Author: Marta Walsh

Frederic Fekkai Beverly Hills Salon Opens Salades De Provence Restaurant

Frédéric Fekkai announces the September 15th opening of ultra-chic French Mediterranean cafe, Salades De Provence at his Beverly Hills Salon.

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Ottavia et Emma Launch Party At The Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week Spring 2009

The Ottavia et Emma launch party at the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week Spring 2009 was the second largest fashion week party…right behind Marc Jacobs!

Ottavia et Emma fashion launch party at New York Fashion Week took place at Bryant Park Hotel Cellar Bar this past Friday, September 5th, and it was a great success!

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Reggie Lee

Reggie Lee is an American actor who played William Kim on the show Prison Break and also appeared in two Pirates of the Caribbean films, as well as The Fast and the Furious. Reggie Lee’s latest acting roles include Byong in a movie directed by Ben Stiller called: Tropic Thunder which opened this summer and Stu Rubin in Sam Raimi’s Drag Me To Hell. In this interview Reggie Lee talks to Marta Walsh about some of the highlights of his acting career and his style secrets.

Can tell us a bit about your acting career so far?
Fast and Furious was great, and that started everything. I have this habit of playing the bad guys on screen and I love it because there are so many dimensions to characters that portray bad guys. I never really think of the as bad guys, everyone does what they have to do to survive in whatever instance they are in. Everyone does. So they are just caught I what society calls ‘bad guys’. I did The Fast and The Furious and everyone went oh my god I hate that guy. So they continue to cast me as that. But I love these characters because they is a bit of that in everyone, it is part of humanity. I feel I can bring a sense of humanity to these characters and give them a reason to why they are acting in that particular way. Weather is their background or circumstances, there so many things I can draw from that create these characters which essentially what I love about acting. So I started out with The Fast and The Furious and from then the ball started rolling to do independent films, and I did a television series called Luis and its character Luis Guzman. After that I was cast in the Pirates of the Caribbean. It was phenomena. It was one of these amazing experiences where you filming on a big ship in the middle of the Caribbean and you are pinching yourself wondering if you really there. The reason I like acting so much I’m an adult yet I get to play a child. Here I am in a big ship being a pirate in the middle of the Caribbean and I get to play pretend at the highest level. It was spectacular working with Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush and director Gore Verbinski , down to the makeup and custom people who gave you the essence of being someone else. Because you get to put on these customs and they made your face full of scars, shave my head they gave you all the proper tools you need to play pretend at the highest level. From there I did a series called Prison Break and played a character everyone hated. Usually people love to hate you but everyone was just hating me. I would walk into a Starbucks and they would go: “Oh. I hate you”! Or “Good show but I hate you”! It very difficult for people to distiuish your character from your real life persona. And then I did a movie because Ben Stiller and his wife Christine Taylor watched Prison Break. Ben Stiller casted me in a movie called Tropic Thunder which opens this summer. I finished shooting that last year in Hawaii. And now I just rapped a film for Sam Raimi called Drag Me To Hell who also directed all the Spiderman movies. I never worked with such an amazing collaborative and generous director. Sam Raimi made a work place that is very free and in that way you got to do your best work. The character in Drag Me To Hell, Stu Rubin, is one of my favorite characters to date I would have to say. What I love about it is that Stu Rubin is not specifically an Asian name it is a actually a Jewish name, and they never questioned it and never decided to change the name and they decided to cast an Asian male for this character. And now I am on a wonderful break. I feel blessed to have a little bit of time off because it gives you a room to breath and the room to get your motivation back and appreciate what you’ve done. This is when you find out what your heart wants. We forget, especially in Hollywood, that you have a freedom of choice and a lot of times Asian American actors forget that because we say what if there was no other job. We need to realize that work is part of our life and not our entire life.

Where do you draw the emotions to play these ‘bad guy’ characters?
We have such an infinite ability to imagine. Remember when you were a kid and you would look at the closet at night when it’s dark and imagine there is a monster, and if you imagine long enough you will really believe there is a monster there. And all these emotions of being frightened and scared would come up. In a very simple way I think is what acting is all about. So if I imagine as a bad guy who is desperate for money and the only way to get it is to get involved is to join a gang of people who steal money. That is the only way I would know to make money, and I would have to steal in order to eat. And suddenly I feel wow I got all this money and maybe I should get more so then I get greedy. So I would just imagine these situations for hours and hours. And that’s the hard work, because I never had to steal, but I can imagine what it would feel like. And in this imagination all these feelings and emotions that would come up with that. Sometimes I work for a month on a scene that is 5 minutes long. If for couple of weeks I imagine that I had to steal in order to eat, that scenario and feeling would become so real so when I got on set and it’s time to film that scene it would be so real to me so I don’t even have to think about it. Because in set you don’t have to think about it, you want to be able to just let your imagination run wild and to just have fun. Imagining to me is fun.

