DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Editte Keshishyan

Editte Keshishyan Interview….Find out all about her inspiration for spring '05, her signature style and what type of woman wears her clothes....

Factio Magazine: How did you get your start as a fashion designer?
Please comment on your school training and/or experience!
Editte Keshishyan: After taking fashion design and merchandising for four years, I decided to take some art courses at another college and during that time I was introduced to Delia who had a small line as well as Curve on Robertson.  I worked for her for two years and then was offered a head designer position at another small company in Los Angeles.  Some time later I decided to go out to Paris to work at Herve Leger, which was a great experience.  From Paris I came back to Los Angeles and was an assistant designer at BCBG for a little while until I decided that I wanted to start my own line of clothing.

FM: Who were your most influential mentors? What moves you and inspires you each season?
EK: My mentors include my family, other young designers, business savvy entrepreneurs. Each season my experiences inspire me.  The types of people I meet, the colors, shapes, and textures I see, how I feel as a female and what I want to portray.

FM : How was your first runway show experience?
EK: My first runway show experience was thrilling.  The excitement was indescribable and how much I learned was priceless.  The show runs for only a few minutes but the decisions made under pressure back stage are crucial and that challenge I love.

FM: What is your most memorable moment to date in your career?
EK: The most memorable moment in my career has to be when I first found out I was chosen to do the fresh faces for Gen Art.  This was very exciting because I felt like it was the beginning of a more successful and recognized line.

FM: Where did you get your inspiration for your Spring 2005 collection?
EK: My inspiration for my Spring 2005 collection came from a variety of things.  There was a feeling of whimsy, freshness, femininity, and carelessness that I wanted to express. I was able to find fabrics that were perfect and mixed them with hand beaded jewel toned accents.  The silhouettes that flowed freely while being sexy and flirty were mixed with more tailored pants, skirts, and culottes to give the look an unexpected element.

FM: Describe the personality of the woman who wears your designs.
EK: The woman who wears my designs has many different personalities that can sometimes be contradicting which I think is beautiful and unpredictable.  However I think confidence, strength, and femininity are a must.

FM: What is your signature style? And, how does your trademark look translate to your designs?
EK: My signature style is confident, sexy, and feminine, with an edge.  My trademark look allows my designs to be effortless, feminine and sexy, using brilliant colors and luxurious fabrics.

FM: Where do you see yourself five years from now?   How about 10 years from now?
EK: I will work hard to continue creating clothes that make women feel beautiful, strong, and sexy but 10 years from now I don't know where the world will be and therefore where I will be.

FM: Do you plan to project your designs globally?
EK: The idea is certainly empowering, but I am not sure if the outcome would have a positive effect for me.

FM: Which celebs were seen front row at your show for spring '05? And, more importantl, which celebs wear your clothes?
EK: Samira Armstrong and Shiva Rose McDermott both of whom I feel have a great eye for color and for mixing great pieces together. 
Celebs like Shiva, Samira, Angelina Jolie, Rachel Bilson, Eve, Vanessa Marcil, Marley Shelton, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jennifer Garner, Jennifer Lopez, Mandy Moore, and others wear my clothes.

FM: Where do you shop in LA? How about the rest of the
globe?
EK: I like to shop at vintage stores, Rose Bowl for shoes and jewels, Stella McCartney.
I love Japan and Paris and am dreaming about shopping in Africa and India.

FM:What designers do you look up to? Whose clothes and
shoes can you not stop buying? Any wardrobe tips?
EK: I look up to designers like Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and Stella McCartne. I love Stella's shoes.  I think my tip would be not to get caught up in trends.  To wear pieces that say something about you and to put together looks that are visually enticing.

FM: If you could change one thing about how people dress what would it be?
EK: I wish people would take more risks rather that going with the fads and trends.