How did you get into the
fashion world?
I sewed a lot as a young child, all the way through junior high. Later, in high school, I paid more attention to boys! When I went off to college at Youngstown State University, I studied Spanish and social work. But my interest in clothes wound up confusing even myself: I’d go to social-work events all dressed up!
After seeing my interest in style, one of my professors told me about the Fashion Institute of Technology—I had no idea there was such a thing! Fashion was considered an unusual career in those days. I finally completed my degree in business administration from Youngstown and then received an associate degree in fashion design from F.I.T. So, I finally found my way!
Who is currently your favorite model to work with?
There’s a mix of young, fresh models out there right now, which is good. I really like Milagros—she’s a cute, quirky Argentinean model; Inez—she’s a French girl with big, beautiful eyes; and Chanel Iman—she’s a lovely, sweet American girl. Her runway picture appeared in the New York Post the day after our spring 2007 show.
Which celebrity would you like
to dress?
Kate Hudson is just the most adorable. She has an amazing sense of style, and I love her mom. She’s hard not to love! Also Sienna Miller—she has her own great sense of style. I recently met her on the set of her new movie Interview, and she’s been wearing my clothes ever since.
Who is your ultimate style icon?
My mom. She had such a great sense of style. She would wear these crazy, wacky outfits, like mod bikinis with wild sunglasses. And Julie Christie; I always loved her, and people would always tell my mom she looked just like her!
What do you do when you want to feel glamorous?
I spend the day shopping!
How do you pamper yourself?
I recently booked an entire spa afternoon—I had a massage, a facial, the works.
Where is your favorite place to vacation?
Italy. Every year I take a trip to the Amalfi Coast, and I always spend a day or two in Venice.