How would you describe your personal style?
It used to be classic trendy, I’m leaning more towards classic.

What inspires your style?
My dad has always inspired my style. I used to look at pictures of him from when he was younger and he always be in classic tailored suites…and I thought wow that’s really cool.

How do you go about picking an outfit for a red carpet event?
I have my publicist call around and give me choices…I’m a feeling person. Even if it is classic or trendy if I see and feel something from it then I tend to pick it. It’s not necessary what someone else would go wow about. It is something I feel like I want to be perceived as. Style is how you express you as an artist. For some reason I always loved clothes and dressing. When I was younger I would buy clothes that are trendy, and now I am very much into pieces that are of quality, simple and classic. I don’t mind buying an expensive piece knowing it looks amazing and it will last longer.

Did you ever have a fashion disaster?
When I came to LA I was dancing in music videos. I was actually dancing at the MTV Music Awards for Prince. The dancers in that early 90’s, the clothes we would wear to go to auditions, everyone tend to out-trend each other. And I remember me be in ripped jeans and combat boots, vest with no shirt, and little beads hanging on the vest, a necklace with a cross. I remember my picture taken in that outfit to go audition and I look back on it now and I go “O My”.

Who are some of your favorite designers?
I like to shop at Agnes B, Tom Ford. I love Ben Sherman stuff for a casual everyday wear. And, Hugo Boss.

Where is your favorite place to shop?
Agnes B and Nordstrom.

What is you signature cologne?
I don’t wear cologne. I used to. What I love most is smelling clean and fresh. I don’t seem to find that cologne, even the clean fresh colognes tend to smell too perfumey to me.

What would be your ultimate stylish car?
I love SUV’s like Porsche Cayenne. In terms of a sport car, I always as a kid I loved the 8 cylinder Jaguar.

What city do you love the most?
Florence, Italy.

What one or two things some people may not know about you?
That I’m spiritual and that I love to watch reality television shows. Reality shows take me away from the world.

 

Style Interviews would like to thank Reggie so much for taking the time to speak with us you can catch him currently appearing on the big screen in Tropic Thunder.

Sheri Drobnick

 

Sheri Drobnick is the founder of Credibility by Sheri Drobnick which is a jacket trench and coat line designed for the woman with on designer headset but not a designer budget. In this interview Sheri Drobnick talks about why she insists that everything in her fashion line is on the “WOW” or else it isn’t on the line, her favorite fashion designers, her own eclectic style, and plans for growing her business while getting more balance in life.

When did your fascination with fashion design begin?
I guess i would have to say my fascination. In design began when i was working summers at casual corner in springfield, mass. As the top salesperson. As well as the fashion coordinator for most of the customers, I realized i had an affinity for clothing , merchandising and ultimately design.

How would you describe the Credibility by Sheri Drobnick fashion line?
Credibility by Sheri Drobnick is a jacket trench and coat line
designed for the woman with on on designer headset but not a designer budget. All of my fabrics are from Europe and i am designing for the woman 30 on up who is sophisticated but always has any edge. The clothes will always be on trend without being trendy. They can be worn by any executive and then go to a reception feeling perfectly chic. Or on the other hand they can be worn by ladies who do volunteer work, lunch or just want to look fabulous going out to dinner or the movies. We are really known for our fabrication and detailing. I want everything to be on on “WOW” or else it isn’t on the line.

How do you go about deciding what garment to design?
In a previous life I was a textile stylist. I would buy art work from the major capitals in Europe and then color these
designs in other colors. At the same time i was exposed to the most beautiful fabrics especially in France and Italy. So when I see fabrics they sing to me. I was always ahead of what the masses wanted so because my lead time for fabric and production is so long the designs just work. In addition I am always shopping stores around the world and have a gut level for the next step.

