The queen of all things metallic and accessories, Laurel Dewitt is back to give us the latest scoop on what she has in the works as well NYFW 18′.
Back in March 2016, NYC designer, Laurel Dewitt agreed on interviewing with us for our “Behind the Seams” segment on TUC. This time around, we’ve received yet another opportunity to catch up with the artist and speak on her line of fashion today. As a formalized recap, Laurel Dewitt is a New York designer, who specializes in her trademarked metallic apparel and accessories. Laurel is a Pratt Institute graduate and has been in the fashion industry for quite some time now.
Each year, Laurel has been able to captivate her spectators consecutively every Fashion Week. Also, not to mention, she has had the luxury in working with some of the music industry’s top artists and celebrities such as Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Britney Spears, Will. I. Am, Amber Rose, and numerous others. As if that wasn’t enough, Laurel has earned herself a spot at the Smithsonian Institute of African Art, where her first made crown was featured.
Here is the interview I have conducted with Laurel Dewitt. We spoke on her fashion line, current and future achievements, and what she has planned for this year and her brand.
Paulette: When did you decide you wanted to become a designer and how long has it taken for you to build your brand as it is today?
Dewitt: For as long as I can remember, I was an artist. In high school, the shopping choices in my hometown were limited so I started sewing handbags and going to the Salvation Army and reconstructing vintage T-Shirts. One day, my friend Carrie said, “Why don’t you go into fashion?” and I did! I went to college for it and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design from Pratt Institute. Also, I worked in the accessory industry for over 10 years. And in February of 2014, I launched the Laurel DeWitt brand.
Paulette: Who has been the most influential person you have met in the fashion world, and why so?
Dewitt: Lisa Smith-Craig. She is the stylist for the Laurel DeWitt brand. She has helped expand the brand through styling the shoots, shows, and pushing me to expand into new silhouettes that I normally wouldn’t think to do. She helps me to think outside of the box.
Paulette: How were you able to make connections with big-time celebrities to wear your collection?
Dewitt: Ultimately, having a unique and exclusive product combined with social media, word of mouth, great relationships, and of course a good publicist (Pervis Ross PR) has landed me some great hits with A-List celebrities.
Paulette: What would you consider your biggest breakthrough in your career so far?
Dewitt: Definitely dressing Beyoncé. She was always my #1 person I wanted to adorn my art. When she did, it was literally a dream come true.
Paulette: Has anyone in the film industry ever reached out to you to feature your collection in a movie or feature film?
Dewitt: Yes, but I can’t say until it’s released. But it is a big blockbuster … very girl power oriented, so I am super excited! I hope to do more films in the future.
Paulette: For NYFW 18’, what was your vision with the show’s location being at a church?
Dewitt: The Church of the Holy Apostles has become my partner and home for fashion week. Each year we like to “take ‘em to church” on the first Sunday of fashion week.
Paulette: Ideally, what do you look for in your models/ casting calls?
Dewitt: We ideally look for a girl who is a size 2 and tall. As my production manager Sire Lamar-Becker says, “A model that is this tall and slim makes the focus be the apparel, almost like a hanger”. We also look for them to have a fierce walk and a beautiful face of course. Someone who can carry the sometimes heavy clothes.
Paulette: Do you ever plan on adding a footwear collection onto your brand?
Dewitt: I would love to license the brand and partner with a great footwear company and LD up some shoes.
Paulette: If you had to describe your collection in one word, what would it be?
Dewitt: METAL!
Paulette: Lastly, are you currently working on anything for the near future?
Dewitt: Next up, I am closing out Art Hearts Fashion Week in Los Angeles on Oct 8th.
