"And the young girls at the football games, with the red cheeks, and when the warm weather comes, the girls in their summer dresses . . ." -- Irwin Shaw
You can go to the ocean this weekend and watch a boat being launched or you can go to New Center Park on June 26 and witness the formal launching of Fotoula Lambros Design - a major fashion event, a celebration of creative energy, and (from what we've been able to gather) a really great party.
Seriously? You're actually debating this in your mind? Well, here are two points to ponder. The ocean is far away and gas prices aren't exactly - there you go! Besides, boat launchings are notorious for wasting a good bottle of champagne.
Which happily returns us to Fotoula Lambros - the event we've just described and the talented woman who bears that name.
Odds are the name is already familiar to you. Lambros, who has been designing and producing notable works for over a decade, began her career at 16 under the tutelage of Horst Greissier and quickly completed two full programs devoted to pattern drafting and garment instruction. In 2007, immediately following her graduation from IADT, she co-founded the grass roots independent label, Femilia Couture. The success with which that label was greeted helped establish Lambros firmly in fashion circles both here and across the nation. The last four years have seen additional collaborations between her and other professionals - especially on behalf of numerous community related and charitable events throughout the state. And most impressively, she has become a symbol for a new breed of designer who is keenly interested in the social and ecological impact of this most international of industries.
Now we have Fotoula Lambros Design, a formal recognition of where this lady has been and where she's determined to go.
This is a new beginning and also a new and fresh perspective. Care to elaborate on that?
I have been actively studying design and drafting for over 10 years now and, no matter how much time passes, there is always a new lesson to be learned or a new approach to be taken. Fashion is ever evolving. And being involved in the fashion industry has been such an evolving experience. Yes, I do call this a new beginning for many reasons. It's a departure from the lessons I've learned over the years in approaching a business and a new interpretation of what those lessons taught me.
To elaborate on the new perspective, it extends into the way I design. I have been known to make one hell of a one-of-a-kind cocktail dress - and still can - but now I design each piece to not just be more wearable, but more importantly to eliminate waste in the process. A different approach to the same ambition.
NOT really the best of times for any artistic endeavors - and it frankly takes guts to commit time and energy to fashion design during an economic slump. But wouldn't you agree that there's always a psychological need to create new and bold visions - especially during difficult days?
Of course it takes guts to commit time and energy to fashion or to any creative outlet in times like these. But without giving something or anything that time and that effort, you're not likely to reap the fruitful reward of what it can ultimately produce. Art is everywhere, and it's fueled by the surroundings or the environment we've come from or find ourselves in. There is always a need to create new, bold, and outgoing visions in dress, since fashion is meant to be shared and its possibilities are endless. Ironically, difficult days can truly ignite the passion for artistic expression and inspire the creation of things that are truly remarkable.
You coined the term "eco-chic" - which we love - but that term pretty much sums up a very serious commitment to an important issue, right?
Well, my brand is both ecologically conscious and stylishly inclined, so to speak. I try to live as sustainable a life as possible and I like pretty things. I recycle, reduce waste, and reuse things in different ways. In my work, I have specifically designed my garments to maximize fabric-width usage and I strive for a unique and "fashion forward" silhouette. I also like to utilize different trim techniques with fabric scraps, so as to be as ecologically mindful as possible. As I always say, it’s all about the cut! Besides, I like expressing myself with my style.
Is there something distinctive about Detroit's fashion style? Are we trendsetters or (the next best thing) do we improve upon the things we see elsewhere?
I've always thought that rather than being known for a specific fashion or “street” style, Detroit is inclined to contribute to styles that originate elsewhere. There are so many different people in and around this city who literally pour themselves into the fashion, art, and musical energy that we've always possessed in full - and THAT'S our style. Product of Detroit is fine, but I much prefer Inspired by Detroit - and the Detroit style (for want of a better term) has been something that has inspired people all over the world for decades.
The FLD Launch and the preview of FLD's Spring/Summer 2012 Collection will be on June 26 at New Center Park (one block south of the Fisher Building). Weather permitting, it will be an outdoor event from start to finish.
