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YES, YES, NANETTE!
FROM HOT HOLIDAY MUSTS TO HER DAUGHTER'S FAVORITE CLOTHING COMPANY,
THE FAMILY GROOVE TALKS SHOP WITH FASHION DARLING NANETTE LEPORE
THE FAMILY GROOVE: Your fall collection is just stunning—so rich, classic and current.
How do you stay
inspired
as a designer?
Nanette Lepore: I love to shop the flea markets and I have favorite ones I visit all over the world.
I’m also inspired by travel—it takes me outside my daily context and allows me to see things through a new lens.
TFG: There's always an overarching feminine quality to your clothes. What does being feminine mean to you?
NL: Feminine can be pretty, coy, flirty, definitely sexy. I try to incorporate all of these different types of femininity when I design.
TFG: What are your three must-haves or must-dos for the holiday season?
NL: The must-have shoe is the Silver Dollbaby heel from my holiday collection. It’s the perfect party shoe because it matches any look.
The must have print is plaid. Plaids were reinvented this season in really fresh, feminine ways. I would love to get a plaid taffeta party dress for the holidays. My must-do is a huge dinner party with lots of candles and a long table.
TFG: What do you tell your daughter about fashion?
NL: It doesn’t matter what I tell her because it goes in one ear and out the other. Violet is eight and definitely has her own style and independent opinions. I have less influence than I’d sometimes like.
TFG: Does she have a favorite line of kids' clothing?
NL: Violet loves Junkfood T-shirts.
TFG: What about you?
NL: My favorite is the children’s wear at Calypso.
TFG: What do you tell your daughter about owning a business?
NL: That it’s a lot of hard work and responsibility, but that the rewards are worth the trouble. However, we don’t talk about work that often. I really want Violet to enjoy her childhood and explore—you’re only young once.
TFG: What's your personal mantra?
NL: Stress is good. As strange as it sounds, my hectic pace keeps me motivated and creative. I find that constantly being on the go keeps me fresh and full of ideas.
TFG: With all that you do, how do you make time for your husband?
NL: My husband, Bob, is the president of the company. We go to work together everyday, so we see each other a lot more than other couples. The real challenge is finding time alone outside of work. We take great family vacations and that’s our moment to relax and talk about things outside of work.
