Interview: Laura from The Fashion Show

This morning, SeenON! sat down to chat with Laura Dawson from The Fashion Show. Laura was asked to leave during last night’s episode, but she remained in good spirits and had a lot to say about the show and the importance of knowing how to sew properly.

SO!: Last night your teammates had some strong opinions about your fabric choice. If they had expressed their opinions in a more constructive or collaborative way, do you think it would have changed the outcome?

LD: Yes, it would have changed everything.  It was a classic case of bad communication. Everyone held back and kept quite and then when they did decide to say something, they just started yelling. That doesn’t make for good communication.

SO!: How important do you think  it is that a designer is a competent seamstress and pattern maker?

LD:Very important. I attended a well-rounded program [University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning] where we learned the craft. I have worked in professional settings with people who don’t know what they are asking for because they don’t know how to sew.  You need to know your game.

SO!: It appears that you didn’t get to connect with Tinsley Mortimer.  In the design process, how important is it to connect with your client, and where do you draw the line with the clients personal asthetic and yours?

LD: You have to try and be as flexible as possible, however, I am only willing to go so far for a client.  Recently, I was designing a dress for a client to wear to Cannes and she wanted to make the hemline shorter.  I had to tell her that I couldn’t do that and put my name on it.  But there are only a few times that I have had to do that.  When I was working with the Scissor Sisters I was designing a particular look for them, but Jake (vocalist ) had began collabrating with Heatherette and wanted to take the glam look over the top. So I listened and added some really wild designs including four different animal prints.

SO! You mention that you have a strong background in designing for musicians; how did you get your start in that field?

LD: I was in the right place at the right time.  Moby, The Brazilian Girls and The Scissor Sisters all came at once.  It is all very organic.

SO! What advice do you have for budding designers?

LD: Don’t take no for an answer.  Believe in yourself.  Figure out what you would like in your wardrobe and design it.  Put your customer first.