TO BE CREATIVE. RACHEL LYNCH.

Hello, Rachel! Let’s be acquainted! Who are you?

- My name is Rachel. I live in Brooklyn. I play in Brooklyn. I'm from Michigan and Chicago. I love my family over everything. I've been creative since my mother gave birth to me. Blog: http://velvetcigarette.com/

Thanks to your page in LOOKBOOK I learned that you live in New York. I heard a lot about this city. A lot of people repeat over and over again that this city is a madness world full of new experiences, steps, dreams and goals. What is NY for you?

- New York will forever be home to me for 2 reasons. First, my grandfather's family came over here from Ireland during the potato famine. They lived in the irish projects. When he was 16, his father died so he was left to raise himself and his 11 brothers and sisters here alone. I am inspired by his New York hustle. He moved the family to Washington D.C. so that's where my family comes from now. Second reason is that when I was 11 my dad took me to New York for the first time since I was a baby. He made it the best for me. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton, he took me to Tiffany's for a diamond (Breakfast at Tiffany's) and the big Macy's for a dress (Miracle on the 34th Street). 

 Amazing stories! Please, tell us, what are the advantages and disadvantages of living in New York?

- Nothing really, you hustle how you have to. 

 I personally think that you are an owner of incredible style! I've never seen the similar style as you hav,, really! What does influence you?

- Aliens influenced me. 

May be you have a dream or even a goal concerned with fashion?

- My goal is to be creative forever only.

Some strangeness? 

- I'm Catholic and Alien. 

 If you have a chance to have dinner with a celebrity, who will it be?

- Certainly, LeCrae.

What do you prefer to eat for breakfast? ;D 

- I choose Starbucks and only Starbucks. 

Do you have some life or fashion rules?

- I sort of roll with the Ten Commandments and I love the saying: "treat others the way you want to be treated".

 Do you like parties? ;D

- Absolutely YES!

Do you have favourite designers of Fashion Houses?

- I love Wildfox and UNIF. 

What things, in your opinion, need to have EVERY girl in the wardrobe?

- Platforms. 

The most banal but, undoubtedly, important question: what inspires you?

- The solar system inspires me. 

 Who make the photos for your blog?

- My best friend, Shooka. 

LizR.

INTERVIEW: I AM IN NEW YORK. I AM A DESIGNER. PATRICIA CHANG.

Hello, Patricia! I am glad to see you in the 'LIZARD' project! Tell us who are you and why are you? ;D

- My full name is Patricia HyunJu Chang-Wu; I was born on February 17 1984 in NY, where I lived all my life. I went to school at RISD.

You are a young designer and it is so cool! You know, I like your collections and your clothes. Simple, but very fresh and interesting! Where do you find inspiration?

- Living in NYC and in the age of the internet, my inspiration really does come from everywhere. From nature, technology, paintings, prints, home, people and cultures. I don't limit myself from what can inspire me.

 What is your favorite item from your wardrobe? 

- For the winter, I'd say it is a big cozy sweater. In the summer, an unrestricted airy dress.

How did you first get interested in fashion and design?

- I've always used fashion as a means to stand out and it was always a big part of my identity. I combined my creative talents with my passion and fashion design was a natural career path.

To be a designer – is it your childhood dream or a goal of all your life?

- As a kid, I would conjure up the ideal outfits and fill my sketchbooks with it in my free time.

Did you have a practice in the famous FASHION HOUSES?

- I spent most of my fashion industry years at MARCHESA. Then I went on to freelance for several NY based companies before launching my own line.

 Favorite colors?

- White and Black because they are classic but practical. My favorite colors always align with my mood, but I'm always attracted to either a soothing neutral palette or vivid bold colors. It was a moment when I was feeling a zen eggshell color.

AW 2012 COLLECTION BY PATRICIA CHANG

The most interesting and practice colour-combinations?

- Any pastels / black and gold / white and navy / pink and green / any color with a pop of red.

 In your SS 2013 collection we can’t find trousers! Why?

- While designing SS13, I really wanted to go on a summery vacation. The collection reflects the light summer air.

With whom do you want to work/collaborate?

- There is a NY artist, Beau Chamberlain, whom I discovered in a NY gallery. I would love to collaborate with his sense of colors and whimsical, organic elements. It would bring any piece of clothing to life.

