It’s easy to be clouded by the flash and star power of New York’s Fashion Week. There is always a surplus of beautiful fabrics, clothing, models and the demi-gods of the fashion and celebrity world. The industry is filled with ever-changing, stop-and-go trends and designers who make mad rushes to bring our feasting eyes something new to adore and obsess over. Seldom do people bring together the world of fashion and charity but the International Fashion Society put aside the worries of the economic downfall and put together “Fashion Fights Cancer” for the 5^th annual event to benefit St. Jude’s Hospital at the Audi Forum on Park Ave.

The event brought together designers from Archives, Kahri, Whistle and Flute, Falls,  Lotus Grace, and Byron Lars Beauty Mark, among other brands. Set in the beautiful open space and full length glass windowed Audi Forum, FFC delivered an easy walk-through between racks of vibrant and poppy spring collections, luscious German engineering (particularly a sleek silver R8 with V8 FSI), and models draped over convertibles like leggy import girls. A bar set deep in the back of the showroom poured on wine and pink French liquor. A miniature cupcake tree stood so tantalizingly in the middle of white leather banquette couches, even models couldn’t help but scarf one down, but only one.

Falls presented their current spring collection, consisting of webby, layered knits in dress/sweater hybrids and bright patchwork tops. Feminine eyelet and gauzy ruffles let on airs of country girlishness and easy, breezy comfort. Whistle and flute toned down the color, leaving only a few bright accents in their simply cut, classic pieces embellished with perfect touches of metallic zippers, tabs and lurex pinstripe. Neutrals ruled their showcase in black, khaki, silver and blue ensuring staple pieces for present and future. Jacquard and denim dressed filled the rack at Lotus Grace, as well as pea green embroidered dresses and a Carrie Bradshaw-esque oversize flower one shoulder purple mini dress.

Interestingly enough, Archives showed opaque jewel toned over-the-shoe tights. But don’t worry folks, they were fully functional with rubber soles to quell any rippage underfoot. Plenty of passerbys (inconsequentially, many were middle aged men getting off work) viewed the designs via the floor to ceiling live mannequins in the windows.

Thankfully and rightfully, the conversation was held at slightly higher regard in terms of the music at FFC, especially when this blogger heard for the 5 millionth time, Justin’s “Sexyback”.
St. Jude’s will also bring another charity event to the fashion forefront next week featuring high end designers, some of whom will create dresses designed by two St. Jude’s patients.

- Rachel Em
Photos by Stevyn Llewellyn

Exclusive fashion designer interview featuring Yoon Chang and Je-Won Hwang from Whistle & Flute discussing their collections for 2009. Interview by Alexander Coelho.

Exclusive interview featuring some of the designers participating in the benefit Fashion Fights Cancer. Featuring Whistle & Flute and Lotusgrace.
This benefit event takes place on Tuesday, April 21st in New York City at The Audi Forum from 6:30pm until 10:00pm. Located at 250 Park Ave, New York, NY.
Tickets are $35 and can be purchased through the website. For More information, visit The Fashion Fights Cancer website

You originally began as an English Major—What prompted you to pursue fashion design?

I’ve always loved fashion.  In fact, at Harvard, as an English major, I used to take as many opportunities as possible to write essays about clothing.  I’ve been studying clothing—studying all aspects—since I was a child.  As soon as I could be trusted with a needle, I was deconstructing clothing and trying to make my own—and this fascination with the artistry as well as concepts of fashion stayed with me.

When choosing the name for this line, my favorite book (which I wrote my thesis about), Lolita, immediately suggested itself to me, but not for the obvious reason.  My line is not particularly about seductive 12 year olds.  The name, Lola Haze is actually more of an ode to the book and to Nabokov, who was such a master of his craft, and used words for play and at the same time to create incomparable beauty.  And as for the character of Lolita Haze, she’s an iconic representation of the complexity and power of sexuality – and of the various ways it can be used.  The names “Lolita” and “Lola” have been culturally appropriated and have come to invoke a simpler flirtation than the original character in the book.  So there are many layers of associations with the name now.

Do you think your position at Gap, inc. was helpful to your current design aesthetic?

I’m glad to have had the chance to work there.  For designers in the rarified fashion capital of New York, it’s always important to remember what real women want to wear, and what they expect from their clothing.

As a designer, what process do you undertake in order to see an initial design become a completed piece?

I start with impressionistic ideas that can come from anywhere: a certain neckline, or a metallic fabric that catches my eye, or a work of art or a molding on a ceiling.  The most fun part of the design process is finding commonalities between, say, Austrian 18^th century interiors and Henna tattoos and metallic lace, and then melding these ideas into a cohesive collection.  At the same time that I’m pushing concepts around, I’m sketching silhouettes and thinking through the structure and components of each garment.

For your spring 2009 collection, what in particular inspired these pieces?

For Spring/Summer 09 I sought to fuse two disparate inspirations: the paintings of Morris Louis and Prince concerts.  In each, I was drawn to the liquidy feeling of bold colors layered on top of each other: transparency that creates a sense of the ephemeral.  I drew from these two dramatically different media—watery paint and neon-lit stage smoke—to create the collection, called “Colorfield” in homage to Morris Louis.

Spring and Summer are hot, bold, colorful seasons.  I played with stacking bright colors against softer ones, and gorgeous drapey silk charmeuse against geometrically cut mesh to create wearable, comfortable clothes that at the same time really make you feel special.  The luxury is not only in the fabrics and design details, but primarily in that transforming feeling of slipping into one of these pieces.  You feel playful, special, like the most delicious candy you would ever want.

How do you integrate surface imagery into your work?

Charlotte Pinson and Lola Haze TM have teamed up to create whimsical one-of-a-kind wearable art—and priced to suit the art aficionado on a budget.

The element of visual surprise is an essential for Lola Haze’s TM seasonal intimates collections.  I like to integrate playful juxtapositions within the structure of the garments, for example through color blocking or hardware mixed with silk.  Working with Charlotte has been an inspiring experience, and working with a surface artist creates a new element for bringing whimsy and surprise to Lola Haze TM.  It’s also exciting to bring Lola Haze TM out of the boudoir and onto the street.

It is very admirable that you have followed and pursued your dream to become a designer here in New York.  Do you have any advice to people who have similar aspirations?

Work hard and have fun!

- Interview with Laura Mehlinger by Stevyn Llewellyn

Shop Lola Haze Here

Photos © Lola Haze Spring 2009