There's going to be a new name on everyone's lips...
New York-based Ivy Higa has worked with everyone from Zac Posen to Diane von Furstenberg, and competed on Project Runway Season 8.
We caught up with the Hawaiian designer at New York Fashion Week to find out we can expect from her collection this season.
How did you get your start in fashion?
I remember when I was 13 I had watched my cousin sew and became fascinated with making clothes. I bought my first patterns and made an outfit for my eighth grade banquet. Later, I began experimenting making patterns from old comic strips and made pieces for myself and friends in school.
I always loved fashion, and never thought I could make a career out of it until I got older. I loved it so much that I moved to NYC from Hawaii to pursue my dreams of becoming a fashion designer, and began my studies at Parsons The New School for Design in 2006. I had great opportunities that lead me to work at DKNY, Lafayette 148, Zac Posen, DVF and Theory, all of which I'm so grateful for.
What inspires you when you design?
Everything inspires me when I design: people, nature, art, stories, atmosphere, fantasy, just life. Inspiration is everywhere.
What is your design process?
Because I do everything from concept to completion, my design process is pretty poignant. I have to be decisive because there are a lot of hats to be worn. Once I have my designs and concepts, and my sketches are all done, I drape the designs in muslin, create the patterns, then sew the first samples. The number of pieces in the collection determines the length of time it takes to complete. Generally, I work about 18-hour days, seven days a week, out of my apartment in Brooklyn for a few months each time. I love what I do, so the time flies and never truly feels like working.
Which designers do you admire?
I admire Donna Karan very much. She's the whole reason I got into fashion. She's a businesswoman before a designer, and I admire that greatly. Having not only created a global label, she created a lifestyle for her brand which is incredibly inspiring, not to mention her simplicity in designing and dressing a woman. The woman should be wearing the clothes, not the clothes wearing the woman, and Donna Karan does that beautifully. I aspire for the same accomplishments in the future.
You were on Project Runway Season 8 - what did you learn from that experience?
Being on Project Runway has taught me to never stop believing in myself. I had tried out as a 'last resort' for a chance at the prize money. I thought the only way to continue my business was through winning, but that was untrue. It's what you do with what's given that's important, not what happens with what's given. It's also taught me to always stand up for what you believe in, even if others may judge or oppose you. It's a reality show for entertainment, not a make-or-break decider for a career in fashion.
Who is the Ivy h. woman?
The Ivy h. woman is strong, confident, intelligent, altruistic, romantic, ambitious, constantly on the go and stylish. She doesn't need a lot of time to dress herself. She always looks well put-together and modern, with anything in her wardrobe.
Who's your dream client?
Honestly, all women. The great thing about my label is that it really does cater to most women, regardless of age or size. I believe fashion is only to enhance the beauty of a woman, and would love to dress them all.
Tell us about your A/W 2012 collection...
This season I am introducing a capsule collection, Chic & Sheer by Ivy h. I believe it truly is the epitome of the Ivy h. woman. It includes five geometric silhouettes, inspired by negligee to be worn as ready-to-wear. It was important to me to brand my label to state a signature style, and my point of view as a designer. I believe that the Chic & Sheer by Ivy h. embodies that as it is modern, etherial, and minimalist. It is a more affordable line compared to the signature label, as I wanted it to be accessible to most. However, there is no loss in quality, as I am a firm believer in quality control. The pieces are beautiful, classic and timeless which is great for any fashionista.
What's next for you?
I am launching an e-commerce site on 3rd March at ivyhiga.com, where we will be pre-selling the Chic & Sheer by Ivy h. collection for A/W 2012. I have partnered with the Nomi Network, an organisation that aims to help eradicate sex trafficking and create job opportunities for survivors in Cambodia. Ten per cent of every sale will be donated to their cause. Restoring hope in women, and empowering them all around the world is very important to me and am very honoured to be a part of this.
I am still working on a lot of different projects coming up, but I'm not allowed to say too much for confidentiality purposes. You can follow me on Twitter @Ivyhiga for updates.
Quick-fire with Ivy:
- I'm happiest when: Designing
- My favourite place in the world is: With people I care about
- My top extravagance is: Fabric and shoes.
- If I wasn't a fashion designer, I would: Be doing nothing else. It is my only, and first love.
- My favourite fragrance is: Jasmine, and leather. Separately.
- Three words that describe me: Passionate, driven, sincere.
By Dana Karlson
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