Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Meet Philissa Williams


This week I would like to introduce one of the designers for our show coming up, Philissa Williams. I had a quick interview with her and this is how it went.

What inspires you?
"I am inspired by patterns, shapes, colors, people, art and travel."

What other shows have you designed for? (Or any other information about your design history) "I have been designing for 10 years and have had several fashion shows, trunks shows and photoshoots during this time. I am also a personal shopper and stylist."

Are you from Richmond? Or how did you come to be in Richmond?
"I am not from Richmond. I was asked to be apart to this show at the Silver Spring Crafty Bastards."

When, or how, did you know you wanted to be a designer?
"I started reconstructing my own clothing and people started liking what I wore, so I tried to sell some things and next thing I know, I was designing and sewing.. Never stopped since."

If you could meet any designer (deceased or not) who would it be?
"Galliano.. I love how exotic, sexy, bold, artistic and glamorous his couture is. He creates wearable art."

What types of fabrics do you like to work with?
"I like to work with denim, cotton blends, and leather."

What is your favorite garment to design?
"Dresses!! They are fun, great for all occasions."

What style of clothes do you wear?
"I wear all styles. It just depends on my mood or the occasion."

Where is your favorite Richmond spot to go and relax?
"Never been"

Describe yourself in one word.
"Original"

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

meet our assistant show coordinator, Leilani!


The other day we had the pleasure to meet with our new assistant for the pins+needles show, Leilani. she is precious, and we are so very excited to have her as an assistant coordinator for the first annual indie fashion show: pins+needles...we had a little q+a to find out some details...

O&E: First off, what is the origin/meaning of your name?
L: "My name is Hawaiian for heavenly flower"

O&E: What is your style influence?
L: "I would surprisingly have to say that my style influences come from two far
ends of the fashion world. My rebel-experimental influence is from Vivienne
Westwood. My more 'clam down' influence would have to be Ralph Lauren, of which
I have to pay my respects to my mother! I've always loved shopping with and for her."

O&E: What has been your fashion experience to date? [other than your current project, wink!]
L: "Well I am über excited about helping out with the Pins and Needles fashion show but I have had previous experiences with other shows to help me prepare for this one. I have done numerous shows which include Cure by Design fashion show, I've helped out the past two years, I've done a Macy's show, and have worked on a Primrose Productions fashion show. In addition, this year I am working on Strut fashion show as a store/design coordinator through Virginia Commonwealth University. It is there too that I am studying Fashion Merchandising and can't wait for the school year to start."

O&E: What is your favorite fashion item of all time?
L: "I will have to admit one of my favorite items would have to be the stiletto. A great stilettos is what every women needs in her closet and not to mention makes her thighs look amazing, one should not live without them!"

O&E: Where will you be in 10 years?
L: "In ten years I plan to be working for a fashion cooperation or for a renowned magazine as a top stylist. I will continue to work on fashion shows because it's what I love to do. During the ten years from now I would have put myself through beauty school so I can be a triple threat in clothes, hair, and makeup and be a fantastic stylist."

O&E: List 3 little known facts about yourself:
L: "I was a military brat most my life and I got to travel to fun places all over the U.S. and other places like Seoul, Korea and London, England.
I love to eat ramen noodles with an egg in it, and maybe some cheese.
I can drive a stick shift."

O&E: What is your favorite travel destination?
L: "My favorite place to go to that I have been to in the past would have to be London, England. If I could pick somewhere where I haven't been yet, I would want to go to India or Japan."

O&E: Favorite beverage to consume while working?
L: "It is known that I love, love, love, love, water. I'm not into energy drinks but I can go for a coffee every now and then."

O&E: Favorite jam out music while you're working?
L: "Anything old school Michael Jackson I love and I don't mean Jackson 5, not that I don't like it, but songs like The Way You Make Me Feel and P.Y.T. His songs always put a smile on my face, and if he's not on than anything that is upbeat and happy."

O&E: If you could live in any other era, which would it be + why?
L: "The era I would live in would have to be the 50s. The two main silhouettes that were around this period were fun and more glamorous than what an everyday women wears in this era. I loved the accessories because for one the stiletto was first seen, the hats were cute, and the glasses were even neat, heck I even liked the cars. It would be like playing dress up everyday, and I would find that very entertaining."