Fashion Feature: Catching up with Trish Wescoat Pound

Designer Trish Wescoat Pound/image courtesy of Trish Wescoat Pound 

With a serious professional pedigree that includes working under some of the greatest living American designers, Trish Wescoat Pound, the dynamic creative  force behind the labels Haute Hippie, and Haute Hoodie has the craftsmanship, and the vision to become a major name in her own right. Just weeks after she held her first pop-up shop in Manhattan, Style Wylde sat down with Wescoat Pound recently to talk about her work, inspiration and taking over the industry.

SW: Before launching your line Haute Hippie, you helmed the creative teams at some of the largest brands in the world, Michael Kors, Theory, and Laundry.  How did working for these world-recognizable companies shape your creative process as a designer? 

TWP: I have been very fortunate to work with and learn from extremely talented designers and some of our industries true visionaries. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked in different creative environments with completely different perspectives and processes; this has been an invaluable experience for me. When I started Haute Hippie, I took from my past experiences, but mostly I challenged myself and approved the creative process in a more organic way, and I trusted my instincts. I really wanted to engender the philosophy that anything was possible – with no limits to the creative process. What I discovered was a lack of creative restrictions encourages collaboration and ultimately more exciting clothes.  

SW: What prompted you to decide to head out on your own and launch your own label? Were there aspects of working for a major brand that left you unsatisfied, or was it more of a life-list goal to start your own company?

TWP: Haute Hippie was birthed because I wanted to make really cool clothes that women want to wear, clothes that make them feel sexy, confident, and cool. I had to create what is my “ultimate” closet. The only way I felt that I could achieve this, was by becoming my own boss. I had worked for other people for so long and had had the opportunity to hold many different positions in the industry, which allowed me to draw on a broad range of experience. And from that, I learned most importantly, I wanted to be creative. What I wanted to do was to do it myself. I became the master (or mistress) of my own universe, or in this case, my own closet.

SW: If you were not a designer, what do you think you would be doing?

TWP: At one point in time, I thought I would be a country western singer (with a badass wardrobe), but I can’t sing – so that didn’t pan out. I have no musical talents, I just appreciate it.  But in some ways I am living the dream. Every season I design for our imaginary “RoBo” rock ‘n roll bohemian star who is on tour. She wears flowing georgette dresses with studded rocker belts, and then she throws on a serape blanket sweater after her gig. So in some ways, I am doing what I always dreamt I would, because I dress her even if it is “only make believe”. 

 Haute Hippie Spring 2012 Campaign/Image courtesy of Trish Westcoat Pound

SW: Your Haute Hippie line is described as “an embodiment of the spirit of a global gypsy.” What does this mean to you personally? Are you an haute hippie?  Who else (celebrity, current world figure, etc) would you say is an Haute Hippie?

TWP: A global gypsy is a denizen of the world, inspired by the various places they’ve been and the people they’ve met. A self-defined citizen of the world. The line is so personal and emotional that if I was not one myself it wouldn’t work. We create the clothes that accompany them on their journeys and travels.We are inspired by iconic figures such as Talitha Getty, Patti Smith and Zedla Fitzgerald. Modern day haute hippies would be someone such as Kate Moss.  Bohemian by nature – but with an edge.  The rock ‘n roll bohemian or “RoBo” girl is our imaginary muse.  We design for, and are inspired by, her lifestyle, what she’s wearing, where she’s going, and what she’s listening to.

SW: Reading your bio, and your blog Global Gypsy, references to world travel, and a variety of international cultures come up often. It’s clear that you are seasoned traveler yourself.  Which countries that you’ve visited in your travels hold the most significance to you? Which countries are still dying to visit, and why?

TWP: I have an incurable wanderlust. I love traveling to exotic locations such as, Bodrum, Cambodia, and Beirut. I also love old world grandeur; Jesse and I love the Athenee in Paris and the Hotel Du Cap in the south of France. I want to go everywhere! I have an insatiable thirst for travel. As Johnny Cash sang, “I’ve been everywhere, man”, at the end of my life I want to be able to sing that song. I work best on the road and go to India often and have frequently found myself sketching or playing with bead embellishments on a beach in Goa or on the floor of a factory in India or my hotel room.  I find this far more inspiring than sitting behind my desk.  Most of my great ideas come to me on the floor!

Haute Hippie Spring 2012 campaign/image courtesy of Trish Wescoat Pound

SW: In addition to world travel, from what other influences do you draw inspiration for your work?  Do you choose areas to be drawn on and then begin designing, or do you start working and come to realize you have influenced by a specific subject or idea? 

TWP: My design process is organic. An idea begins but where it ends many times has nothing to do with where it started. It’s about process. The journey rather than the destination. Trusting your instincts. We often find a big idea, but sometimes an idea will come back a year later. In a very different way, our perspective changes and layers and levels are added to what started as one thing and became another. We are not thematic. We do not subscribe to trends but rather the overarching idea of our imaginary muse’s closet. Every season she needs a complete wardrobe. A ballgown, a poncho, some leather and fur. Certain key influences and styles do reoccur for us such as the ‘30s, we love flapper dresses. And we always need a chunky sweater, sequin mini skirts, and a beaded gown.

SW: You’ve recently announced that you are launching a second line, the more casual sportswear focused Haute Hoodie that will be sold directly to the consumer via your first pop-up in Manhattan, and later launching free standing stores that will carry both lines across the US. Is there a lot of additional pressure in launching your own stores? Do you think the extended business element of this launch will impact your creative process? Can you be a Haute Hippie and a fashion industry dominating business woman at the same time? 

socialite Tinsley Mortimer poses at the Haute Hoodie launch event/Image courtesy of Trish Wescoat PoundTWP: There is a lot of pressure, but Haute Hoodie always existed.  It’s part of this girl’s wardrobe – it’s whatever goes under or over. The most challenging for me is the men’s, as it is something I have never done. Opening stores is also challenging, and a huge risk. But it is the only way to show the collection and the entire creative process.  To run a business you have to think with both sides of your brain, I have to be a Jill of all trades so to speak.  I frequently have to have a break from the creative process to meet with the accountants or the lawyers to discuss a business related or strategic matter. I have always done both – so I can make the transition pretty smoothly – but I still prefer the creative process.  I’m lucky to have a team that can focus and allow me to glide between the two.

For more information on Trish Wescoat Pound please visit the Haute Hippie/ Haute Hoodie official site.