This week our interview is with clothing designer Xenia Vorotova of
Lime Crime. Xenia bravely stepped into the world of DIY fashion in late 2002 as an independent eBay designer. Three years and several reincarnations later, Lime Crime is back with a hip new line!
How did you get your start as a designer?
I was always a bit on the extravagant side, even as a kid. My mother showed me a couple stitches back when I was 10 and that was it for me. I got hooked on making clothes for my Barbies!
What was the first item you ever made?
A lace ball gown for one of my Barbie dolls (growing up in Russia, I only had two). The first piece of clothing I made for myself were these ugly purple pants that I try not to think about too much these days, haha But hey, I was only 14 and thought they looked great!
Do you have any formal training?
I went to a fashion school (FIT) here in NY. I was not interested in a degree per se, just learning about fashion. So for 2 years I managed to only take Fashion-related classes, avoided boring stuff like math like the plague, haha. Then one day I found out that Calvin Klein too went to FIT and was a C student. I dropped out of FIT and went to work for Calvin Klein.
When and why did you create Lime Crime Clothing?
Working at CK was where it all happened. I knew I wanted to eventually start my own fashion company. Besides being able to express myself creatively, I also saw it as an opportunity to support myself doing something I love. I started out as an eBay seller in 2003, auctioning my originals to fashionistas all over the world. I think my eBay experience helped me understand how the market works, plus I met so many wonderful people some of whom became my real-life friends!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The fact that I get to be me, 24/7!
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Cute and innocent things with a darker twist tend to catch my eye. I love vintage, world street fashion, and Vogue. And sometimes ideas will even come to me in my dreams! I sketch them out as soon as I wake up.
Who is your favourite designer?
I adore Anna Molinari, Betsey Johnson, Anna Sui, Irregular Choice shoes designer Danny Sullivan. Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior, Gucci are also some of the favorite.
What one thing couldn⿿t you live without?
My persian kitty, Puffalo!
What will you be wearing this autumn/winter?
This might sound cheesy, but I always wear my own stuff! I just made a bunch of totally adorable babydolls with cute puffed sleeves and ruffled collars, so that⿿s what it⿿ll be for me! Oh, and tall boots.
You⿿ve been very successful at selling your designs online, what advice would you give to other designers trying to sell online?
I think success is equal parts great product and great marketing. It usually takes a while to develop a style that resonates with people, to find your customer base. One word of advice I would give is: Listen to your customers and keep them entertained!
Where do you hope Lime Crime will be in 5 years?
I⿿m hoping to expand a bit. Right now it⿿s just me and a sewing machine. I⿿m slowly bringing more people on board. In the end all that matters is that I do what I love and create clothes that make people happy!
What⿿s the best piece of advice you⿿ve ever received?
Oh, that⿿s easy. Not to tie my shoes together!
Site:
www.limecrime.net
By: Anissa Mook, Editor in Chief
