Lawren Gabrielle McCord: How and when did you decide to pursue fashion as a career?
Simone Adams: I have always been into fashion, but I didn’t realize I could make a career out of it until I was a sophomore in college. I found out about SCAD through a basketball coach. I left Maryland and transferred to Savannah. Initially I was interested in graphic design, but my passion for fashion came up again. I wanted to see how my style translated into design — little did I know how much of a challenge it would be.
LGM: Where does your inspiration come from?
SA: It comes from culture, through the unexpected. I like to bring new fabrications together. I like finding sculptural pieces and creating a whole concept out of it. I’m also inspired by the emerging Berlin artists who are using new materials. A lot of them are architects, interior designers and product designers.
LGM: How do you view “real-world” experience and classroom education? Does one outweigh or complement the other?
SA: I am glad I got a foundation in art school where they taught the do’s and don’ts of fashion design. In whatever you do, you need a foundation. I finished SCAD Savannah and I went to work in the industry for almost 10 years before coming back to SCAD Atlanta. I have worked in New York and Los Angeles. I did internships while in school and worked as an assistant director.
LGM: How would you define your aesthetic?
SA: My design aesthetic combines minimalism and sculpture.
LGM: Is there a precise formula to creating a successful collection?
SA: Simplicity is key but it is one of the hardest achievements. You have to deconstruct, you have to build and take away. Once you start stripping elements off of it you can actually create what you intended.
LGM: How do you use the history of fashion in your practice today?
SA: I’ve gotten into Halston, the old Halston. I researched 1920’s Hollywood and what made that era so grand. I found that Dior was the first person to design a collection and look back at the past. When he did they called it a new look. Dior raised the hem line and he raised the waist line. He created things that are unexpected.
LGM: How do you view the use of the Internet and how it has made fashion accessible? What about the current blogging phenomenon?
SA: I think blogs are great! It is one of the best marketing platforms for people coming out of school, for artists starting a business and wanting to get their name out. I am trying to think of how it was before. We looked to the magazine. The only issue that I have is credibility. Who is “Ashley” writing these blogs, where are they getting this information? As far as Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist) I feel he is telling his point of view from an actual editor’s standpoint. But as long as you have followers willing to listen, you have the right to keep on blogging.
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