Happy Fashion Friday!
So something totally awesome happened last week! I was contacted by my local Neiman Marcus in Boca Raton to interview Laurel Berman, founder and lead designer of Black Halo, as she is coming into town for an event tomorrow, Saturday at 11am (details below). My heart broken into a million designer pieces when I realized I will be on a business trip and unable to attend, luckily we were able to arrange a phone interview while Laurel was in a cab visiting NYC and I was trying out the Marilyn Monroe collection at MAC. Gotta love technology!
From speaking with her for just 20 minutes, I absolutely fell in love with Laurel and wished I could jump through the phone and hang out with her, even if it was just in a cab. She truly is such a talented designer (Black Halo is based out of L.A. and has been going strong for the past 10 years!) and also an amazing role model for women. Here’s what Laurel had to say when we chatted…
What was the concept to your now iconic Jackie O Dress?
I wanted to create a tailored statement, something that spoke to me personally, and that won’t go out of style. It’s the power suit for women…a power dress! But something that also gives a bit of a sexual edge!
Jackie O’s: Original Classic. Off Shoulder. Two-Tone. 3/4 Sleeve. Original Classic Baby Pink.* Cotton Twill.
Who is the quintessential “Black Halo woman”?
A career woman, who is fashion savvy, ranging anywhere from 20 to 50 years old.
Can you recall the very first celebrity you dressed or that you saw wearing your design?
Absolutely! Kelly Ripa wore the Jackie O Dress back in 2008. Before her however, Mandy Moore wore one of my skirts with a silk camisole on the cover of Lucky Magazine.
Your designs have such amazing structure and truly do create a powerful, yet sexy look. Why do you feel, as a designer, it’s so important to provide this look in today’s fashion world?
I wanted to design for the woman I am, a working woman, who needs a dress that is clean and isn’t embellished. If a dress fits and the woman wearing it feel good in it, it changes her mood. When a woman has confidence, she shines! The best thing I could give a woman is confidence and to empower her. I want to help to do this for all different types of events and occasions, for all different types of women.
Favorite trends for Fall?
Those rich, dark red colors like Bordeux and Merlot. And leather, the Leather Jackie O Dress is coming soon!
If you could provide the readers of Live Love Lipstick one piece of fashion advise, what would it be?
It’s all about fit. Don’t buy anything on sale that isn’t your size. Invest in pieces that you’ll get a lot of mileage out of. Items that are versatile, have longevity, and are timeless are worth the money.
Here are some of my favorite pieces currently in the Black Halo collection:
Monet Print Jagger Dress. Orbison Skirt. Waldorff Dress. Alexander Dress. Severine Jumpsuit. Vamp Mini.
If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by Neiman Marcus to meet Laurel in person and be sure to let her know I say hi! And if anyone wants to be a doll and pick me up a new Jackie O in my size I’d surely appreciate it!
Saturday, October 13, 2012, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Meet the designer and view her latest collection. Neiman Marcus - Dress Collections, Level Two 5860 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431
*Now thru October 31st, buy one of the pink Jackie O Dresses (shown above) and Black Halo will donate 20% of all proceeds to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Xo
Leah
To read Laurel Berman’s bio click here.
