Have you ever wondered where new designers come from? Where do they get their inspiration? Popular shows, such as Project Runway, show us how designers perform under pressure to fulfill the demands of the judges. What drives a young designer whose vision is to try to sell to boutiques and consumers? We have been watching Karen Green of Green Label Designs, since she debuted her collection with a unique and popular skirt last year. She has expanded her line into a capsule collection. Karen’s label is unique in that she does not design by season, but by silhouettes. Karen talks about her inspiration and shares her personal styling tips. If you love fashion, you won’t want to miss a word of this insider interview.
KG: The great thing about pieces from Green Label Designs is their versatility. I often never leave the house without something on from our collection. The Signature Skirt is probably my "go-to" piece of the line. During daytime my favorite outfit is a plain white tank from say the Gap or J.Crew, paired with a Signature Skirt and a pair of leather or glittery flip-flops. This way if I need to get ready quickly for a last minute evening engagement, all I need to do is throw on a couple dozen strands of pearls and my favorite stilettos. It’s fabulous evening look!
KG: Shannon, my sister-in-law and business partner, and I didn’t intend on starting a clothing company. It all started with what was supposed to just be a birthday present to me for my 32nd birthday last year. Shannon is a couture bridal designer. Since I met her I have wanted her to work with me to create a fabulous couture piece for myself. We never knew that it would change our lives forever!
DD: What type of women wears your line?
KG: I would have to say that our target market is a contemporary woman probably in her late 20s to early 40s. But, my mother at 64 wears our pieces and my little sister at 22 also does. They both feel and look amazing in them. A Green Label Designs woman is confident, sassy, sexy, and fun. She doesn’t want to wear pieces that are trendy and can be found just anywhere. Our customer wants something special and will pay top dollar for that uniqueness.
KG: I’m not sure if I would say that we necessarily have themes for the collections we’ve turned out in the past year. Shannon and I concentrate more on creating pieces that our customer just has to have. We focus on elegant silhouettes with a tiny modern twist and a little something unexpected.
DD: Do you have any styling tips on how women can integrate your designs into their own wardrobes?
DD: Who is your favourite design inspiration?
KG: I would have to say that I’m especially inspired by my favorite designers Lanvin for their bit of eccentricity. I like Jason Wu for his simple yet innovative design and Milly for always creating fun new girly silhouettes.
