Interview: Karen La Porte Brooklyn Fashion Designer

[MerGirl]

Inspired by film noir and vintage lingerie, Ouvrez La Porte's designer Karen La Porte, chooses seduction over sexy, alluring over loud. Wearing an Ouvrez La Porte silk dress can make one feel at once both demure and sensual . This retro sensibility leaves something to the imagination and let's the woman wearing it shine through. To stay up to date with all the designer is up to stop by her newly launched blog. If you are in Brooklyn pop in the store and say hi. 105 Bond St. (Atlantic & Pacific) Brooklyn, NY 11217 Tell her we sent you!

SD: When did your love for fashion design begin?
KLP: I knew in Jr. High that I wanted to be a designer or involved in fashion somehow. There was no question about it by the time I graduated from High School.

SD: Where does the inspiration for your designs come from?
KLP: Films from the 1940's, film noir, vintage lingerie. I mix it with a little modern edge.

SD: Did you study fashion design, apprentice, or are you self taught?
KLP: I earned a BFA in fashion design from Parsons School of Design and worked as an assistant designer for Rebecca Taylor for a few years.

SD: Where and how did you first start your business?
KLP: I started making dresses in my studio apartment and I just searched for stores to take them. I started selling them on an indie fashion boutique website, Mighty Flirt, which was my first real break. I then needed work space and I opened my own boutique/studio in Oct. 2003. I now sell other indie designers like myself and vintage clothing. When it's quiet I can be found sewing in the back.

SD: What does your average day entail?
KLP: My average day is spent running my boutique, I open shop, merchandise and manage, do shop girl duties, and then work on my own designs. I make my own patterns and do all of my own sewing. It's a balancing act that keeps my day interesting. It is fun to be on both sides of the coin. I also get to see customer's reactions first hand which is wonderful.
SD: Describe your personal style.
KLP: I am currently mixing up a 40's/60's look by wearing vintage shopgirl dresses and lacey stockings. A sort of femme fatale meets mod, if you will. I've been wearing vintage since high school and it never gets boring. I love to mix the lady likeness of vintage with something more edgy and rock and roll.

SD: Who are your fashion icons (past or present)? Do you think they influenced your personal style?
KLP: Back in Jr. High when my fashion ideas were forming, I was most influenced by Siouxsie Sioux, Audrey Hepburn, and Ines de la Fressenge ( the Chanel model of that time). Mix those three together and yes, they have influenced (and still do) my personal style. They are my core, what I always go back to reference. Presently I love Gwen Stefani and Dita von Teese.

SD: Do you have any current fashion obsession?
KLP: Vintage slips, I can't get enough of them!

SD: What advice would you give someone just starting in your field?
KLP: Find what you love, and find your own path. There is no one way to achieve something. I love being in the indie community so much more than I did working on Seventh Avenue which I was trained for. I found a way to still be in fashion, but on my own terms. My advice is to find your own way.

SD: Do you have any events you are getting ready for in the near future?
KLP: Yes, a sample sale in my Smashing Darling store and next fall will be the 5 year anniversary of my boutique in Brooklyn! That can't happen with out a party!

SD: Do you have a question or a comment for anyone one Smashing Darling?
KLP: Keep it up! I love it all.