With famous fans like Taylor Swift, Leighton Meester, Kristen Bell and Vanessa Hudgens, fashion designer Trina Turk is a superstar. Born in California, Turk learned to sew at an early age and worked at brands like Ocean Pacific and Britannia Jeans before starting her own namesake line in 1995. Since Trina is obviously a fashion expert, I couldn't resist asking her advice on getting in to the industry and dressing for the holidays. Here's my interview with fashion designer Trina Turk:
How did you get started designing your clothing line?
Photo courtesy of Trina Turk.
Trina: My mom taught me to sew when I was 11. I loved making my own clothes— back then, there was no H&M, no Forever 21 or Urban Outfitters, so if you wanted something unique and affordable, sewing was a way to make it your own fashion.
I started to read fashion magazines at about the same time and became obsessed. I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer from a young age. Apparel Design was my major in college. I worked as an assistant designer, designer and design director for other companies before starting my own company in 1995. I guess you could say I was on a mission.
Do you have any advice for teens that would like to become designers?
Learn how to sew. Learn how clothing is constructed, and learn all you can about fabrics and how different fabrics behave. Learn about color and proportion.
Putting a look together is a combination of color, proportion, and textures, so general artistic training is definitely going to help you be a better designer. Also, remember that being a designer is hard work and not all glamour and parties!
Do you have any advice for teen girls on how to have great style?
You don't have to necessarily jump on every trend. Figure out what trends work for your style and body type and which don't. Be picky — don't buy it just because it's on sale. Make sure you like it and it looks good on you. Don't be afraid of classics; especially this season!
A great mix is often the key to great style. Wear casual with dressy, tough with feminine, sporty with girly. Don't be afraid of color. I am a huge fan of vintage — mix it in! Study looks you love. Take the look apart and figure out what the components are and why you like it. Is it the colors, the proportions, the mix of fabrications?
What would you recommend a teen girl wear to a holiday party?
A holiday party is an opportunity to get dressed up, so wear something festive! Add some sparkle, whether it's sequins, a metallic fabric, or rhinestone jewelry. Just don't sparkle from head to toe!
If you choose a fully sparkly dress, then keep your accessories more toned down. A simple tank, cardigan and mini in greys or blacks can get dressed up for a party with the right accessories - like metallic tights, fun booties, some sparkly jewelry, or a great little bag.