Fashion feature: Kara Laricks Spring 2013

Designer Kara Laricks backstage at her Spring 2013 presentation/image:S.Whittle for Style Wylde

Winning a reality-tv design competition can be a blessing or a curse. A big win can introduce your work to a massive audience and open career doors that normally would take years to find.  Or, a big  win (and the reality-tv fame that goes with it) can  serve as  a major handicap. From buyers and editors not taking you seriously to the onslaught of book deals and "all-star" reality shows distracting you from the business of design, winning a show can mean a young designer slips into "has-been" obscurity before ever releasing a line. ( Just ask anyone other than Christian Siriano who's won Project Runway).

But for Kara Laricks, winner of NBC's Fashion Star,  not having a career in fashion design is not an option. Just a few short months after taking home the big prize, she hit the ground running, unveiled a delightfully fresh and well executed collection for the Spring 2013 season, and proved once and for all she is far more than a reality-tv friendly face. 

image:S.Whittle for Style Wylde

 image: Rodin Banica

image:Rodin Banica

Style Wylde caught up with Laricks for a chat just one hour before the crowds and the critics were scheduled to start filing in.  

SW: Tell us a little about the inspiration behind your Spring 2013 collection.

KL: I was really inspired by late 1920's early 1930 Japanese matchbook covers. The reason I tend toward that era of the 1920s and 30's for inspiration is because I love the androgynous spirit of it. The change in fashion for women with the short haircuts, there is just something about it that really appeals to me.  So you'll see little touches of a 20's inspiration, like tux tails from a men's jacket or cummerbunds. But there's also a real graphic feel, and that actually comes from the matchbook covers themselves.

SW: When you were designing this collection was there a person in pop culture, either living or dead that you imagined as the "Kara Laricks girl"?

KL: Well, people always tell me I have "that Tilda Swinton thing" going on. And, I've loved Tilda Swinton for a very long time,  so of course in the back of my mind I always think "God, she'd look spectacular in this", and if she wanted to wear it, that would be really great.  But, really I just design for a woman who wants something special, unique a little bit quirky. 

SW: I understand this is your first  collection that you've shown in New York,  how does that feel? 

image: Rodin BanicaKL: I've actually shown before, but not a full collection.  I graduated from the Academy of Art in San Francisco, who always do a show here, and of course with Fashion Star. But the difference is, the first time that was always under the protective wing of Academy of Art, and with Fashion Star it was under  the protective wing of Saks Fifth Avenue, H&M and Macys. This time, if someone doesn't like the venue it's on me, if someone doesn't like the hair and make-up, it's on me, if someone doesn't like the clothes it's on me.  And so there is a little bit of added pressure, but it's also a very exciting risk to take. 

SW:How different does it feel from showing with Fashion Star. Obviously, as part of a popular reality show, it's a huge production and it's televised to a huge audience, that has to effect your actual design. How has it changed creating a collection without all of America watching?

 KL: Well, when I was designing on Fashion Star I had to be very cognisant of the audience. So I had to make sure I was thinking  about the H&M customer, or the Macy's customer, or the Saks Fifth Avenue Customer.  But this is the first time I am thinking about my customer. Of course my fingers are crossed that my customer will be able to buy my clothes in a variety of stores after this, but it's just really exciting to put exactly what I want on these little podiums! This time it's exactly what I want to show, it's an incredible feeling.  

image:Rodin BanicaSW: So it's a lot more freedom

KL: Absolutely!

SW: Do you feel being someone all of America is acquainted with, before you've ever had your own solo presentation creates extra pressure? You don't get to debut your collection in anonymity, and 'work out the kinks' as most designers do before major media outlets will be covering your work. Is that something you feel the weight of, or are you just able to take it all in stride?

KL: To be honest, I don't worry too much about that, because I have to say the people I have met through facebook,  or through twitter have all been so supportive, and have really embraced me both as a person and for my aesthetic.  So with all of that support behind me, it's going to feel good no matter what, no matter what happens I have that support and that is amazing! 

image:Rodin Banica

For more information about Kara Laricks visit the designer's official web home, and for a behind-the-scenes look at the hair and beauty created for this collection check out the Style Wylde Backstage Beauty Report.