Fashion Speaks to sabrina bean photography

February 15, 2012

Like most people out there in the social networking world you either love Facebook or you despise the whole debacle of people telling you what they ate for breakfast or that they are working out at the gym while on the treadmill…ok, i’m guilty of that one  I do however love Facebook for its actual purpose…networking. I have met some of the most talented and passionate people through this social site. I was introduced to Emily Hallman through another incredibly talented young entrepreneur by the name of Nicole Marett of Radiant Cosmetics. ( that’s a whole other blog)

Nicole had invited me to a trunk show for Emily Hallman Designs. Unfortunately I could not attend, but I managed to find her on FB and when I did I lost my mind! Her clothes were so incredible! It was like she was making these clothes just for me! I have always loved the fashion of the 40′s and 50′s. Katherine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, Lana Turner, Betti Davis.. you get where I’m going. Her designs are so classy, timeless, chic and feminine, I had to meet her!

So finally a few weeks ago I emailed Emily and told her I wanted to work with her somehow. She responded quickly and we met for coffee at a local cafe. It was as if we had known each other like old friends. What I thought maybe would be a cup of coffee turned into a five-hour interview and a lot of caffeine

SBP-      What inspires you when you start a collection?

EH- Anything! Fabrics, history, art, shapes, colors, textures, silhouettes—you name it! Typically, every collection I design incorporates inspiration from any number of things, not just one thing.

SBP-  Your style is so classic, have you always been drawn to that 40′s look?

EH- I’ve always loved classic design, but I do especially love silhouettes and designs from the 1940s and 1950s. There’s just something about the clothes from that time that you don’t see today—the attention to detail is just remarkable.

SBP-   You put so much passion into your work, what do want your fans to know most about what you do?

EH-More than anything else, I hope the Emily Hallman brand helps bring back a desire and appreciation for quality, classic design that is sadly missing from the mass-produced, sometimes ill-fitting options currently in stores. I also hope to raise awareness for garments made in America.

SBP- How long does it take you to create a collection from initial thought to final product?

EH- The design process is considerably longer than you might imagine–for me, it’s between 4 and 5 months.  I approach each collection with ideas already in mind about specific looks I want to incorporate. I do an incredible amount of research and source my fabrics, sketch, re-sketch, edit, draft new ideas, and tweak the overall collection prior to drafting the patterns or sewing the samples. I then spend weeks drafting each pattern and test the design, fit and comfort before final design approval. Finally, I spend the last weeks before the collection launches sewing every single sample garment.

SBP- Which Fashion trends do you follow, if any?

I follow all of the trends, but only because it’s important that I know what’s going on in fashion. Trends come and go and history always repeats itself, so as a designer—and lover of fashion history—it’s interesting to watch the fashion cycles and keep current on the trends. Good designers are able to incorporate a trend here or there (or better yet, introduce one), but they do so while maintaining their own aesthetic.

SBP- Who are some of your favorite designers?

EH-Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Victoria Beckham, Tom Ford, and Valentino are the designers whose collections I’m always excited to see.

SBP-  When did you first know you wanted to be a fashion designer?

 EH-I have known for most of my life that I have certain creative talents. It took a few years, however, to hone in on exactly what those talents were and how best to execute them. My love for clothing truly began at age 8 when I made a suit for my younger brother using only copy paper and staples. When I discovered that I could actually study fashion and build a career around it, I jumped at the opportunity. Since I graduated from college, not a day has gone by that I haven’t sketched, researched, created patterns, or sewn something.

SBP- What is your favorite thing to wear out?

EH-Because I spend so much time in the studio it’s rare that I go out anywhere that requires better clothing than my sweats! J In the event that I have an event to host or trunk show to put together I will wear a dress from one of my collections with a cardigan and heels. That’s probably my go-to outfit because it always looks flattering and put together, and it’s comfortable.

SBP- One last question… Why do your designs have names? 

Naming the designs is not only fun, but gives each garment its own personality and identity. Also, it’s easier for me to keep track of everything!

After hours of chatting about fashion, life, love and everything in between we knew we were meant to meet each other and work together. Emily and I will be collaborating on her spring collection, as in I will be photographing her new line. YEAH!!!!

I could not be more thrilled to work with such a gifted designer!! As you may have read in some of my other blogs I love and appreciate anything that is made with love and appreciation. Emily Hallman design is that and so much more. Her detail shows in each piece she creates and each piece is made by her talented hands, not some factory overseas. I got to hang out with her and her adorable pup  Harrison (yes he’s a pup) and watch her create her collection. We will be working together over the next couple of weeks, stay tuned for our collaboration around the first day of Spring.

Emily is meticulous with each step of her designs

Beauty and inspiration is everywhere, you just have to open your eyes and your mind.

“It's all about good taste” Giorgio Armani

“I design for real people. I think of our customers all the time. There is no virtue whatsoever in creating clothing or accessories that are not practical.” Giorgio Armani

Harrison loves to play with fabric

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” Coco Chanel

"The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good, on you!” Coco Chanel

“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” Coco Chanel

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