Where do you draw the inspiration for the style and color of your designs?
The inspiration for design and color comes from the most
sophisticated colorways I any choose from as well as what bodies seem to be the NEXT STEP IN WEARABLE FASHION as well as influences from European magazines and travel.

“We are really known for our
fabrication and detailing. I want everything to be on on “WOW” or else it
isn’t on the line.”

Who do you see wearing Credibility by Sheri Drobnick fashions?
Credibility can be any woman that has the confidence to be recognized as on on lady with style.

What would be one of your most memorable garments you’ve ever designed?
One of my most memorable designs is a high low asymetrical coat we shipped in a sophisticated neutral for spring and we will be shipping it in august in black this fall and also in. A lightweight beautiful Italian fabric with a shot of metallic. This coat was memorable because i had to try it on for everyone to appreciate the architectural lines, bu once on everyone wrote
it and it was our first style to reorder this past spring. Also wwd editor wanted the spring style for herself. The style is chic yet sophisticated with any edge….my absolute favorite combination.

Can you tell us more about the Credibility by Sheri Drobnick collection for this season, and for the upcoing season?
Fall 2008 was all about affordable luxe with any emphasis on outrageously beautiful fabrications and details with trenches and coats being among the best
sellers.

For spring 2009 we are introducing. A new category that for on on lack of a better term I’ll call wispy toppers. My largest volume is coming from the southern belt from LA to Florida and Atlanta. These weightless fabrics provide that third layer that finished the outfit with a wow. In addition there are beautiful new finishes to fabrics that scream Modern!!!!!!

Who are some of your favorite designers of all time?
Tough question…. I guess Valentino, Alexander McQueen, YSL and Dries Van Noten.

Where can we shop for Credibility by Sheri Drobnick fashions?
I am currently selling over 400 specialty stores around the country from Stanley ‘Orshk in Dallas to Barbara Katz in Boca to Tally Ho in NC and Elan at the lodge at Pebble Beach and Mark Shale in Chicago and Harari in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica and Glenn clothing company in Bel Air.

What do you love most about being a fashion designer?
Making women excited about my clothing and working with fabric in europe.

How would you describe your own style?
My own style is very eclectic and I also have fun with clothes. One day I dress totally sophisticated without any edge and the next day I might take on a vintage slim skirt and modernize it with a jacket of mine and killer shoes and handbag. I have become the Emelda Marcos of handbags in the past few years. I have always loved wide leg hepburn looking trousers with short jackets or a feminine top. Jeans are also a staple for me yet I love to also dress up!

What’s next for Sheri Drobnick?
Growing my business and trying to get more balance in my life.

It was a pleasure to interview Sheri you can check out more of her amazing designs and the Credibilty line at: www.credibilitybysd.com

Alexis LaMontagna

Alexis LaMontagna is a Los Angeles native fashion designer. In this interview Alexis LaMontagna describes her fashion line as really sexy but comfortable to fit real women with real curves, her muse for her Fall 2008 collection: Dita Von Teese, what she loves most about being a fashion designer, and plans for the Alexis LaMontagna Menswear and Children line.

When did your fascination with fashion design begin?

My fascination with fashion probably started when I was about 3 or 4 years old. I remember always being late for preschool because I would be arguing with my mom about what I wanted to wear to school. She would buy me all of these really expensive, girly outfits and all I wanted to wear was some really tomboyish outfit out of my brothers’ closet that didn’t match and a pair of pink cowboy boots.

How would you describe the Alexis LaMontagna fashion line?

I would describe the line as a whole as really sexy but also comfortable. I really try to make clothes that fit real women with real woman curves, because that’s what I think is beautiful and sexy. Although, sometimes the word sexy is associated with tight and short and although there is some of that, there is also the throw on a pair of comfy jeans that look like they came out of your boyfriends closet and a wife beater look that I also find to be equally as hot.

How do you go about deciding what garment to design?

There is no real formula to how I decide what garment to design. My style is constantly changing and there is always at least a few pieces that are in my head that I wish were in my closet so I just start with those and then I usually build in outfits or what I think that piece would be cute worn with. I guess I just design what I want to wear at that moment.

“The gown, the model, the music, I felt that it just all really worked together. Seeing that model walk down the runway in that dress still gives me chills.”

