S THE WOMAN WHO WEARS YOUR CLOTHES? CAN YOU DESCRIBE HER PLEASE. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC MUSE IN MIND WHEN YOU DESIGN?
The modern working woman is my muse. She is incredibly discerning and appreciates careful attention to the way everything looks, feels and performs. She is also very natural, supremely confident and engaged in the world around her. My wife Delphine, who grew up in Paris, beautifully embodies these qualities and is a continual source of inspiration.
HAVE YOU ANY PLANS FOR WORLD DOMINATION? TAKING OVER THE WORLD VIA THE MEDIUM OF BOUTIQUE ONE COUNTRY AT A TIME?
These days you need more than boutiques to conquer the world! Actually, I’m very excited about the prospect of expanding into new countries and connecting in many ways with customers who are drawn to my collection. I don’t like to think in terms of limitations, so a global brand is not beyond the realm of possibility.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON SHOULDER PADS?
I’m not really having any at the moment.
by Natalie Dembinska
