Lois Samuels is a familiar face in the fashion industry. As a model, she was part of the sexy CK One ads in the 90's and has starred in campaigns for Eileen Fisher and Saks Fifth Avenue. Her elegantly androgynous look inspired photographers like Ellen von Unwerth and Steven Meisel. She's great on the other side of the camera as well; her book of photos, Jamaica Through My Eyes, was published in 2005. Lois' line the Vessel. by lois debuted in 2009.
With the autumn/winter shows fast approaching, the New York based designer took a few minutes to bring us up to speed and give us a hint at what's to come.
Faith Bowman: I just saw your photos from the "Salute to America" fundraiser at Bernstein Display showroom. How did that come about?
Lois Samuels: Ionia Dunn Lee Founder of Threads of Color invited me to participate in the event. I look forward to being more involved in this organization and taking part in their future events.
FB: I loved the carefree yet structured direction of your spring line. Were you satisfied with the collection?
LS: Jacob Lawrence was the inspiration for my SS2011 Collection. It was fun, free spirited, and lovely to work with all those colors. It was quite experimental for me and I liked it alot. The response was good, not great... But all a part of the process
FB: What have you been doing since last Fashion Week?
LS: I did a bit of traveling. Went to Prague, which is a beautiful country. I thought through different ways of handling the business of the business. Worked on a smaller collection for fall introducing delicate fabrics. It will be sexy and beautiful! I'm also working on her-tie, a line of accessories for women, and a small line of t-shirts that will benefit an organization in Jamaica I wish to continue assisting.
FB: When we last spoke, you had just been visited by the CFDA. How did that go? Will we be seeing a Lincoln Center debut for the Vessel. by lois?
LS: The meeting with the CFDA went well. A representative actually attended the ss2011 Collection which was sponsored by Grand Central Terminal at Vanderbilt Hall. It's good to be in the radar. No, I don't think I will be at Lincoln Center; I hope to have a small and very intimate presentation.
FB: I know you've been very influenced by uniforms and menswear in your last two collections. What inspirations will you be mining for the AW/2011?
LS: For A/W I was driven by strong and beautiful women. The aesthetic of the clean silhouette remains, but with a different twist.
FB: Do you feel pressure to change now that theVessel. by lois has been around for a few seasons? Do you think more about what buyers might pick up on?
LS: I believe there are alot of lessons in the business and for my fourth presentation I have taken all the criticism, both good and bad, given them much thought. Without changing my belief of what the Vessel. by lois means to me, I tweaked some things that I believe, in the long term, will be beneficial to the business and its presence on the global market. I don't feel pressure, per se, but am filled with great anticipation to maintain success in an ever changing industry, and give my clients products of great value and beauty for years to come.
FB: Have you heard from Michelle Obama yet?
LS: Not yet! I will send her something one day soon!
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