Interview with Lizzi London

Posted: October 11th, 2011 | Author: Tu-Anh | Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

By Kim Tran

There’s a certain sense of comfort when you talk to Lizzi London. Her calm demeanor and gentle voice draws you in, but it is the strength of her words and wisdom that keeps you listening and wanting more – just like the beautiful gowns and dresses she conceives and creates, all by herself.

There is no doubt that Lizzi’s designs are gorgeously stunning, but it is her personal road to becoming a fashion designer that is a truly fascinating story. Harboring within her a childhood passion for art, and armed with a degree from the London College of Fashion, Lizzi had her first break into the fashion world while on holiday in the United States five years ago.

“I helped a friend for the HOPE Initiative [charity fashion show] in Houston, Texas, and they really needed three outfits in a week. I bought five yards of $5 fabric, and gave myself a challenge.”

“The ao dai [traditional Vietnamese dress] could be so much more. How do I manipulate this dull material to make it look different? To transform it, and change it? To make it move?”

“I told them, ‘Just give me an opportunity.’ And when someone gives you an opportunity, you just want to show them what you can do.”

Despite living out of her suitcase at the time, the ambitious 20 year-old worked tirelessly in a small room, drawing and crafting everything by hand. She was thrilled yet humbled when crowds approached her afterwards, all wanting to know one thing: Do you have a boutique?

Since then, the Lizzi London line has grown to a full-blown collection of women’s dresses and gown, showcasing in 80 different shows throughout a number of cities including New York City, Houston and Dallas, New Orleans, Atlanta, Seattle – and, for the first time, next Saturday, October 22, at Fashion Fix’s Chic Society in Washington, DC.

The designer especially loves lending her creations to charity shows as she finds helping non-profit organizations an especially rewarding experience.

“Fashion is another way of art form, where you can allow yourself to be creative as a designer to inspire others.”

Considering Lizzi’s creations are downright breathtaking, one cannot help but wonder where she finds her inspiration from. From chiffon, to lace, to silk, it is apparent that every single one of the designer’s pieces is a beautiful ode to femininity; each flowing gown cascading down the runway displays the deepest understanding and admiration for a woman’s every curve and angle.
When I asked her how she got to where she is today, she simply tells me, “First and foremost have faith in who you are as a designer, to believe in yourself when time and struggles challenges you in life. Everyone starts as an amateur.”

“Don‘t worry about being so perfect, know that you will make a lot of mistakes.”

“And when people give you opportunities, always thank them, and appreciate what you have around you.”

As for her future, Lizzi plans on remaining open-minded, and always pushing forward. But her fervent hope for all women is to believe in themselves; to turn their struggles into strength.

Thank you, Lizzi, for speaking with me and Fashion Fix!