Where do you draw the inspiration for the style and color of your designs?
I draw inspiration from everywhere! Sometimes I will be driving and listening to music and all of a sudden a certain song will make me feel crazy inspired or talking to my husband about all of the places that we want to travel to always gets me really inspired for some reason too. The worst is when I get in bed and I’m about to fall asleep and then all of a sudden out of nowhere I feel really inspired and my brain just starts going crazy thinking about all of the pieces I want to design. I’ll lay there for hours picturing all of these crazy cool clothes walking down the runway and the next thing I know I have to get out of bed and I’ve slept a total of two hours!

 

Who do you see wearing Alexis LaMontagna fashions?

There are quite a few people that I would love to see wearing my clothes. I designed my Fall ’08 collection with Dita Von Teese as my muse so obviously I would LOVE for her to wear my clothes. I also really love Kate Hudson, Drew Barrymore, and Eva Mendes and would love to see them in my clothes. They are all really beautiful, sexy, confident women with great style.

What would be one of your most memorable garments you’ve ever designed?

One of my most memorable garments that I have designed would be a black and red striped denim gown that was the finale piece for my Fall ’08 runway show. The gown, the model, the music, I felt that it just all really worked together. Seeing that model walk down the runway in that dress still gives me chills.

Can you tell us more about the Alexis LaMontagna collection for this season and for the upcoming season?

Well, my inspiration for this season was 1920’s Hollywood Goth Glamour. I love old Hollywood Glamour but really dark so that’s what I created for Fall. Spring is totally different, it’s still a little bit dark because that’s what I like but its got more of a hippie feel to it. I love the music of the late 60’s and 70’s and the whole idea of Woodstock and what it was all about and seeing pictures and imagining what it would have been like to be a part of that really fascinates me so I tried to really use that as my inspiration for Spring. Also, obviously Spring is a bit more relaxed than Fall so you’ll still see some of the really classically tailored and structured pieces that I loved in the Fall collection but mixed in with some more comfy breezy dresses and wide legged slacks, tanks, ponchos, etc.

Who are some of your favorite designers of all time?

Some of my favorite designers of all time are Vivienne Westwood, Karl Lagerfeld, Coco Chanel, John Galliano, and the list goes on and on!

Where can we shop for Alexis LaMontagna fashions?
A couple of the stores that you can find the line in are Maxine on Ventura Blvd in Studio City and Diavolina on Robertson Blvd in West Hollywood but for a full list of stores you can go to www.alexislamontagna.com.

What do you love most about being a fashion designer?

What I love most about being a fashion designer is when I get to see a woman put on one of my pieces and feel really good in it. To know that something that I created from one of my ideas can make somebody feel sexy or beautiful is just so cool.

How would you describe your own style?

I would describe my own style as rocker hippie. Vintage bell bottom Levi’s and a vintage t-shirt with black hair and black nail polish I think would be the best way to describe me.

What’s next for Alexis LaMontagna?

Next for Alexis LaMontagna is to try to grow the line so we can start on Menswear and a childrens line, which I’m really looking forward to!

It was a pleasure to interview Alexis you can check out more of her amazing designs at her website: www.alexislamontagna.com

Schooled A Book by Anisha Lakhani

Schooled By Anisha Lakhani: Ever wonder why the rich kids always seem to get into the best schools? It’s not from staying up late at night studying. From writing book reports for 11 year olds to reading Shakespeare for college students, tutor Anna Taggert learns that these privileged kids spend their nights instant messaging while she is doing their homework.

Anisha Lakhani’s debut novel will have you begging to get Schooled. The fantastic page turner set in the world of Manhattan’s elite private schools is “Gossip Girl” inside the classroom. Author Anisha Lakhani, a former English teacher, gives readers a glimpse into the lives of today’s most privileged teenagers. School isn’t all about Chanel handbags & boyfriends… only if you have a tutor doing your homework!

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Micheal Yo

Michael Yo is the host of a call-in talk show called: Yo on E!, a three-hour entertainment talk show heard nationally on XM and Sirius Satellite Radio. Driven by the E! Network. Yo on E! sets the standard for entertainment talk, providing listeners with celebrity interviews, the latest in pop culture and breaking, and up-to-the-minute entertainment news. In this interview, Michael Yo shares with us some of his style secrets, what’s a day like hosting Yo on E!, his special connection to Miami, and his dream for hosting his own late night talk show.

