Fashionista Dreams in Style, Designer Article Series, Part 9

Fashion transforms by creating an image and allowing the person to become something they may aspire to be.  There are influences that go deeper than just the look and feel.  This article series is being written to allow you a sneak peek into the lives of some of designers that are part of the 2012 Phoenix Fashion Week.  The interviews comprise of candid discussions and questions asked of the designers and my interpretation of their answers.   The write-up will be a summary of the conversation.

Suzanne Lay’s first dream was to be a Rock Star…speed up the clock and now she is a rock star Fashion Designer.  Her mom taught her at the age of 8 years old how to sew and she fell in love with it.  As she was growing up she started to make her own clothes and then for her friends.  While her other friends decided to pursue education in sciences, Suzanne’s draw was still towards fashion and clothing.  She went to Columbia College in Missouri and attended the fashion courses there and again reaffirmed her love for fashion. 

Suzanne Lay wants the image of bold and enviable style to be reflected in her fashion.  The designs are somewhat of an alter ego of a Midwestern girl in that she wants the clothing to stand out and when a person walks into a room that they are noticed and different and others want what she is wearing.  One of her strongest influences came from the experience she had in an internship with Zandra Rhodes, a well-known British designer, whose own lifestyle is also as dramatic, glamorous and extrovert as her designs.  This education and knowledge helped to shape and develop her design philosophy.

Regarding the fabrics used for her designs she utilizes knits as well as woven fabrics that feel really good and that are conforming and fitting and forgiving to really shape well on any figure.  She has been inspired as well as inspired others with her color combinations and designs as there is heart and soul woven into them based on the life trials and tribulations that have been experienced.  The corresponding theme captured is how love burns deep and the ability to find strength in your heart.  These concepts have enabled Suzanne to develop a clothing line that is romantic with hard edge looks that are edgy and sexy. 

Her goals are to get into as many boutiques as possible and drive towards high volume production.  She is definitely reaching many markets and her home one of St. Louis, MO.  She hopes her designs enable others to create a lifestyle they want to share with everybody.  Suzanne Lay’s main tagline – “Bright colors. Bold looks. Enviable style.” says it all.  The key messaging emphasizes being an “Enviable Woman”, which is a woman that when she wears these clothes she aspires to be beautiful and feel better about herself.  There is excitement and spontaneity that just seems to exude from the designs as well as the voice that Suzanne has about what she has created.   The runway is calling to Suzanne Lay, watch out and get ready to rock and roll!!

Website:  http://www.suzannelay.com/

Twitter:  @SuzanneLaySTL

Fashionista Dreams in Style, Designer Article Series, Part 8

Having fun with your style can only mean you enjoy what you wear.  One place you always want that feeling is when you are on vacation or want that feeling of freedom like that.  This article series is being written to allow you a sneak peek into the lives of some of designers that are part of the 2012 Phoenix Fashion Week.  The interviews comprise of candid discussions and questions asked of the designers and my interpretation of their answers.   The write-up will be a summary of the conversation.

Living Dreams began way before the brand was even created.  Michael had a whole family of successful self-made driven individuals that inspired and challenged him to do great things.  He started his fashion endeavors by taking t-shirt making embroidery classes in high school.  He learned the design, print and manufacturing side of the business.  His first major product revolved around playing competitive paintball.  His brand was called “Sunday Paintball” and became an internationally known product of Paintball T-shirts that were like team uniforms for the players.  He had significant success in that business and was ranked #1 in clothing for paintball.  He graduated from ASU 2010 and took some time to gain more experience and knowledge in different areas. 

 

Michael realized he was meant to pursue entrepreneurial directions and with his past experience he knew that LivingDreams was the reality he wanted to pursue especially because of the philosophy that he believed in.  With his leadership, work ethic, and energy to get the job done, the pursuit to develop another brand that could be as successful as the first has become his daily effort.  Living Dreams is about being bold, strong, determined and truly living life and not waiting to live.  The concept is simple but tried and perfected in colors and styles and products.  Hats and Jackets are coming in the future for Living Dreams.  

The subtle message around the label is about being the “supreme” label and being A-List premium.  The idea revolves around that feeling you get when you are on the list and you receive VIP treatment.  It’s about having that great feeling all the time.  The brand represents where everyone wants to be and the symbolism that one experiences when they have freedom and living their life by their rules and having fun. The beach lifestyle look along with the bold and bright color combinations is part of the signature of the brand.  Living Dreams wants you to experience life like you are on a vacation all the time and living it that way every day. 

Fashionista Dreams in Style, Designer Article Series, Part 7

“Life stands before me like an eternal spring with new and brilliant clothes.” – This quote by Carl Friedrich Gauss expresses what most Fashionistas think when a new line is ready to be released.  It’s like being a kid in a candy store you can hardly wait to hear more.  This article series is being written to allow you a sneak peek into the lives of some of designers that are part of the Phoenix Fashion Week 2012.  The interviews comprise of candid discussions and questions asked of the designers and my interpretation of their answers.   The write-up will be a summary of the conversation.

 

Burlap Dress

Burlap Dress, photo shoot was in Arizona at Greasewood Flat in North Scottsdale

Burlap Dress photo shoot was in Arizona at Greasewood Flat in North Scottsdale

JHaus brings something unique to the style they’ve introduced at Phoenix Fashion Week.  JLynn Hausmann founder and creator of JHaus always wanted a clothing line since elementary school and has ventured strongly in a direction that many would not go. Denim is a tough style for most; however for JLynn she has embraced her design foundation and opted to create using denim with all ideas originating from her home state of Nebraska, kindly referred to as the Corn Palace.   JHaus’s tagline of “premium denim line inspired by American roots” speaks strongly to the traditions they have infused their clothing line with.  Besides the incorporation of the country into their apparel, each core style is named after a family member.

Dolly Jean (style boot cut, named after my mother)  Medium Wash

Coming from the Midwest, JHaus’s denim creations reflect significant influences that have encouraged natural looks and comfort due to washings as well coloring focused on earthy and muted tones.  JHaus has been noticed and is creating waves beyond just the denim.  They have introduced a glamorous burlap dress design and accents of chicken wire into another one of kind couture creation and now have become known as innovative and stylish with every piece.  Their inspirations appear to be limitless and know no bounds.  Additional creations in the future clothing lines will be skirts, more couture and even a dress made out of corn. 

At a red carpet event in LA, with Jody Carlson who is wearing the denim chicken wire dress

JLynn with her 3 nieces, Ava, Emmie, & Livie  (Ava: Flare jean, Emmie:  Skinny Jean, Livie:  Straight Jean)

Becca Jean (color: husker red) (named after sister-in-law)  with JHaus jacket

JLynn on the runway with my 3 nieces

JHaus has plans to produce and distribute to where the customers are and that appears to be worldwide.  In addition, they are adding new and exciting pieces to their ever growing collection.  With her love of fashion and her passion to share their difference, JLynn hopes that their customers through their designs see their message of the importance of having strong roots no matter where you come from and embracing them and just being yourself.  JHaus will be bringing it home as they walk down the runway at Phoenix Fashion Week 2012 to celebrate traditions and innovation like no other.