Lady like Leopard

 

Less is more – always. But let’s make this clear: I don’t mean less clothing…

and, as Karl Lagerfeld said, “If you’re not willing to have an ongoing dialogue with fashion, get another job.”

 

 

LM

What is the philosophy behind your work?

LLL

Everything and anything fashion! With my blog The Lady-like Leopard I hope to bring people together through fashion and give people an inside perspective to what the fashion industry is all about.

LM

What is the inspiration behind your work?

LLL

I first studied fashion design in Canada and then journalism at Macley College in Sydney. I wanted to combine my two areas of study and so starting a fashion blog seemed like a natural thing to do. Well, that and I’ve been obsessed with working for a fashion magazine since I was a kid so this is like my own little magazine.

LM

Who are the people from whom you take inspiration and whom do you most admire within your industry?

LLL

I admire anyone who is willing to put in endless hours of hard work to achieve their goals and dreams. I’ve met people who start a fashion blog and then quit because it’s “too much work”. You have to be prepared for that. I love the photos that Sydney Fashion Blogger takes and JetSet Justine’s style.

LM

What do you think of today’s street fashion?

LLL

I love that more and more people are turning to their individuality instead of religiously following trends. I’ve never been one to dive into every new trend but rather incorporate a variation of trends with my personal style.

LM

What advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers?

LLL

Don’t let anyone steer you off the path of your dreams. Other people’s limitations shouldn’t affect yours.

LM

What is your advice to young women and the way they dress?

LLL

Less is more – always. But let’s make this clear: I don’t mean less clothing. I mean, there’s no way you need 5 necklaces, a sequined dress and a feather coat and full make-up on at any time (I’m cringing just thinking about that). Simplicity is key.

LM

What influence do you think social media has had on our current fashion industry and do you think it is a positive or negative influence?

LLL

Social media has a HUGE influence on the current industry. It’s amazing how many times I actually found myself at fashion week watching the show through my phone or camera screen rather than actually live because we’re always trying to get the best photo for our social media accounts. Am I right? Sometimes it’s good to just put those things away (and then find a photographer whose photos you can use instead, lol).

LM

What is your favourite social media platform?

LLL

For sure, Instagram. People are so visual nowadays. You can convey so much more in one Instagram photo sometimes than in a 250-word blog post.

LM

What age bracket do you write for?

LLL
I’d like to think that my blog appeals to people of any age group. Fashion has no limits!

LM

Why do you think that Canada has so few men’s designers?

LLL

People have this strange idea that menswear is boring. I find that to be completely the opposite of menswear. Recently I attended the first ever Men’s Fashion Week in Toronto and afterwards I told someone I had been attending menswear shows all week and they said “Oh, poor you. That must have been so dull.” I don’t know how, but we need to break free of that stigma.

LM

What do you think of the phenomenon of global fast fashion?

LLL

Fast fashion is good to an extent, but just like it’s name, it’s here one minute and then it’s gone. I would much rather invest in key pieces than be constantly buying into fast fashion.

LM

Do you rely on other fashion bloggers to spread the general word about your local fashion industry?

LLL

As a fashion blogger myself, I wouldn’t say that I strictly rely on other bloggers but it certainly doesn’t hurt to have connections with them. I will often collaborate with other fashion bloggers on joint photo shoots or giveaways and then both of us are able to reach a broader audience.

LM

Do you sometimes think fashion bloggers often look the same at events?

LLL

Oh, I would be mortified if I showed up at event looking similar to any other bloggers there! That’s where dressing for your individuality comes in handy instead of only following trends. If you’re being just you, it’ll be hard to look the same as someone else.

LM

Do you feel the industry needs to have a set of slightly older fashion bloggers to create and wider and broader space for representation of labels?

LLL

Yes! That would definitely be helpful. I feel like most of the ‘older’ fashion bloggers have moved on from blogging and work at publications now like established magazines and what not. Blogging seems like it’s left for those still trying to carve out a name for themselves.

