EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DESIGNER LAUREN ELAINE, PART 2

A more personal take on Lauren Elaine

[click here to read PT 1 of the interview]

The blackberry stays buzzing and her calendar booked but Lauren seems to have mastered thriving in the busy environment instead of just surviving. Her hard work, determination, & plenty of natural talent has lead her to be a tremendously successful designer. Studying film production/art direction at The University of Texas has only helped Lauren achieve such captivating/innovative photographs and campaign videos for LAUREN-ELAINE DESIGNS Collections. Behind her achievements though you will find a fun, down to earth, & humble woman. Here in PT 2 you'll find out everything from what she does in her down time to her fashion icon and best piece of advice. Read up! [Photos boast the latest of LE Designs, the new SWIM Line]

The Interview: (Part 2)

Photo by Villanueva Stone

M+P: What are your hobbies besides designing?

LE: I love hiking, tennis, cooking, and amusement parks. And anything that is creative. So many of my "hobbies" have become my work, or are incorporated into my work- like filmmaking, etc.

Photo by Villanueva Stone

M+P: How do you find a balance between work and play with all the events and fashion shows you do?

LE: Luckily, my work is my play. I'm happiest when I'm creating and busy, so it usually works out that I enjoy what I'm working on. And while events and fashion shows are extremely stressful, and I usually don't sleep or do much of anything else before them- the rush of excitement and end result is always worth it- and it keeps me doing more of them.

Photo by Villanueva Stone

M+P: Who is your fashion icon?

LE: Scarlett O'Hara

M+P: Who is your favorite designer to wear?

LE: Before I launched my line, I lived in Tracy Reese dresses. Now, I rarely wear a dress that isn't mine. For basics, I probably wear Michael Kors the most.

Photo by Villanueva Stone

M+P: Favorite place to shop?

LE: Vintage stores!!!

Photo by Villanueva Stone

M+P: If you could give advice to people who look up to you and what you've accomplished what would it be?

LE: Don't be afraid of competition or failure- it's what makes you stronger, and allows you to grow.

Click here to order LE DESIGNS online

Thank you Lauren Elaine for such a fabulous and intriguing interview. MALLIE+POSH is honored to have featured such a sensational designer. Best of luck to LE DESIGNS and all there is to come!

Aloha

JOHN ROBSHAW TEXTILES

There are not enough compliments I can give to John Robshaw for his insanely precious textile line. Gleaming with charm and sensible taste Robshaw's textiles are laid back elegance at it's best. Full of flair and a fun vibe but offering a polished put-together look these patterns are perfect for Pacific life or any posh home. Grab a new look today, all it takes is the click of a mouse! Shop John Robshaw here

Aloha!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FASHION DESIGNER LAUREN ELAINE, PART 1

Designer Lauren Elaine

Sitting Down With One Of LA's Finest

The San Diego native & L.A. based designer has done it all. She has been extremely successful acting and modeling, and now by creating her own fashion line, has taken her talents to a whole new level. Successfully designing a enchanting fashion line with a the intent of re-inventing the modern day princess. With her pieces being sold nationwide and internationally via online boutiques such as bluefly.com, shopflick.com, & hauteline.com (just to name a few), Lauren's accomplishments are no longer a dream but a reality. Nationwide retailers of her designs include the Kardashian's DASH boutique and stretch from Miami to LA. Right now it's looking like the sky is the limit for LE DESIGNS. L.A. Fashion Week, March 2008 marked the debut of the Lauren Elaine brand. Ever since, LE pieces have graced the runway, red carpet, and pages of magazines such as Vogue and Women's Wear Daily. Today, her brand encompasses four main divisions: The Black Label (Couture Collection), The Black Label SWIM, Black Label Accessories, and Laine by Lauren Elaine (Lifestyle Collection). To me she is a friend, an inspiration, and an exquisite example of a motivated & accomplished woman. Lauren, creator and head designer of LAUREN ELAINE DESIGNS, gives me the details of work and life while rising high in the fashion world right here in this exclusive MALLIE+POSH interview.

Photo by Villanueva Stone

The Interview (Part 1):

M+P: Where do you find inspiration from?

