Jewelry designer Lacey Berry knows what she likes, and designs accordingly. A Graphic Design graduate from Pensacola, FL, the designer was born “with a red afro and a love of painting”. Since then, the red afro has diminished, but her love for art has not, evident in the beautiful collections Lacey continues to design. Lacey B. designs will be showcased at the upcoming Jacksonville Fashion Week, March 27th through March 30th.
What made you decide you wanted to have a career in fashion, particularly the accessories category? What inspires your designing style?
“My interest in fashion started in high school. My school had a strict dress code, and in order to feel as though I stood out, I would put a lot of effort into my outfits. Often I would include something I had made or altered in some way. In college I started to make accessories as a hobby, and a friend of mine, who is a clothing designer, encouraged me to take the leap into a bigger arena. Her name is Smith Sinrod of BySmith. She showed at last year’s JFW, and allowed me to pair my first collection with her designs.
I majored in graphic design and I think that really helped shape my design sensibility. I like the use of clean lines and bold shapes/colors. I get a lot of inspiration from graphic design, as well as fashion design.”
How would you describe your own style, and who inspires you?
“I would probably say I lean towards modern pieces with a bohemian/rock n roll vibe. I find the Dannijo sisters very inspiring. Their style is amazing, their jewelry is amazing, but I especially love to watch the way they run their business. Their marketing efforts are fantastic and I am constantly learning from their choices.”
What are 5 must haves every woman should have in their closet?
“A. Statement jewelry. A unique piece of jewelry can transcend seasons and be incredibly versatile. They also add a bit of drama to your outfit.
B. A good pair of jeans. A good pair of jeans can have the same effect as a good bra. This is very important in my opinion.
C. Colorful shoes - I prefer a suede pump in any bright color. It adds fun to an otherwise simple outfit and instantly brightens your mood.
D.A Blazer - Blazers doesn’t have to be reserved for a dressy occasion. I prefer to wear mine with jeans, a t-shirt, and funky accessories. It adds great balance to any outfit.
E.The little black dress of course. That pretty much goes without saying.”
How do you feel to be participating in Jacksonville Fashion Week?
“I am thrilled to participate this year. I was a Jacksonville resident for about three years and many of my closest friends still live there. It is wonderful come back and feel so much support from a place that I consider home away from home.”
What trends and colors do you predict will be displayed on the runway during the upcoming Fashion Week ?
“I am definitely expecting to see more geometric patterns and minimalistic fashion in interesting color combinations. “
What trends are you a fan of, and which ones do you want to go away?
“I am a big fan of pattern mixing, a la Solange Knowles. She is just fantastic. I also love the sporty track pant trousers that are popping up.
I think the Neon trend has just about run its course, though occasionally I see some variation that sparks my interest again. “
What’s your input on accessories and their importance to an outfit?
“Accessories are a very important part of finishing outfit. I like to think of it this way: If your outfit is a sentence about your personal style, the accessories are the punctuation. They can add a question mark or an exclamation point. It can easily dictate the mood of your outfit.”
What’s your advice to those aspiring to have a fashion career?
“Don’t get discouraged and don’t be afraid to ask questions. There is a stereotype in this business that everyone is cutthroat and elitist but I have found the opposite. I have encountered so many people who are kindly willing to give help and advice. “
Lacey Berry's collections can be seen online at www.laceybdesigns.com , and be sure to add her on Facebook , Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter .
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