 

How was your day so far, who did you interview?
It was crazy. We had bunch of people stop by the studio, like Ryan Seacrest. Hanson also stopped by today. They are coming up with a new tour. We talked about which group they would like to see make a comeback, they mentioned Queen. I also interviewed Michael Lohan, Lindsay Lohan’s dad, the other day. I interviewed him for E! News and the Daily Ten. It is interesting, Michael Lohan is famous for being such a bad guy in the media, I think he does talk a little much, but he is also really nice. He definitely loves the attention, and this is why he is doing the interviews. We scored the first one on camera. He is not mean. He admits in the past he’s done some bad, but now he is good. He is trying to do better. Last couple weeks ago we broke the story with Brooke Hogan, and Madonna called me when she was coming up with her new album. And I also speak to Benji and Joel Madden.

What do you love most about being a host?
I do so many different things. I got like 18 jobs right now. I have a local Miami afternoon show on Y100 that I do from LA. It is syndicated back to Miami. I’m also the music director of the radio station. I program the music for the station from LA. I started in Miami, and it brought me all the way here to LA to the Yo on E! show. I then became a pop culture junkie. Chelsea Handler from the show Chelsea Lately on E! Networks gave me my first break on TV. I really appreciate how Chelsea been on my show on the radio, and she told me I will do well on her show. Chelsea gave the chance and the opportunity, and it’s taking off since then. Being on the Chelsea Lately show puts me in the category of “he can hold his own on TV.” And E! News and the Daily 10 also put me on TV interviewing. I’ve already been here in LA a year and 3 months and it’s gone really well. Everyone on E! are great, like Joel McHale for The Soup.

How would you describe your interviewing style?
I do about 6 interviews a day. My interviewing style is like I’m talking to you, casual. A lot of time when some people interview on TV they look more stagnant. I keep the radio vibe. I don’t like to watch myself on TV because I don’t want to say: ‘I should look this way or that way”. I also want to be genuine to my radio form. The radio interviews are fun and upbeat. When a guest comes in, I try to be fair. I’m going to ask tough questions but I’m going to be fair. I never attack, that’s not my thing. I like to have my guests laugh and think they are going to be asked tough questions but it’s going to be fair and they are going to have fun while they’re here. I want to know what they like to do on their day off, and what’s something that nobody else knows about them. Every time I interview somebody, it is the best accomplishment if you get something out of them they have never said before. I feel if you treat your guests right they will give you the information you want. They will come back to you in the future because you reported right.

What is your own personal style?
I’m going through a change where moving from Miami the style is totally different than LA. In Miami is more you go out with jeans, here people wear suites, jeans or jacket. It is a lot more laid back here. I’ve been in LA for a year so I cleaned up my closet finally. I’m in Hugo Boss shirts, button down. I love ties now. My style in Miami was very basic like jeans, in LA it is a bit more stylish, more colors. Right now in the summer I’m into bright colors: yellows, greens, and purples.

Where is your favorite place to shop?
I love Hugo Boss, Club Monaco, J. Lindeberg.

Do you dress yourself or rely on a personal stylist?
The good thing about E! there are stylists all over the place. We just ask: “Hey do I look ok”? We are lucky at that.

What inspires your style?
Jonas Brothers, I love their style now. And the classic styles from the Ocean 13 movie, and really from all the ‘Ocean’ film series. George Clooney and Brad Pitt, their style is impeccable. I’m into the GQ and Details magazines. More so now that I moved to LA, the last three months, I’m into style. You can go to Barney’s or Macy’s , anywhere you go you can find something you can mix and match. If it is a nice fitted suite, I always find a way to make it not so stuffy. For example: I can wear jeans with a nice jacket with tennis shoes like Converse. I love Converse. When I go to a nice event I want to look clean, I wear Hugo Boss shoes. I can go either way, but mostly I like the laid back look. Classic but yet laid back.

Have you ever had a fashion disaster?
When I first moved to LA, you go through a transition, people get styled over here. It is kind of normal when you move to a new city. I would show up to events all dressed up and everybody is laid back. This is the only fashion disaster incident for me because I never go way outside of the box. It took me about six months to get into the LA style.

What is your signature cologne?
Dolce and Gabbana the original. I’ve been wearing this cologne since high school. For some reason it works on my skin, and I get lots of compliments, so I’m not changing it. Once you find something you love, and people love it on you-it works.

