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Lily McNeal is synonymous with beautifully crafted knitwear featuring the finest yarns available from around the world. The luxurious brand is known for its expanding line of cardigans, coats, shawls, tunics, shrugs, hoodies, turtlenecks and dresses that emanate style with a casual chic quality.
With co-founders Anna Barthelme, Lily's collection designer, and Stephen Elkind, a Renaissance businessman and Lily's Chief Executive Officer, Lily McNeal's combination of creativity and practicality is the foundation on which this growing company was built. In just three years, Lily McNeal has evolved from a concept hatched in the hills of Echo Park to an international operation with over 400 retailers, headquartered in Downtown Los Angeles.
By infusing cozy comfort with eye catching color and trend-setting style, Lily McNeal breeds a unique and appealing look that is not only casually chic, but also ready-to-wear for any occasion.
The collection is a favorite among celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Carmen Electra, Alexis Bledel, Lauren Graham, and Jessica and Ashlee Simpson.
Lily McNeal is available worldwide at high-end boutique retailers such as Fred Segal Trend, Milk, Planet Blue, and select Nordstroms and Macys. The collection is also available from various online retailers and at their website.
Q1 What is the concept of your brand?
Comfortable, eye-catching pieces that are built to last.

Q2 Could you tell us about the projects that you are working on right now?
I just returned from the Pitti Filati yarn show in Italy where I saw yarns for fall '07 so I am just beginning to play with ideas and a concept for fall. Also, we are about to launch our children's line which was a blast to design.

Q3 Why and how did you become designer?
I was an actress with a lot of downtime.
 
I had always been knitting (home economics class circa 1979) and slowly built a custom cliental here in Los Angeles. Eventually I was selling more sweaters than booking acting jobs, a path presented itself and I took it.

Q4 When do you usually get the inspiration for your works?
When I begin a new collection I try to go out in the world and fill up the 'ole well, so to speak. I go to galleries, museums, movies, etc. Then I shop, shop, shop. I try to see what is out there, what is everyone else doing, can I add to that or do I have anything to say about that.

Q5 Could you tell us the process of working on your pieces?
Once the yarn is chosen I begin to imagine what kind of body would best show it off. I start the pieces. They all go thru several incantations or "rewrites" I call them. Then we build them on paper, giving them all their measurements and details.

Q6 What do you feel important when you are working on your pieces?
Does this piece mesh with the rest of the line? Is it comfortable? Is it luxurious? How would it make you feel?

Q7 What do you think about the current fashion trend?
 
 
 

I love it! Anything that has the masses wearing long and chunky sweaters over leggings or skinny jeans gets my vote (hey, I make sweaters, when they're trendy I'm happy.)

Q8 Which stores carry your products in US and Japan?
Nordstrom, Planet Blue, Fred Segal, Milk, Macy's etc.

Q9What do you do on your day off?
Sleep! Hike my dogs, ride my horse, read in my hammock, and recharge my batteries.

Q10 Are there any places or countries you would like to visit?
India and Asia.

Q11Have you been to Japan?
No, but I hope to visit this year.

Q12 what do you think about LA?
It's an interesting place. It affords you such a fantastic lifestyle if you like the outdoors (like me.) When it comes to fashion "anything goes".
Which is pretty fun and inspirational when you are a designer. It lets you be experimental.

Q13 What is your favorite cuisine? Could you tell us your favorite restaurants?
Italian. I am all about comfort even when we are talking food.
 

"Farfalla" in Los Feliz is my favorite restaurant. I would eat there every night if they’d let me, but I am only allowed to go twice a week.

Q14 Could you tell us anything what you think its cool at the moment?
From our collection the "Grandpa" cardigan is oh so cool and comfy.

Q15 Are there any people who inspired you? Who do you respect?
My sister inspires me. When I am designing I always think, "Would Kate wear this?" My father is probably the person who I respected most. He was the most disciplined person I ever knew.

Q16 which celebrities are wearing your products?
Teri Hatcher, Jessica Simpson, Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow.

Q17 Favorite word or phrase
"It's fashion, we ain't curing cancer here."

Q18 What is your goal?
To be at the top of my game.

Q19 Any message?
Breathe.
 
Lily McNeal

Address : sam showroom (west coast)
127 e. 9th street, suite #407
los angeles, ca 90015
Phone : 213.489.5265

http://lilymcneal.com
 
 
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