Tammy B: Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from? What's your educational background? What are your general professional and non-professional interests?
Iliana quander: I was born in the Bronx and raised in Washington, DC. I received my BA. in philosophy and sociology from Spelman college in Atlanta, GA. After returning to DC and spending some time, I returned to the NYC in 2004. I guess I am using the title independent designer for the moment, however, I still see myself as a philosopher although having good technical skills in sewing/construction, what I mostly try to do is understand things about the human condition through my process of art-making.
Tammy B: What does bk fashion weekend mean to you?
Iliana Quander: I love the folks at BK fashion weekend. I know I probably drive them crazy with the "organic" way in which I work but they are gracious. I feel they appreciate everyone's talent and are very encouraging. I am most proud of being able to work with the SMARTER* Clothing Project which seeks to educate people about the different ways in which sustainability can be engaged in the world of fashion and textiles. It's really a very broad and accessible way to reach out to people and I am so glad the bk style foundation/bk fashion week{end} provides a platform for such a crucial issue.
Tammy B: How would you define your city's fashion?
Iliana Quander: I am not sure if I can define fashion in NYC. It can differ from borough to borough and between neighborhoods and socio-economic classes just as anywhere else. I can say that there is probably more room here for unique self-expression. this is what the city is known for and this is why I am here. elsewhere, I may not have much of a market for my aesthetic or I might have to tone it down. It really depends on what lens you look through though. Some would say it's NOT as edgy as it used to be in "old NY".
Tammy B: When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?
Iliana Quander: I'm not sure I ever really made that decision. I fell in bottom first. I have sewing skills and I always had fashion magazines growing up as well as making some of my own clothes, including prom outfits when I was younger. In school I was more on track to be maybe a professor of anthropology or aesthetics or metaphysics.
Tammy B: What was the first article of clothing you ever designed?
Iliana Quander: I remember two pieces specifically First one being this very 80's wool dolman sleeves tunic with a cowl neck. I also knocked off a beautiful silk velvet black and white Yves saint laurent for a friend. I made it in pink and white cheap cotton and sold it to her for $25. not sure if that counts.
Tammy B: Describe the general process you go through to design and realize a piece of clothing.
Iliana Quander: This is really a long story and probably not coherent to tell to most people. let's just say the map is never the territory. there is a straight line involved but it is only straight to me. In the end, it's about discovering what I like right now, why I like it and caring less and less about what people think and trying to bring them some happiness at the same time. I try to think in terms of the big picture of my aesthetic language. I don't really think in terms of individual "collections". it's like a perpetual experiment. I hit little notes sometimes and I'm happy and it seems to sometimes make others happy as well.
*What are some of your accomplishments as a designer?
I am enjoying my work with SMARTER* Clothing Project currently. in addition to bk fashion week{end}, we have done a few workshops including at F.I.T. I also work with art for progress (artforprogress.org) my work with our Sohung Designs & Collective on 9th street is also very rewarding.
Tammy B: Who are some of your favorite designers?
Iliana Quander: donna karan with a pink collection she made in the 80's first made me aware of what a fashion designer really is. i like so many. catherine malandrino, calvin klein, marc jacobs, balanciaga, prada. i like so many equally but fashion designers are not the only people i follow.
Tammy B: Where can readers buy your clothes?
Iliana Quander: Sohung Designs & Collective - 312 east 9th street, NYC
Tammy B: What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing?
Iliana Quander: Vision and inspiration made visible.
Tammy B: Do you consider yourself an artist?
Iliana Quander: I am a philosopher first, then an artist and lastly a fashion designer.
Tammy B: What matters to you most as a fashion designer?
Iliana Quander: Integrity and if you can't have integrity right now for whatever reason at least have the courage to show up however you are.
Tammy B: What's your favorite part about conceptualizing a design?
Iliana Quander: Buying the fabric and laying it next to other fabrics.
Tammy B: What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers?
Iliana Quander: Like parenthood, it's not for the weak-hearted. if you think you like something else better, QUIT NOW!
Tammy B: What do you like best about designing clothes?
Iliana Quander: fabric.
Tammy B: What do you dislike about designing clothes?
Iliana Quander: Truthfully? almost everything. I wanna quit every week. I don't know why I'm here. I guess there is passion mixed with the desperation.
Tammy B: How would you define your personal style?
Iliana Quander: I've been told I am a "style-less" fashion designer from some folks. i don't care. I wear what I like and I want others to feel the same sometimes I wish ish I had enough money to afford my own clothes.
Tammy B: How would you define the style your line exemplifies?
Iliana Quander: I am really not good at defining things. I can say that I like colors and patterns and combining them in unlikely ways that make it look like a smooth transition.I like sporty elegance. maybe I can say that.
Tammy B: What are some of your fashion goals?
Iliana Quander: I would like to do just what i am doing but just do it better. make more money. maybe teach a little more.
Tammy B: Where do you get your inspiration?
Iliana Quander: This is always a question and I don't know why. the etymology of the word "inspiration" implies "breathing" live a little and you will be inspired and nobody would ever have to ask where it comes from again.
Tammy B: What other experience do you have in the fashion industry (stylist, retail, marketing, etc.)?
Iliana Quander: I do onsite tailoring mostly during fashion week but also for photo shoots etc. it's really educated me about the industry. i do some informal styling as well.
Tammy B: What are your favorite patterns [prints] to work with and why?
Iliana Quander: Mine are Endless there's such a wide palate that I drive myself crazy.
Tammy B: Fill in the statement if I wasn't designing I would be a
Iliana Quander: If I wasn't a designer i would be probably a dancer.
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