Interview R.J. Cutler//The September Issue

I am bursting with joy and am so delighted to share my exciting news!! Last Wednesday, I was invited to participate in a special fashion blogger conference call with THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE director R.J. Culter. The film places the viewer in the fabulous shoes of the talented and powerful people that keep the industry thriving, and provides a captivating behind-the-scenes look into the fashion world. THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE debuts on DVD February 23rd.

For twenty years, people have been flipping through the glossy pages of Vogue Magazine. Yet, never before would they dream of having opportunity to explore the inner workings of the legendary, Editor-and-Chief herself, Anna Wintor. During the conference call, R.J. Culter explains how as a filmmaker “you get to parachute down into the middle of these extraordinary worlds” and gain a new insights and perspectives; THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE, like his previous work, does just that! The film is centered around the 2007 September Issue of Vogue which “remains the biggest ever, weighing over four pounds, selling thirteen million copies, and impacting the $300-billion global fashion industry more than any other single publication.” You see footage from Fashion Week, photo shoots, staff meetings, witnessing the demanding and tedious yet upon completion rewarding jobs of the fashion industry professionals.

Moreover, THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE, is an accurate depiction of the fashion world and provides new perspectives on what the industry is all about. 

THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE hits stores Tuesday, February 23^rd. For more information go to www.theseptemberissue.com

Fringe Indie Magazine Interview!

Flavia Editor In Chief of FRINGE INDIE MAGAZINE, asked me if I was interested in doing an interview for her magazine, umm OF COURSEEE!!!! I love Fringe Indie and have been reading Flavia's blog for a while too. AHHH i am soo honored to be in Fringe Indie, and to be called "Blogger of the Moment" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I <3 FRINGE INDIE MAGAZINEEE (link to the issue)

Sewing Class

hey guys! so today I have my first sewing class! I'm excited! hah 20 bucks says that everyone in the class with be in their mid to late 60's. It's gonna be cool though to picture an outfit in my head that I don't own already and be able to make it myself. My latest inspiration actually came during history class. We watched Gone With the Wind and I absolutely loved it. Naturally, while everyone else in class was dozing off I couldn't take my eyes off all the amazing dresses in that movie. The detail, and embroidery, and the ruffles, and the craftsmanship I was in awe. Even the men's outfits were totally wearable, i mean they were all wearing military jackets! There was not a wide variety of pictures to choose from on the net but here are a few...

Kenley Collins

How did you get started in fashion?

I started reconstructing vintage when I was a teenager and started making clothes from scratch about 3 years ago. I moved to New York almost 3 years ago with now job and a marketing degree from Florida State University. I got a job in sales for mass market women's wear and within a week was moved to a design position. Got all my experience that I needed for 2 years there then started my own label, freelanced for children's wear, and started teaching sewing.

How has the Project Runway experience been thus far?

This whole experience hasn't really hit yet but for the most part its been all kinds of things; fun, emotional, stressful, exhausting.

Blayne's "Girlicious" schtick gets tiring after just one already-edited episode--how bad was it in the work room?

It wasn't bad. Blayne has alot of catch phrases that didnt bother me because he was such a sweet guy.

What are some trends you particularly like and don't like?

I don't like when you see major trends on people over and over again to the point of just played out. For example, the thin head bands that cut across your forehead over your hair. At first, it was "a look" now its just a bad trend. I do like when someone has a look that is there own. No matter what it is.

Are there any specific-to-New York fashions you've been noticing recently? 80s prints/colors are back.

Who are your fashion icons? I love Gwen Stefani, Grace Kelly, and of course Audrey Hepburn. Describe your fashion aesthetic. Colorful Loud prints (mixed) with classic, sophisticated silouhuettes.

Please share your strangest "only in New York" story.

I was sharing a cab with a friend of a friends late one night after partying. The guy was drunk and was kind of hitting on me. When I showed no interest back, he opened the cab door in a good 30 mph movement and rolled right out of it. It was the strangest thing I've ever experienced. He was ok but the cab driver and I decided not to go back for him.

Which New Yorker do you most admire? I admire Betsey Johnson. Is she an original New Yorker? Not really sure.

Given the opportunity, how would you change New York? Cheaper rent.

Under what circumstance have you thought about leaving New York? I thought about leaving New York when I was unhappy working from 8 a.m. to midnight every night designing for horrible mass market womens wear getting horrible pay. But then I decided to take a risk and quit and do the hardest thing in New York; work for yourself and still pay the bills.

What's your current soundtrack to the city? Where they Wander by the Horrorpops

Best cheap eat in the city. Chat n' Chew.

Best venue to see music. Bowery Ballroom.

http://gothamist.com/2008/07/23/kenley_collins_designer_project_run.php