“christy” dress
“I always dreamed of being in the fashion business but it took me 38 years to finally get a fashion design degree. Better late than never! The great thing about being in your late 30’s when you graduate is that you can go directly into business for yourself and bring your past business experience to use.” -Lisa Vian Hunter
When it comes to our life passions, “better late than never” is definitely true. Luckily for us, designer Lisa Vian Hunter shares that motto. With a deep-rooted love for fashion, Lisa Hunter grew up in the 70’s reading her mom’s Vogue magazines. Always dreaming to be in the fashion business, Lisa obtained a degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and set out to take the fashion world by storm. Armed with her degree, business background, and 20-plus years of fashion devotion, Lisa created Vian Hunter, her line of fashionably classic dresses and separates with a modern fit and quality fabrics.
Custom designing for select Bay Area clients since 2003, Vian Hunter brings her fashion visions to life on the SF Fashion Week runway this Thursday, August 23rd.
I recently tracked down Lisa Hunter and picked her brain about her line, fashion, and other fun topics. Here is what she had to say:
What does your label name mean? How was it chosen?
My label name is a combination of my maiden name (Vian–pronounced like Diane) and married name (Hunter). I’m in business with my husband so it made perfect sense to us to combine the two.
How would you describe your clothes?
Classically inspired, fashionable feminine, everyday elegant.
What was the theme for this collection?
All of my collections have a common theme: late 1950’s, early 60’s chic updated for the Y2K woman.
Where do you grab your ideas from? What inspires you most when you create?
Movies from the 50’s and 60’s, vintage Vogue magazines, Lauren Bacall, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, etc. Designing Woman was a favorite movie for me this season.
Who do you see wearing your clothes?
Any woman who appreciates the classics and loves silk against her skin.
Favorite designer? Designers you love/would love to collaborate with? Mentors?
John Galliano for Christian Dior. I would love to be a fly on the wall in his patternmaking and fitting rooms.
What’s your favorite piece that you’ve created to date?
The 3 gowns that are currently being sewn for the SFFW show. A dream come true to see the dresses evolve from design to final sewing. From my Spring 2008 collection it’s the “christy” dress, backless and made from the finest french brocade (with a matching coat). For holiday 2007 it’s “gail” a sequin skirt that has a silk charmeuse sash, lined in silk and comes in black or silver.
Where do you feel upcoming designers fall in Fashion? How important are upcoming designers to be recognized in Fashion?
Upcoming designers should be watched! At some point, someone is going to be the new designer for Christian Dior and Chanel. Yes, they should be recognized……if they have talent!
What do you think the effect on fashion is of popular shows like Project Runway, What Not to Wear, etc.? Do you see these shows as a negative or positive thing?
Project Runway has a huge impact, and I think it’s very important. I’ve spoken with men and women who know nothing about the fashion business, and they’re hooked on the show. If it gets people interested and talking about fashion, it’s a success.
How do you feel about the recent focus on greener/organic methods of design?
The focus on green/organic fashion is awesome. I think the trend will continue and I hope the prices drop so it becomes more accessible to the masses (wholesale and retail).
Why choose San Francisco over more highly recognized cities in the fashion industry like New York or Los Angeles?
San Francisco is a great starting point for a new designer. Of course if I was backed by a huge corporation I might head to L.A. or N.Y. But……..most of us are not. All my clothes are made in San Francisco, I was born and raised in the Bay Area, I love it here and will continue to support the garment district and local economy.
What direction would you like to see your line develop towards?
To continue to be able to buy the best European and American fabrics. Luxury.
Advice you’d give for people trying to break into the industry?
Try an internship. Get ready to work hard but in a great industry that you’ll love.
Typical day in the life of Vian Hunter.
5:45 a.m., up and off to the health club, home and get the kids to school, work, work, work, home for dinner, get the kids in the bath, bed and then pass out. In between, field 15 phone calls from my teenage daughter negotiating her social plans. Lot’s of trips to S.F. to oversee the factory and pattern makers.
Favorite things to do when you’re not working.
Hanging out with the kids, planning the next vacation.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Tuscany.
If you weren’t designing, what would you be doing?
At-home mom.
Book you’re reading right now, or last book you read.
Harry Potter.
Right or Left-handed?
Right.
Who are your favorite bands/musicians?
Best CD this year: Linkin Park, Minutes to Midnight
Favorite rock groups: Linkin Park, Muse, Pearl Jam, Madonna, Weezer
If you could have anyone’s wardrobe (dead or alive), whose would it be?
Audrey Hepburn.
Favorite time of the day.
8pm, if I’m not at work.
Piece of clothing or jewelry you could not live without?
My wedding ring.
Best part about being a designer? Worst part about being a designer?
Best: buying French fabric. Worst: working 7 days a week.
What are you obsessing on these days?
Getting the house in order.
If you could choose between sleeping, eating, or being clean, which would you choose? Why?
That’s a really bizarre question! (maybe eating? I do love to eat. But I also love to sleep and be clean!)
Favorite holiday.
New Years day. the store is closed and everything seems peaceful.
Five pieces of clothing every girl should have in her wardrobe.
Great fitting jeans, the perfect sexy black pump, boots if you like rock concerts, oversize cashmere sweater, the perfect fitting LBD.
Take away message for your line?
See What Happens When You Dress Up A Little?
Where can we find your items?
www.vianhunter.com