LM

Do you think our obsession with youth and only directing fashion to the very young has created a restricted playground for global designers at large?

LLL

I haven’t noticed that too much. I think that maybe the largest target market is youth so that’s what designers are having to do but what we saw on the fall/winter runways were more mature garments that the youth were embracing. It’s all about finding a balance.

LM

How hard have you found it as an international blogger to make connections overseas?

LLL

It’s been a little easier for me since starting my blog in Sydney in 2013 to transition it over to Canada because I was born in Canada but I can see how it could be extremely difficult for others who don’t already have those roots. Australia is very far from North America (one of the reasons I moved back here) and so making regular trips to make connections can be quite taxing.

LM

Do you feel that the industry as a whole helps you to succeed or do you feel alone in your quest?

LLL

I’ve found that attending industry events and meeting other established people in the industry has been really helpful for me. I definitely don’t feel alone! There’s always someone who’s gone through what you’re going through.

LM

Why do you think so many designers have gone broke in the last 10 years? What can we do to change this?

LLL

Not doing enough research into their target market, not giving their customers what they want, and not staying current enough – there can be many reasons!

LM

How do you feel about the levels of support for the fashion industry globally?

LLL

A lot of the time it isn’t about the support that’s there, it’s about going out and finding your own support. That being said, there could definitely be more of a support system (and that’s where Label Ministry comes in!).

LM

What designers do you love in Australia? Overseas?

LLL

In Australia I’m obsessed with Zimmermann, Josh Goot and Premonition Designs. In Canada I’m loving Hilary MacMillan, Melissa Nepton and Mikhael Kale.

LM

Do you think that as a global population we dress well?

LLL

No. I think that people are getting lazier and forgetting about elegance. It doesn’t take much to bring your look up from Sunday shopping to simple sophistication. (Also, whoever invented the yoga jean should stop making fashion…)

LM

Who do you think dresses the best, men or women?

LLL

I don’t think you can say either one dresses better than the other. I’ve seen a lot of dapper men and just as many gorgeously dressed women. It really comes down to how you present yourself. You can look just as good in a pair of jeans as in a floor length gown if you know how to style it right.

LM

If you could change anything about what’s trending right now, what would that be?

LLL

Following trends too much! Where’s your individuality and creativity?

LM

What do you think about the prevalence of tattoos? Piercings? Do you think they had their day?

LLL

I was talking about this with someone the other day – how septum piercing used to be seen as very “punk” and “gothic” but now a lot of people in fashion have them and they’re seen as “fashion forward”. Isn’t that weird? I have a few piercings and tattoos but in places where they’re not blatantly obvious.

LM

If we were speaking about fashion today, do you think we are becoming more modest or less so in our self-expression?

LLL

I can only hope we’re becoming less modest in our self-expression. Fashion is like art and you need to express yourself through your clothing.

LM

Do you believe that PR companies are necessary to a designer’s success?

LLL

PR companies definitely help. If you’re good at PR all on your own, they maybe you don’t need a company representing you.

LM

What advice would you give someone moving into fashion design?

LLL

Work hard – excruciatingly hard. It’s the only way to get ahead and to get yourself noticed. And as Karl Lagerfeld said, “If you’re not willing to have an ongoing dialogue with fashion, get another job.”

LM

Who are your favourite bloggers?

LLL

Oh, of course myself, The Lady-like Leopard. Kidding! I love Always Judging in California, JetsetJustine in Toronto, and Vogue Vandal in Sydney.

 

LM

How important is the runway exposure when offering a new collection?

LLL

So important!!! A runway show isn’t just about seeing a collection. It’s about the atmosphere and experience and a more personal connection with the brand.

LM

We are looking forward to the next Label Ministry Runway show too Melina, and we totally believe in the importance of The Runway!

You can meet The Lady like Leopard yourself here.

Until next time,

Jade x