 I recognize that a lot of girls are not looking at the catwalks but to the fashion bloggers who are essentially teaching girls how and what to wear, as well as setting trends.

Do you follow some designers or, may be, FASHION HOUSES?

- I try to keep up with my fashion news via WWD.

Which collections are always genious?

- Mary Katrantzou, Alexander McQueen, and Givenchy are always spot on.

What are you working on just now?

 - I'm focusing on sales and launching a shop on my website.

Do you know some original and influential people in the FASHION WORLD?

- I am grateful to have worked with the people I have in previous jobs, as well as the bloggers who wear my clothes. A lot of my friends are buyers who are probably the most influential people in fashion behind the scenes.

 How do you think, which thing will never go out of FASHION?

- A good trench coat. 

Your favorite item from your own latest collection (I mean SS 2013)?

- I just made a floral trench coat for Fall 2013.

 Do you want to have your own line of accessories/ bags or shoes?

- I have necklaces and will be expanding the bag collection. No shoes yet.

 Who sews clothes for your collections?

- A factory in NY's garment district.

 Do you like to draw sketches?

- I enjoy sketching and drawing when I have time to do it leisurely. Otherwise, it is more for jotting down ideas.

 What 5 items should have every girl?

- Flattering black pants, a solid colored party dress to wear with different accessories, a good coat, a white summer dress, and a comfortable cozy sweater.

 Do you have some fashion and beauty secrets?

- Take care of the ends of your hair, contour your face with make up, and wear good shoes.

 Do you have a motto?

- My motto is - If you fall, get up and try again. Always be true to yourself.

 Do you have some rules that you will never break?

- I'll break all the rules at some point - intentionally or accidentally, but I'll never let anything take away my optimism.

Some strange facts and things about yourself?

- As girly as I am - I enjoy tea parties, taking photos, making dresses, I have a wild side to me. I love racing cars, snowboarding and playing drums. I want to travel the world. I think Korean food is the best. I am obsessed with cats. I am extremely interested in psychology and the human brain. I love collection trinkets.

‘DESIGNER’ is a difficult work? Or is it really cool, fun and interesting?

- Everyone says it's hard work - but let me say it again - it is 50x harder than what you can imagine it to be. It's never been simple, but it's always been interesting.

You are really stunning girl! I mean, that you are talented, interested, original in your answers and you always follow your dreams and goals! I wish you achieve all your goals and always believe that you are strong. Be really cool designer! ;D 

- Thank you for letting me be part of your Project. It's always lovely collaborating with others who are following their dreams. Wish you the best as well!! Thank you again.

SPRING/SUMMER 2013 COLLECTION

LizR.

INTERVIEW: I WILL TELL YOU A STORY ABOUT PARIS, BICYCLE AND 16 BARS: ANNA BRAIN

Hi, Anna! I am glad to see you in my project! Really happy that you are in our ‘LIZARD’ team! Let’s start with some information about you! 

- My name is Anna Brain. Born and raised in Moscow. I am journalist as per education and thinking. Most of time I spend working and traveling, also making a movie with my friends and writing a book.

Okay, and now tell some about your work! You are a journalist and thanks to that I am eager to ask you: is it difficult to work in this sphere of journalism?

- So, as I mentioned before, I am a journalist. Consistently write for foreign and Russian publications. My path is mostly society column. Although for the last year I wrote a lot about fashion. For example, my author’s column is planning to appear in a Russian popular title. Now I can`t tell everything but later I’ll share with news in OH MY BLOG! 

        I love my job and can`t even imagine myself in other profession. I have dreamt about journalism since my childhood and my wish came true! I am happy! I can`t tell that my job is difficult: yes, it takes a lot of energy and movements but it just gives me strength for new ideas and actions. It`s hard during writer`s block, when you can`t just find any word. But I think that ideal journalist is always able to find it.

You live in Moscow – the city of big plans and huge leaps. Do you like your city? Are in Moscow living stylish people?

- I like my city, except of its weather. It is quite cold in winter - time in Moscow and due to that the majority of our people prefer to wear uggs and puffer jackets. Last season there is one more addition point in this list – Timberland shoes – every third person that time had them.  As for me, so my style is my mood. And every day I have different point of view on my style and clothes.

What about the ADVANTAGES and  DISADVANTAGES of living in Moscow!?

