Good Afternoon, darlings, and happy Tuesday! I hope you all are doing well and enjoying the holiday season and are just as excited for the holidays as I am. I know I typically do not post on Tuesday afternoons, but I felt like doing a ”
I know I typically do not post on Tuesday afternoons, but I felt like doing a “Tossback Tuesday” post to one of the most memorable nights- Fashion X Dallas 2014. If you haven’t seen my recap of the event, you can check out my write-up here!
It was an amazing experience that I could never forget, and one of the most memorable parts was meeting the designers whose designs graced the runway. I had the chance to chat with them a bit backstage and interview them. I thought it would be fun for us to reminisce together, so I’m here to share a few of my chats with some of the designers with you. (:
MELISSA FLEIS
Kay B: “If you can tell us before everything goes out on the runway tonight, what inspired this collection and what is the story behind it?”
Melissa Fleis: “I guess the story is that it’s a collection. It’s a collection of past works styled together. So I took pieces from Project Runway, I have pieces that are from my most recent collection, pieces that are brand new for the collection- it’s just kind of like a mashup, which is awesome because I’ve never done that! You always build a collection, and then you show the collection together, but I said, ‘Let’s just view this from new eyes.’ I like how everything goes together no matter what season it is and that’s how I try to sell to my clients.
KB: That’s such a cool concept, really!
MF: Yeah, I believe that if you buy a piece then you should be able to extend the life of it throughout so many years.
KB: Speaking of seasons, what would you say is your favorite trend right now for Fall, if you do believe in “trends”?
MF: Ok, this is inevitable to be a trend- last night I was in a crowd of so many women and I just saw blood orange lipstick everywhere! Also, you’ll flip through a magazine and it just instantly pops into your head and it’s weird, even with designers, how people are so in sync with things.
KB: So true.
MF: So I don’t wear ponchos, but that is a complete trend! *laughs* I also love how people can wear socks- like, over the knee or a little bit higher. I think that’s really cute and I may try that. Booties are my favorite, I’ve been wearing them for years, and I think they’re just now starting to become a trend which I love!
KB: Me too, everything you’ve said is on point! Now, major question- Fringe: Yes or No?
MF: Yes, I- Yes! I have something fringe for the show tonight- leather fringe!
KB: I already love it, yes! Now, that’s good- combining two great trends, leather and fringe, together is a golden combination! My final question for you is this: what advice do you have for aspiring designers or anyone who wants to make it in the fashion industry?
MF: I would definitely say to start creating. Start thinking. Whether it’s drawing, whether it’s sewing something, just become familiar with it first-hand. Go take an internship, go study with someone, go take a class- learn! Then you can harness those skills and become- you know you want to become an expert in your one area. Not all designers can cut, sew or for patterns… some are just straight designer and they can sketch and they’re done, which is fine! So you want to really know your skills, know what you’re good at.
MYCHAEL KNIGHT
When I spoke to Mychael Knight about his inspiration for his collection and presentation, here’s what he told me.
Mychael Knight: I really wanted to embody femininity without being matronly. We found a floral print from an old couch we saw and I fell in love with it. It was gorgeous, floral and looked a bit lacey, but the colors we dated; I used that print in bright, fluorescent colors against white to make it more youthful and create what you saw this evening.
Kay B: What is something that you are always mindful of when designing women’s wear.
MK: I just keep the woman in mind. I want to design clothes to capture the femininity, confidence and beauty that all women have so that they can feel confident, beautiful, even sexy when they wear my clothes.
KB: What is one word that you would use to describe your experience on Project Runway
MK: Wow, there are lots, it was such a whirlwind! But I definitely found it humbling. I had never worked so hard and with so many other incredible, hard-working people. It really opened my eyes to so many things. Also, it made me so thankful because I would not be where I am today, I would not have presented my collection today, I would not have been standing here talking to you today if it were not for all the support, love and people I’ve been surrounded by during this experience.
MICHELLE LESNIAK
Kay B: The esthetic of your clothing is so unique, I haven’t seen anything like it before!
Michelle Lesniak: Thank you! I really like how the pieces came together to make something so out of the ordinary but visually captivating.
KB: Your collection was definitely one of the grandest to walk the runway. It almost reminded me of what I see at New York Fashion Week- the difference was that your collection was a lot more wearable! What did you do to achieve that?
ML: I definitely appreciate how artistic fashion can be, but I wanted to make something that women can wear. When everything is put together, it looks very much like high fashion, but the key is layering. When you take each individual piece, you can wear it on a day to day basis and style it as you please.
KB: Speaking of that, do you have any tips for layering during the fall and winter season?
ML: My tip- started with the thinnest layer and work your way up! Also make sure that the layers you wear together can be worn individually as well. Once you’ve done that you have a successful, killer outfit for the season.
LAURA KATHLEEN
Kay B: I absolutely loved watching your show. I noticed that you used a lot of color blocking- what made you want to use that route in your designs?
Laura Kathleen: I like that you noticed the color blocking! I used that technique a lot in the collection because I wanted my substance to be in the textures. If you look at the blue jumpsuit that I opened up with, you’ll see that it looks blue from afar, but up close, there’s kind of a reptilian print. The textures not only add visual appeal, but also substance and body.
KB: That blue jumpsuit was probably my favorite item in the entire collection- I just can’t stop thinking about it!
LK: Funnily enough, the blue jumpsuit is my favorite in the entire line! I really wanted to incorporate a jumpsuit because it’s such a versatile piece; it can be dressed up with a statement necklace and some heels or dressed down with flats and simpler jewelry. Also, the waistline on jumpsuits is really flattering.
I’ll never forget what a wonderful night FXD 2014 was- I’m so grateful for everything that I learned and all the wonderful people that I met. I’m really looking forward to next year’s events and everything else that is yet to come.
Speaking of events on the rise, I have an exciting holiday article for you guys coming really soon! This post is going to be a little different and even more special than my others because I’ll be getting YOU involved! To stay in the know, make sure to follow all my social media links for Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog either! (It’s in the bar on the right of this page (: ) I’m off for now, but Happy Holidays, my loves!
Stay Fab,
Kay B
The Studded Collar 