Expert Panel: Corey Lynn Calter on Bravo’s The Fashion Show

We were buzzing with delight when we found out that we would be chatting with designer Corey Lynn Calter about Episode 5 of The Fashion Show.  We love her elegant, bohemian designs (as do celebs like Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and Maria Menounos). We asked Corey Lynn Calter about a variety of topics–from dressing women of different sizes to working in SeenON!’s home base of San Francisco. Read below for all that she had to say.

SO!: On this week’s episode the designers were challenged to create a look that would fit a real women’s body. While many designers complained that this challenge was too difficult, do you think that is it critical for designers to have the skills to dress a real women’s body? Or are a model proportions the best to design for?

CLC:I think it is important to have something for many body types on a collection. We often redesign things to make them bra friendly or even if I am I love with pencil skirts for a particular season we may have an extreme tight pegged version and a softer one for a hipier girl that still wants that look.

SO!: What tips can you give to women who are looking to hide problem areas while enhancing other areas?

CLC: Be honest with yourself about your problem areas with out beating yourself up about them. No one is perfect. Definitely don’t follow trends that just don’t work for you, the trend will pass and you will not have missed a thing and best of all there won’t be any embarrassing photos of you in a silly unflattering trend. Stick to what works but don’t be afraid to experiment.

SO!: Often prints can be used in a strategic way to hide certain areas and enhance others. As a designer you have been known to use very unique prints with your collections. Have you used certain prints in a methodical way or do you design more freely?

CLC: We just focus on the right print for the right silhouette. We would not use a large floral for a multi paneled mini dress since it would cut too much into the print. We may use a softer print on an edgier style to give it a twist.

SO!: On The Fashion Show, the designers show their work in front of an audience of influential fashion buyers, stylists and editors. Do you usually know in advance who will be in the audience during one of your fashion shows? Does that knowledge affect the way you present your collection?

CLC: We do generally know who is in the audience but I can’t let that effect my presentation I have to stay true to my instincts. I am generally my harshest critic and I am always trying to improve my craft.

SO!: SeenON! is based in San Francisco, so we were very excited to read that you once designed opera gowns for the divine divas here in the city. What kind of inspiration did you pull from San Francisco?

CLC: Working with the San Francisco opera costume shop was a wonderful experience. The quality and creativity there was inspiring. I still use everything I learned there today.

Make sure to check FRIDAY for more exclusive interviews on The Fashion Show!