- (+) Cognition comes through comparison.  Moscow is a megalopolis so if there is a wish it is possible to find everything, unlike those small provincial towns. Spirit of metropolis invigorates and opens many opportunities for professional and moral growth, history is in the air of the capital and there are a lot of beautiful places in the center of Moscow.

    (-)  Now let`s talk about negatives. As I mentioned above, this climate is not favourable: winters in Russia are inclement. We also have an overloaded transport system and illogical, the abundance of migrants, widespread corruption and excessive human exacerbation. Yes, yes! The vast majority of Muscovites cannot be called welcoming and polite people. Of course, there are exceptions and rules and they are according to our Russian saying, as a balm for the soul.

What do you think about FASHION WEEKS? Do you follow them?

- My last visit of Fashion Week was a year ago (1,5 year ago) and I worked there as a journalist! Unfortunately, Moscow fashion shows are slow then Europe ones, but it has the reason as fashion in Russia is just on start-up level.

In what show do you want to participate? CHANEL/DIOR or…

- Dolce&Gabbana show. Everything created by Domenico and Stefano admire me.

" Some things never go out of fashion: jeans, the white shirt and the Chanel jacket" - Karl Lagerfeld.

        Do you agree with this statement?

- No doubt, there is a category of clothes that is always in fashion. There is a theory that says fashion moves through sine wave that is parallel to another sine wave. So, the subject of Lagerfeld`s words are extremum points. In a word this items/clothes are eternal and ever-lasting.   

Do you have your own life or fashion rules? 

- There are no rules, I live in different ways. 

Your most unusual, abnormal and interesting action which you ever made in your life?

- There are plenty of them because I am lucky for adventures. For example, once in Paris my friends and I decided to visit all bars on bicycle. We did it for 16 locations, and then the morning came. I am amazed with this sport skill up to now.

Tell me something strange and at the same time abnormal about your life and personally you!

- Okay, for example, I never polish my nails in black, because I think it is my bad superstition.  I collect hoodies and T-shirts “I love…” from different countries, which are visited by my friends or by me. I always pick out olives from salad and pizza.

What is your favorite book? 

- In spite of the fact that I mostly like imaginative literature, there are lots of books about fashion on my shelves which are going to be read in the nearest time.

It is pretty difficult to choose only one book. I guess it is “The Philosophy of Andy Warhol” – I read it more often than anything else. 

What invention (in your opinion) is the most brilliant in the fashion world?

- Converse shoes, of course! In my opinion it is the most comfortable shoes, which can be mixed with almost every type of the day dresses, shorts and skirts. 

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. If you had to choose one picture that best represents you what would it be and why?

- I think it would be “Black Square” by Malevich. My soul is dark even for myself.

In the year 2018 you will be...what will be in the future?

- I hope I will continue to grow up spiritually and professionally, and by 2018 all my dreams come true. It is difficult to think more particularly. 

Compose a playlist of your favorite songs.

             

             Will Young – I Just Want a Lover;

             Crookers Ft. Roisin Murphy – Royal T;

             Prince – When Doves Cry;

             Gnarls Barkley – Crazy;

             Arctic Monkeys – When The Sun Goes Down;

             Baby Huey – Hard Times;

             Starsailor – Foot to the Floor;

             2Pac – California Love;

Is there such a person who inspires you?

- Everything around can inspire me. It could be the weather, appetizing spaghetti, news and even a mess in my wardrobe.

Why your blog named "An-Van"?

- There were thousands of names in my friends` and my mind. This collocation is created long time ago, when we discussed the name of our title in case we are in Runway project. As for the meaning – some infinity.

Do you want to wish something to the ‘LIZARD’?

- I wish your project to grow bigger and bigger with every day! I am sure we`ll stay good friends!

- Thank you for the wonderful interview!
  With love, Anna Brain.

Photos: An-Van.com

LizR.

INTERVIEW: PHOTOGRAPHY IN 19 - JAMIE DE LEEUW

Incredibly talented photographer from The Netherlands - Jamie De Leeuw! And she is only 19!

 1. Hello, Jamie! First of all tell me some about yourself! Who are you?

My name is Jamie de Leeuw, I'm a 19 year old girl from Holland, Europe. I'm Studying webdesign at Sint Lucas Eindhoven. Two years ago I bought my 

first camera a Canon EOS 1000D, and started practicing photography on my friends and horses. A year ago I began focusing more on fashion/editorial 

photography instead of horses, and now I have come to love photographing models. I love taking photos and being creative, when I am taking photos I 

forget everything around me for a moment.

