DESIGNER’S SPOTLIGHT: EDWARD WILKERSON
Edward Wilkerson, Creative Designer of the Lafayette 148 collection, embodies sophistication. A kaleidoscope of culture through experience is translated throughout Wilkerson’s designs. As Edward Wilkerson sipped on his blended tea at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria Café, he took // Magazine on a luxurious mental vacation and began the interview.
// Magazine : What was your inspiration for fall 2013′ collection?
Wilkerson: Oh gosh, so many things have inspired me. Oriental art, not Asian art, is one of them. My ideas came from an exotic place. My ideas for the fabric, my ideas for the embroidery, my ideas for the pattern are all inspired by exotic destinations from prior trips. I used Romeo Gigli, a designer that was very popular during the 80’s, as my muse. I wanted to capture the romanticism of his clothing, the ambience, the mood, the darkness, the richness, and the sheer poetry of it. I wanted to embody these things in today’s era.
I took my travel photographs of all the exotic places I have visited and fed it into this collection. I really wanted to capture the spirit of that time. When I present my collection, my line speaks for me. Each piece is a representation of me and how I felt in that moment of creation. It’s just how a creative mind works. People tell me oh, I want one day do to this and one day do that but it all starts with an idea. When I started this collection, I started with an idea of what I wanted to do. Then, I developed a plan of how I would to do it. I wanted to capture my moods and express them through clothing. Gigli’s clothes came to mind. From moods and my experiences, I created this collection.
// Magazine : What makes Lafayette 148 distinctive?
Wilkerson: We’re not trend driven. We’re not trying to be like everyone else. Quality is at the forefront of what we do. We want to offer value for an affordable price, we want to offer fashion, but our own fashion, you know, and fashion that works in today woman’s lifestyle. I love creativity. That’s why I go to Tokyo. I will sit on a bench and watch people go by because I love personal extravagance. However, my customer does not. I ease her into it through fabrication, prints and embellishments. I love jewelry, I love belts, I love accessories, I love things that make things better. But you know, this is a business and we need to sell. I’m not doing this for my ego. I can make my own clothes for my ego. I have done them in Donna Karan and I have done them in Calvin Klien but I’m at a different place now.
// Magazine: Is fashion losing its glitz and glam?
Wilkerson: It will always retain its glamor, for me anyway. Fashion use to be something that was very predictable and all the designers would show the same thing. Now everyone is killing themselves to not show the same thing. How can we be different and not look like everyone else? Remember when and if a certain shoulder cutout was in style? Everyone would do it just so no one stuck out. Everyone wanted to fit in. Now, it’s the opposite. Everyone wants to be different and special. Everyone has a distinct look. Lanvin is a perfect example. He came up with a concept and stuck with it.
// Magazine : Do you feel Americans are relaxed with fashion?
Wilkerson: Honestly no. I think it’s really sad when reality television and reality clash. If you watch how people dress on reality shows and the way they behave, you will be misled. Reality television is misleading; yet a lot of people are content with thinking yelling, screaming and fighting is the norm or that you can walk into a professional meeting with super short skirts. To me, if you don’t want to be looked at in a certain way, you shouldn’t dress that way. If you want positive attention you’ll receive it when you are dressed appropriately.
// Magazine: Tell us about your Spring 2014 collection?
Wilkerson: It’s very utilitarian. I take trips to the safari quite often. Spring 2014 collection is a very sophisticated safari inspired collection, yet romantic at the same time. Because spring consists of warm and cool weather, I have designed a line that correlates. They’re pieces you can wear from spring throughout the summer. It is a great mix of casual and sophistication. Suits are more formal, but I’ve made a few to be sporty as well. I prefer itemization when a shirt can take the place of a jacket or when a nice sweater set replaces a jacket. There are so many things you can mix and match to create just about any look and still look appropriate, sophisticated, and standout in a subtle way. Our clothes are made for a very secure and confident woman.□
This interview can be summed up in one word, sophistication. Sophistication is timeless, self assuring, and confident. Season after season, these characteristics are reflected in Edward Wilkerson’s collection. One thing is for sure, his integrity is never compromised. Thank you Edward Wilkerson for the journey.
