Stephanie Waldrip ~ next to her fall 2013 pieces.
After teasing you with this watercolor print blazer and gorgeous fur collar, I’m excited to share the rest of my photos as well as my Q & A with this designer to watch: Stephanie Waldrip.
Fun story, I actually met Stephanie at the shopping party I hosted with Cynthia Rowley a couple months ago (thanks again for connecting us Adrienne!). When I first saw her luxe line I fell in love with the uptown meets downtown New York-girl-vibe and wanted to wear everything (hence why I tried almost every piece on that day in her studio). Her collection is filled with incredible investment pieces that can be mixed and matched and are undeniably chic with a cool-girl twist.
Have you always wanted to design your own clothing line?
Yes this has ALWAYS been my ‘A’ plan. My Mom swears I came home one day in kindergarden and yelled “Mom I’m going to be a dress designer and move to Manhattan.” Sometimes I have to stop and think, yes this is actually happening, I am really doing this.
How would you describe the “Waldrip” girl?
She has a clear ease in her own skin, a subtle glamour clings to her as it does to only a few women – it isn’t conscious. She lends the impression of knowing slightly more, and perhaps, caring slightly less – commanding a room with just her “cool.”
Can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind your fall 2013 collection?
I kept walking by this pop-up gallery with these wall size photographs of wild horses… they’re gorgeous. The photographer is Roberto Dutesco and the images are of the Wild Horses of Sable Island. The Island is home to over 500 wild horses and the proceeds of Dutesco’s photography goes to preservation of Sable Island. The images are very romantic and the horses seem to be in love. Which coincides with me falling in love around the same time I was designing. For more information / you can view the imagery here.
What is the design process like for you? Do you design with a certain “girl” in mind?
I am always designing for the woman I want to aspire to be and want to project that into my designs: confident, chic and optimistic. I am always sketching in my mind. Can’t help it! But the most inspiring part of the process is largely derived from the fabrications and the history of the European textile mills. I focus on and research the origination of my fabric, and the history of the mills becomes part of the story that I am telling through each collection.
Who is inspiring you the most right now?
Rachel Roy, she is overall inspiring. I was fortunate enough to have been mentored by her, she has this cool about her that really puts one at ease. She has become a true staple in the industry and has the ability to create modern design for every woman.
What is going to be your go-to look this spring?
An easy top with a statement blazer and cigarette pant with a boot, and knock-em dead heels for night!
Waldrip is currently sold in New York at: Albertine and Condor as well as online at The Cools. It will also be available on Shopbop this fall!
Photography by Lydia Hudgens.