Parade FW 2013 + Interview

Parade launched Spring/Summer 2013 so this really is a sneak peak at what is to come. I really like the sophistication of the designs, and of course, the styling for the lookbook. Being the New York transplant I am, I am liking the moodiness of the FW collection which is an interesting contrast to the LA vibe of the Spring/Summer collection. I had the pleasure to interview Neely Shearer the designer behind the line. Digging into the inspiration and mastermind behind the collection makes you want it even more. I can't wait to see what this brand grows into!

---

INTERVIEW WITH NEELY SHEARER

---

You are designing in LA and your SS collection seems very west coast to me (being an east coaster). Are you originally from the west coast?
I grew up near the beach and went to university here in southern California. I did some exchange programs in London and Honolulu and then moved to Japan when I was 20. I spent about eight years living there and traveling throughout Asia and Africa before returning to LA.

Wow that’s incredible. I’m having serious travel envy. Was launching your own line something that you knew you always wanted to do or did you stumble upon it? What were you doing before you got to where you are today?
Yes, I think so... I had been collecting scraps of fabric and remaking vintage clothes for myself since elementary high school. I was always very interested in fashion magazines when I was little. I did go to school for journalism/advertising and worked in that field through school and then started my own magazine in Japan. Then one day I made the decision to change things up and start my first brand, Issho, when I was still in Japan... I moved back to LA and opened the boutique Xin.

Seriously inspiring… What are some of the sources of inspiration behind your FW 13 collection? I love the moodiness of the lookbook and dark florals!
Thank you! I always go for prints that I love...that I have a lot of confidence in, like "YES!!" It is really a first impression thing. The prints may not be for everyone but I don't think anything is "for everyone" is it? I always go for shapes that flatter and aren't too obviously 'sexy' but that do show more of a subtle sexiness... I mean ladylike, girl-next-door but with a rock n’ roll heart. I dress by my mood and I think my pieces allow women do that. You can wear the same dress to your grandma's brunch or to your boyfriend's band rehearsal.

I love that! I always gravitate towards versatile pieces. You can get so much mileage out of a good piece. When you start to design how do you gather your thoughts and ideas? Do you keep a journal, an inspiration board, a pintrest, etc?
No not really. Hmm, I just do it! It’s in my head... and lots of scraps of small papers!

Haha, sounds about right. Who has been most influential in you launching your career as a designer?
My business partner, family, friends and the confidence in myself… knowing how much I love to do it. It makes me happy.

Happiness, that’s definitely key! Where would you like to see your brand go in the next few years?
Growing organically, I’m following that.








Like me on Facebook!