What would be your ultimate stylish car?
I love the new Austin Martin in the new James Bond movie. Way too much money, but that would be my ultimate car. I will get it in midnight blue. It is also in GQ this month (June 2008) with Robert Downey Jr. on the cover.

Which celebrities do you find most stylish?
David Beckham, of course. And he’s got a lot a pressure to look good because of his wife, Victoria Beckham. George Clooney is always classic. It’s older guys, I look up to them for fashion because they always seem to be put together. For example, you will never see Michael Jordan not put together.

The city I love the most…
Miami. South Beach. Love it. I like the fact that you can walk down on Ocean Avenue nearly four blocks and not hear English once. It always like a mini vacation. I love Miami’s energy. I was actually born in Houston Texas, but I lived in Miami, went to college and never went back. I got a job in Miami for the last eight years and E! Networks moved me to LA about a year and 3 months ago. I miss Miami so much, I consider Miami as my home.

What one or two things some people may not know about you?
My favorite movie is Gladiator. I used to snore but now I don’t anymore, and I have no idea why. I can eat sushi every night and be happy. My perfect night is inside watching a movie and having a great dinner, in the house. I’m not into running around the Hollywood scene going from club to club. And, I’m working on my body to look like Brad Pitt in the 1998 movie: Fight Club. I’m working on it, I haven’t started yet.

What’s next for Michael Yo?
My dream job is to do a late night talk show like Carson Daily. And like Ryan Seacrest produce TV programs. I’m on the radio right now, I’m on E! News and the Daily Ten I do some reporting for them. I’m also on CNN as a culture expert. The TV stuff is coming along but my ultimate goal is to have my late night talk show. Every day I’m getting closer, I can count my blessings, and one day it will happen.

Style Interviews would like to thank Micheal so much for sharing with us some of his style secrets. You can find out more about Micheal and his radio show Yo on E! at www.eonline.com/on/radio/yoone/

Rami Kashou

Fashion designer Rami Kashou, who is also Project Runway’s Season 4 Alum, has designed for celebrities such as: Heidi Klum, Penelope Cruz, Jessica Alba, Lindsay Lohan to just name a few. In this interview, Rami Kashou talks about his experience on the Project Runway show and his life after the show, why he enjoyed designing for Heidi Klum, how did he come up with his signature draping look, and his plans for the future.

When did your fascination with fashion design begin?
At an early age of five.. I remember peeking through my mothers closet and picking out the things that she should wear 🙂

How did your involvement with Bravo’s Project Runway come about?
I auditioned during Season 3 castings purely out of curiosity but decided to pass after giving it some thought. During Season 4 castings Tim Gun and Jennifer Eagan of Gen Art called me on a Saturday and inspired me to reconsider.. I ended up doing so.

How would you describe your experience on Project Runway?
Exciting, terrifying, frustrating at times, exhausting, inspiring, alienation from the outside
world and truly bizarre.

What projects have you been working on since the show?
I was asked to design looks for Heidi Klum right after the show wrapped, which I was more than happy to. I dressed her to the US Weekly Hot Hollywood part where she was honored for style icon of the year
– I was invited to design a paper money outfit which is in the current Forbes issue, and I was asked to be with her in the shoot.. you will see me in the mag.. with her
– I was honored by los angeles president Eric Garcetti
– I was invited by Scoop Style to design a look and be Stefani Greenfield’s guest on HSN/ The dress sold out in 4 minutes which was fantastic
– lots of evening, bridal and custom orders
– I will be flying to Washington to receive an honor accomplishment award
– I was invited on the set of Ugly Betty to meet and great with the cart… Vanessa Williams, Rebacca Romaine, Becki Newton and others.. was really great
– Dressing Becki Newton currently
– there are more things brewing that I will reveal when I am allowed 🙂

“Heidi Klum, she is great, open to my ideas and ready to try new things, we make a good match because I know what she likes and she goes for what I design very well.”

How would you define your designing style?
Elegant, feminine and sophisticated. It is really about celebrating women.

Where do you draw the inspiration for the style and color of your designs?
My muses are all the women I design for with a theme usually outlines, last season was derived from Joan of Arc.. this theme is still in the works for Spring Summer 09.. Colors are usually inspired from paintings I may look at, they also represent a deeper meaning at times, depending on the mood of the collection at hand.. it is an ever changing process.