LE: In general, I'd say a majority of my inspiration comes from film, traveling, and wardrobe trends throughout history. I've always loved studying clothing and styles from the past, and incorporating them into new, wearable, and modern silohouettes. I really enjoy classic films and period pieces for this reason, and I've always been fascinated by the transformative nature of fashion. I strive for my collections to tell a story and have a clear theme- much like a film, time period, or place. Before creating a new collection, I usually decide on a certain theme, and the inspiration grows from there. For summer 2011, my overall theme was "Bond Girl"- so I wanted to create strong silohouettes that still maintained a very feminine and regal feel- much like the leading ladies in any Bond movie. A woman who can take care of herself, but is still very elegant and alluring- the "princess" but not the "damsel in distress". And although it's a little abstract- I take huge inspiration from music. To me, music is incredibly transforming, and I usually have a set song that becomes a sort of theme song for each collection or season. Usually, the songs end up in the campaign films or on the runway soundtracks.

Photo by Villanueva Stone

M+P: Favorite piece you have designed and why?

LE: That's a toss up! I'd have to say either the "Kimberly" dress or the "Amelia" dress. I've always been partial to the "Kimberly" dress in black because it's my version of a "little black dress." It's classic, but with a twist- and not too plain or proper. It's also very flattering on many body types and ages. And I love the "Amelia" because its very feminine, fun to wear, and has just the right amount of detailing. You can also get away with wearing it year round, and it can be dressed up, or kept simple. The asymmetrical neckline is also my personal favorite. And while I love designing and wearing gowns and more intricate pieces, I appreciate the simplicity and easy elegance of the "Kimberly" and "Amelia." They are definitely go-to pieces for a last minute party or event.

Photo by Villanueva Stone

M+P: What is your color of choice to wear? To design with?

LE: I love color! I rarely wear black (although I appreciate it's ease). My favorite color to wear is probably coral pink- because I always feel energized and alive while wearing it. I'm pretty fair-skinned, and it always makes me feel tan. My favorite color to design with is red, or variations of red. Red makes a statement, and is unforgettable. I also have a thing for red gowns. They tend to show up in a lot of my collections:)

Photo by Villanueva Stone

For all of Lauren Elaine's designs visit: http://www.lauren-elainedesigns.com/

Up next is Part 2, a more personal look at Lauren Elaine. Don't miss it.

AVAILABLE NOW: Diane von Furstenberg Home

DVF Home

Bring the legendary fashion designer's style into your home with her collection of tableware. DVF puts her signature touch -colorful prints & bold shapes- on a glamourous new line for the home. Check it all out right here

Flatware, glasses, plates, place mats, napkin rings, votives, vases, even the corkscrew—all Diane von Furstenberg Home

Miró Flowers Tray

Powerstone dinner plate in Tamarind Yellow

Aloha!

TRINA TURK FOR SCHUMACHER

TRINA TURK

Indoor/Outdoor

She may be known for her ensembles to wear but, wait til you see how she dresses a chair. Here are my favorite TrinaTurk indoor/outdoor fabrics available through Schumacher, and select pillows can be found of course at TT boutiques. The vibrant colors and winsome patterns are right up my alley. Talk about the perfect picks for a Hawaiian living space..

Arches print - Bamboo

Pisces print - Punch

Sonriza print - Orange

Sanatorini print - Permisson

Peacock print - Pool

Trellis print - Pool

Beauty Bark print - Sulfur

Soleil L.A. print - Driftwood

Happy Friday loves!

KATIE RIDDER WALLPAPER

As seen in SATC 2 and the Kips Bay Showhouse this year

Katie Ridder Wallpaper

Oiseau - Chocolate

Peony - Blue

Seaweed - Lavender

Beetlecat - Green

Pagoda - Orange

Moon Flower - Blue

Leaf - Lavender

Magnificent colors and precious designs are some of the things that come to mind when I hear Katie Ridder. Interior Design firm based out of NYC, Katie Ridder and her team are one of my designer crushes. Would love to be a fly on the wall for a day in that Park Avenue office that must overflow with creativity. Love what you see? Katie Ridder wallpapers and fabrics are available through a designer or retail at the following:

Available to the trade through Holland and Sherry, New York, DC, Chicago 212-355-6241

Available to the trade and retail through Harbinger Studio, West Hollywood 310-858-6884

XO