1. what are you?
i am impatient. i am selective. i am abstract. i love very close friends. i laugh and cry on the regular. i am a designer. i am a dress-maker. i like the control and complete lack of control of sculptural sewing.
Though highly thoughtful in my process, I am more particular with regard to my aesthetic. I prefer intuition over equation; the abstract is simple to me. i feel my way through a process. though my process may be highly structured in its physical construction.
2. when did you know you wanted to be a designer?
i don't know. forever ago. this morning. not yet. i am so analytical that i'm actually not sure of the answer.
3. what designers influence you?
versace, chanel, mcqueen, philip treacy, matthew barney. not to say that i'm overwhelmingly influenced by any of them, but i sometimes look into their work.
4. what emotions do your viewers feel when first viewing this collection?
hopefully a strong one. as is always the hope.
5. what things from your everyday life do you think inspire this collection?
my previous experimentations. the music i listen to while producing the work. resources that become available to me in random convenient intervals. unforseen material additions to each project as new inspirations appear.
6. since you have designed for those in the music industry, what role does music play in inspiring your work?
music is a prevalent influence in my work; its not related to my work in the music industry. in all avenues of life i am linked to music for inspiration and calm. i listen to the same song, or songs, over and over when i sew. this repetition of sound seems to create an increasingly intense and focused energy within my work. i chose songs that fit the mood i will need to create the piece i'm working towards.
7. what do you surround yourself with in your studio? do you have to have music on or the tv? are there pictures all over the walls for inspiration? or do you like it to be bare and not have distractions?
ultimately, i saturate my spaces with 'marieness.' natual light is huge. though i always want an open white space with large windows. i have a miniature version of that now.
8. do you like to follow current trends in fashion or do you like to go against them?
i am more or less indifferent to them.
9. your clothing... structured. creative process similar? process... organic or pattern?
my process is both structured and organic. it becomes more and more structured with my commissions. but remains, as ever, highly organic with my personal work.
10. why bridal?
its a niche that sort of happened to me. and i love it.
though, i positively adore making my own creations.
11. what is your favorite material to work with?
fabric, photoshop, wood and tools.
12. bfa graphic design. 2007 high contrast, 2008 softer. what this year?
i don't know why it was bolder in 2007 and softer in 2008. but i have a deep fondness and enchantment for my earlier more graphic pieces; i have been thinking about them a lot recently. also, i've been thinking about 'hard blue neck piece,' as it may relate to a fashionSPARK dress.
13. what sets your collection apart?
i think my general aesthetic sets me apart. the work includes thoughtful, thought evoking combinations of colors, layering and technique on both macro and micro levels. my intense attention to intuition in design is directed towards creating pieces rich with an almost nostalgic, regal feel. the work is built with historical features which reference trends from the past and samples materials from a variety of influences. the pieces tend to feel good to study.
14. is this collection going to be pret-a-porter or more avant garde?
probably avant garde. definitely me.
15. do you picture yourself staying in raleigh?
i feel like i am a late bloomer in all respects. physically, emotionally and professionally. i trust in my past decisions, especially academically, and i have great hope for the future. we'll see where i'll be. but i have a warm feeling which keeps me here presently.