Interview: Keith Lissner from Bravo’s The Fashion Show

Today SeenON! had the pleasure of interviewing Keith Lissner, who was eliminated on Episode 5 of The Fashion Show. Keith has already had great success as a designer with celebrities such as Emmy Rossum, Taryn Manning, Janet Jackson and Natasha Beddingfield wearing his collection. Although we will no longer be seeing him on the show, it was great to hear what he had to say about guiding characters, his new Keith by Keith Lissner line and advice for fellow designers.

SO!: After the fashion show ended, Isaac said that the designers didn’t grasp the challenge.  Do you agree with his comment?

KL: Everyone grasped the challenge for sure.  It was more about the success of the challenge.  It was hard because you never knew what they were expecting from us because there was no guiding character.  I understood the challenge, but I wanted to make sure that I fit the needs of my client too.  I think that everyone has been consistent throughout.

SO!: Speaking of guiding characters, do you feel that you received constructive advice from Kelly and Isaac?

KL: No, I don’t think that I did.  They would come in, give odd looks and walk away.  So you are either dependent on the getting advice from your competition or you have to go on your own instincts.  With the restraints of the show, I felt like I was driving a car that could only move forward.  You couldn’t go in reverse or hit the brakes.

SO!: When the judges were asking you about your dress you said that you stood by it.  Looking back, do you still stand by your design?

KL: I do in the sense that I was doing my best by giving my client what she wanted, especially in context to what I was being compared to. It was not my finest work as a designer but given the circumstances I do stand by my dress.

SO!: Your Keith by Keith Lissner line is adorable! Will it be available in stores anytime soon?

KL: It will! The line is in it’s first season and has been picked up. I can’t release the names of the stores that have picked it up, but you will see it in different cities throughout the country.  I will also be showing my collections for Spring 2010 in both New York and Boston (headlining) Fashion Weeks.

SO!: Any advice for budding designers?

KL: Yes. #1 Work for someone else first. If your intention is to have your own line, you need to get your start working under someone. #2 Stick to your guns. Your vision is what is most important. #3 Believe in yourself.

Photo courtesy of Bravo. No endorsement implied.