Toronto Fashion Week Spring/Summer ‘11: Ten Questions With… Lauren Bagliore
We’re playing “Ten Questions” with designers taking part in Toronto Fashion Week, which ended last week. New York to Calgary-transplant Lauren Bagliore debuted an ambitious collection of beautiful, feminine frocks, that was borne out of personal tragedy, but evolved into something ethereal. Here is how Bagliore answered our Fashion Week questionnaire.
How many hours of sleep did you get last night?
Definitely not enough. I think my body is still trying to catch-up from the last three months of extra hard work and from travelling and running my business between New York and Calgary. I could use some beauty rest, but it will have to wait till after the next few weeks. Now is not the time to be sleeping beauty.
What was the inspiration for this new collection?
There is not one thing that I am influenced by when I design–my influences are all encompassing; they are all around me. They can be people, art, places that have impacted me, and mainly–my personal life experiences I have endured. When I am creating a new collection, I start with a blank canvas so-to-speak. I try to begin “fresh;” I do not look at trends or follow what others are doing. My inspiration really comes from within. I look at my life and reflect with what I have been though the last while–and contemplate what I have learned. When I ponder a specific life-theme, I then begin to draw from it creatively.
For example, for this season I contemplated the concepts of life and death, as I had endured not just one but some major family tragedies this past year. It was just horrid. I almost did not do this collection. But then, after some time, I persevered though and came up with the concept of “La Risurrezione: Dalla Scura Alla Luce” which means, “The Resurrection: From the Dark to the Light.” I thought, “What have I learned from this experience? What story can I tell through my work –though creation– that can offer something of integrity that is truthful to me? And from this experience, from what I have endured personally, what can I create — even from the most ugly of experiences — that translates to be beautiful? What can I share, coming out of the ashes and into to beauty? So this is what this Collection is about. And you can see and experience the transformation from dark to light both figuratively and literally, not just in the colour-palette but in how the collection evolves on the runway.
What is your favorite piece from the collection?
I would have to say that my favourite piece from the collection is tied between the Athena toga gown and the Jill Marie asymmetrical draped dress. The Jill Marie dress is made of luxurious Italian black viscose jersey and has an ‘architectural’ feel but is also very fluid in how I draped it. It really boasts a subtly-sexy silhouette, with bat-wing-like draped panels at back. It is a strong piece and is a gorgeous alternative to any black dress. It is bold yet completely feminine–created with my special draping technique that is very signature. I feel that this piece that it best reflects the Lauren Bagliore look, as I love draping in jersey fabrications. It just feels natural for me and I really come alive as a designer when creating a piece like this.
What is one thing you can’t live without during fashion week?
I really need some peace amidst the hustle and bustle of everything going on around me during fashion week. No matter how much work I have to do, I really have to make intentional moments to have some quiet time. It really helps keep me grounded despite the seemingly millions of details that need my attention. I also really appreciate having a hot bubble bath soak–with lots of bath salts and lavender oil at the end of the day–even if it is at a crazy hour. I try to make time to allow myself that special treat!
Now that fashion week is over for you, what do you do to relax?
Now is the time to really work to maintain the contacts we have, to make new ones, and to really follow-up with the momentum from the show. This is still the time to shine.
What is your favorite fashion film?
Don’t have one…but any of Lady Gaga’s videos tell a story of fashion through her art, and I just love seeing the costumes she comes up with. I love that she is a girl from New York — like me — and has a big dream as well. She wears what she wants, and appreciates the talent of emerging designers. I love that as a music artist and entertainer, Lady Gaga presents herself as having a love for the avant-garde in fashion. I would love to make her something myself.
Who is someone (dead or alive) that you would love to dress?
Aside from Lady Gaga, I would love to dress Agyness Deyn. She is not just a model but a personality and she says it in how she dresses. I just love her style, her spunk, and her personality–she just rocks any look with confidence –very true to what we do and what we represent at Lauren Bagliore.
Our magazine is based on the idea that a corduroy jacket never goes out of style. What else “never goes out of style?
Wearing something you love and feel good in, year after year, but reinventing it in a new way on yourself. I believe that if you wear it with confidence, then it NEVER goes out of style. Never. Forget what the trends seemingly dictate. Wear it, and rock it confidently and boldly, and then no one can tell you it is is out of style. Let it become part of you, part of your unique signature look. You can put that in your corduroy jacket pocket. Then you certainly will be good to go.
What are three key pieces to buy for spring 2011?
Something with stripes to make a statement, a convertible piece that can be worn more than one way (like our Desiree Endless dress that can be worn as a cowl neck top, as a tunic, as a halter dress, hooded funnel neck, tube dress etc.), and also, of course, a signature Lauren Bagliore Wilhelmina WaSPY draped Trench for the Spring rainy season in our high-tech Japanese hematite black water resistant nylon! Trust me, it is interesting and beautiful enough to wear as a layering piece in less inclement weather as well!
What is the best fashion advice you’ve ever received?
Wear something to flatter your body so that you will feel good about yourself in what you are wearing. Do not fret to try to fit in a certain ’size’ just for the sake of a label. Every designer cuts differently. Do not let a size label define you. Wear what suits your shape. You, my dear, are unique–unlike anybody else. Know it, and own it. Then you will feel confident despite what size you are. And if it really bothers you that much, just cut-out the size tag inside!
See the article here: http://www.corduroymag.com/fashion/toronto-fashion-week-springsummer-11-ten-questions-with-lauren-bagliore/