 

How did you come up with your signature ‘draping’ look?
I am self taught, therefore since I didn’t know the trained rules obtained in school, I discovered unusual ways to drape materials that outline the figure in flattering ways, the more I did it the more I fell in love with the technique..

Who do you see wearing Rami Kashou fashions?
Any woman who takes pride in being feminine, desires to exude sex appeal and sophistication at the same time..? A modern woman who like classic elements with an unusual twist.

Can you tell us about the Rami Kashou collection for this season?
I like clean lines, flattering fits and fresh colors that make you think of a new time.

Which celebrities have you designed for and how was it like collaborating with them?
Heidi Klum, she is great, open to my ideas and ready to try new things, we make a good match because I know what she likes and she goes for what I design very well. Becki Newton, is a pure sweetheart and is ready to wear anything that is different

Jessica Alba is a pure classic feminine beauty, she has been a great supporter since the beginning of my career. Dita Von Teese, will wear the most daring looks that I design and pull them off beautifully. She is exquisite.

Where can we shop for the Rami Kashou fashion line?
Visit my website www.ramikashou.com and you will find all the stores that carry my line in and out of the US.

What does it take to succeed as a fashion designer?
Dedication, love of the business, originality, understanding, hard work, being in the right place at the right time.

How would you describe your own style?
Mine would be dressy casual.. I like a good pair of jeans with nice dress boots and my own dress shirts that I design on my free time.

What’s next for Rami Kashou?
A new collection, more evening dresses a boutique where people can visit with me and have custom made designs created for them… and a few more things that I will share when we’re closer
to the date!

It was a pleasure to interview Rami you can check out more of his great designs at his website: www.ramikashou.com

Rachel Pally

Rachel Pally is the talented fashion designer behind the Rachel Pally fashion line. In this interview, Rachel talks about how she fell in love with fashion design while working at a custom shop in college, the Rachel Pally design philosophy, and what made her fashion line take-off as a must have brand among celebrities.

When did your fascination with fashion design begin?
I was working in the costume shop for my dance department in college and just fell in love with it. I loved making costumes and seeing them worn, and I started to make things for myself. Pretty soon my girlfriends were borrowing my pieces and I thought, “Hey! I should give this a try!”

Can you tell us how it all began: the Rachel Pally fashion line?
After I started sewing my own clothes, I sold them on consignment at a store/gallery in Chinatown in LA and things kept selling out. So I made a set of samples and shopped them around to stores.

How would you describe the Rachel Pally design philosophy?
Easy, sexy, day-to-night, night-to-day, body conscious

“I started before there were any other brands using jersey for anything other than t-shirts, so I was offering a product that couldn’t be found elsewhere. And the collection has such a large range, women of all ages and sizes can find something that perfectly suits them.”

Where do you draw the inspiration for the styles and colors of your designs?
From women I know, women I see on the street, magazines, movies, travel – I am always inspired by things I see.

What would be some of your most popular garments you’ve ever designed?
The cropped gaucho pant, the sailor pant, the full tie tube dress, the Mexico dress, the caftan dress…..

To what do you attribute your success in the jersey arena?
I started before there were any other brands using jersey for anything other than t-shirts, so I was offering a product that couldn’t be found elsewhere. And the collection has such a large range, women of all ages and sizes can find something that perfectly suits them. And our fit is fantastic so people keep coming back for more! And I received a lot of celebrity press early on, which built the brand name, got me into magazines, and really launched the company.

What made Rachel Pally designs take off as a must-have brand, especially among celebrities?
The fit, the availability, the ease of wear…..and lots and lots of PR and gifting!

How does your experience in dance influence the Rachel Pally fashion line today?
Jersey has such beautiful drape and motion – having a body in there makes the clothes come to life. My dance background also makes me aware of women’s bodies – what does and doesn’t look good, where things should cling and where they should drape.

What should we expect to see at Rachel Pally in the upcoming season?
We just shipped our swim collection and we have cashmere and double-knit ponti coming out for fall. Just keeping it new and fresh every season!

Who are some of your favorite designers of all time?
Marni, Balenciaga, Donna Karan, Lanvin

How would you describe your own style?
Eclectic.

What’s next for Rachel Pally?
A vacation! And then….who knows!

Many thanks to Rachel for taking the time to interview for Style Interviews you can learn more about her designs and fashions at: www.rachelpally.com