2. Tell me some about the city where you live? Do you like it?

I live in Geldrop a village near Eindhoven in The Netherlands, sometimes I 

like it and sometimes I wish I lived in Australia. Australia has the most 

beautiful nature ever, the weather is nice, someday I’ll visit Australia and 

make some photos there.

3.  Your works and photos are fabulous. Really! I think that you are 

incredibly talented!

What do you think about your own works? 

To be honest, I’m quite insecure about my own work and I’m never really

satisfied. 

Theres always something I want to revise.

 4. What inspires you?

Music, nature, pictures from other photographers, poems, colors.

5. Photography – it is your life or only a part?

Photography is a big part of my life but I’m still studying webdesign during

the week. In the weekends I focus on my photography.

 6. Do you like fashion? Do you follow some designers/Fashion Houses/ 

models/ fashion bloggers?

Yes, I really admire the Dutch blogger/portrait photographer Fotografille. 

She’s got a lot of useful tips about photography and editing on her blog. 

Besides her blog she also has a fulltime job, I don’t know how she does that but she makes a really great job!

7. Who is your favourite photographer? 

Lara Jade a young female photographer from London, she makes beautiful 

photos!

8. In what style do you make your photos?

Fashion/editorial.

9. What do you think about works of Hedi Slimane? Terry Richardson?

 Patrick Demachelier?

I just love their work, I think they are photography geniuses.

 10. In what way do you want to work: fashion photography or simple

Photography (portraits e.g.)?

Fashion photography.

11. Did you study the photography in special school/institute?

No, like I said I’m studying webdesign. I’m a self- taught photographer!

12. What attracts you in the photo?

The eyes of a model. Why? Because eyes are the mirror of your soul.

13.  Do you want to work in the studio such a personal photographer or for

some magazines?

My biggeste dream is to work for a magazine like VOGUE, L’Officiel, Marie Claire etc.

14. Which magazines do you like? Why? 

Vogue,  L’Officiel, Marie Claire, Elle.  Because they have inspiring editorials.

 15.  How do you make your photos?

On location with naturel light or in my studio with softboxes.

16.  Photography and fashion – why it is important for you?

Because I can put my creativity in my photography and with fashion you canexpress a lot. 

17. Your photos full of colors and emotions. What colors do you like to use

in your photos?

Especially soft colors and of course black and white.

18. How are the preparations to photo survey (e.g. with models)? And do

you like to work with models? Why?

I make a moodboard and send a callsheet to agencys. I like to work with 

models because they have so much expression and they are so beautiful!

19. Do you have any assistance, colleague? For example stylist or make up artist which is always working with you together?

I work often with Chanel Hinterholzer she’s a freelance make-up artist by M.A.C Cosmetics.

20. Do you have your own life motto? 

Believe you can and you're halfway there, always remember that!

21. Give some advices to a beginner photographers!

Learn from criticism you get and never give up!

22. Do you have life, fashion or photography rules which you never break?

I’ll never break a promise. In every sphere.

23. Make your own playlist of your favorite songs! 

1. Enya – Only time;
2. Fort Minor  - Where’d You Go; 
3. Lana Del Rey -  Summertime Sadness;
4. Lucy Rose - Night Bus;
5. Icona Pop - I Love It;

24. Name 10 interesting, abnormal and crazy things about yourself!

1. I drink to much tea;
2. When I see the sunset I have to capture it;
3. I'm extremely disorganized;
4. I believe in spirits;
5. I eat peanut butter with cheese;
6. I like the smell of gasoline;
7. I bite my nails;
8. I prefer beer over wine;
9. I like squirrels and zebras;
10. I love to take a walk in the forest!

 25.  What is the most unusual abnormal and crazy step which you ever 

made in your life?

I quit my weekend job to build up my own company in photography. I really was a leap into the unknown. But there’s not one day I regret it.

26. Do you want to wish something to the ‘Lizard’? Do you agree to be our

friend? Are you in our talented team? ;D

Believe you can and you're halfway there, always remember that! Yes! ;D

Photos: http://jamiedeleeuw.com/

Jamie’s professional photography site: http://jamiedeleeuw.com/

LizR.