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Q1 Could you tell us what did you get the concept for 2008/09 collection?
Both my runway collection and my ready to wear collection were inspired by the beautiful embellishments and functionality of the combatant costumes of the past... more specifically 15th century armor. I am often inspired by history, though it is important that my designs reflect the culture and the technological advancements of our time.
Q2 What do you think is the most important element in your design?
The fit and construction are the most important elements. I have never been the type of designer who embellishes with extraneous details. The details exist within the form.
Q3 What are you working on right now?
I am working on my spring 2009 ready to wear line, working on several private client orders, and I am designing 6 dance costumes for the Guggenheim museum (performance in September). |
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Q4 What was your best experience in participating Project Runway 4? (It aired in Japan with Japanese subtitle)
My best experience during Project Runway 4 was when I was announced the clear winner of episode 4 with Donna Karen judging and also when Roberto Cavalli said he would like to have me work with him in his design studio.
Q5 When was the worst?
The worst was during the denim challenge. We were woken up at 4AM and by that point in the competition I was feeling a very low level of stamina to continue on. I guess it says a lot that I was in the bottom when I was at my weakest. (Though, I secretly liked that denim coat that I made!!)
Q6 In your opinion, what trends will we be seeing more of in '08?
The art trend is a major trend this season and will likely last for a while. |
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Jillian Lewis is a product of the Parsons School of Design. While there, she was honored with the CFDA scholarship award, was selected to design the Perrier girl uniform, was featured as "Parsons Design Star" on MTV college network and was nominated for Designer of the Year. As a student studying in New York City, she always dreamed of having her own label.
Having worked as a concept designer and illustrator at Rugby by Ralph Lauren and as a designer at Searle, Jillian learned the skills of the fashion trade. At Searle, she experienced the old-fashioned way of tailoring, and at Rugby she became expert at conceptualizing a full and balanced collection. She was most recently cast on Bravo's 4th season of Project Runway. As a finalist on the show, Jillian's collection, shown at Bryant Park, was viewed by 5 million people nation wide.
She was later featured in Women's Wear Daily, Elle magazine, the New York Daily News and Newsday, among other publications. Although her experiences have made her a very well-rounded designer, Jillian credits her own talent and personal taste level that sets her apart from the rest.
Jillian has teamed up with Lewaa Abdulkhalek. With Jillian's vision of high end womens wear and Lewaa's business saavy, you can expect the Jillian Lewis brand to be the house hold name of the future. Their debut line for fall 2008/09 is expected to hit stores at the end of August. |
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Q7 Who is your average customer and what are they like? Does any celebrities call your name?
I always thought that I was designing for the twenty something year old but when I started selling my line in March I came to learn that an older, more established customer was responding to my designs. My private clients range in age and body type because age is very obscure in our culture. I have had a few celebrity requests for dresses but my main priority is to establish my business first and design for the celebrities when I am a little bit more grounded.
Q8 Could you tell us your dream project that you would like to do?
It has always been my dream to design collections every season like the rest of the fashion revolutionaries and that is what I am doing finally. |
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Q9 Whose closet would you like to raid?
The late Princess Diana
Q10 Would you like to add anything for the Japanese fans?
I know that the Japanese love fashion and colors and I hope that I will have the opportunity in the future to both visit and to have my designs live in the racks of the stores in Japan!! |
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