This week we are interviewing Lisa Bakoledis-Welch. She is the fabulous designer for the children’s line Georgia Eve. She wants to teach our young girls [and their moms] to want to express themselves with their clothing. Wearing what they like rather than always following the crowd. Let’s hear a shout out for that! She is helping to inspire the next generation of shoppers that will be hooked on Smashing Darling! She is helping to teach this new generation the importance of being yourself.
Autumn Leaves Pant Set
SD: How did you end up in the fashion industy?
LB: I learned how to sew at a very young age from my mother and grandmother. I would always get so excited to go with my grandmother to purchase fabric for make something new. I still get that same feeling! The love of fashion has always been a part of me.
SD: Where and what did you study?
LB: I studied at a vocational school in New York City called Traphagen School of Fashion. It was a small trade school in Gramercy Park. I studied with the best instructors that I still think about today. If I could do it all over again, I would- exactly the same!
SD: What was your first job?
LB: My first real job was for a designer near my hometown. I was hired as a pattern maker and seamstress for her retail business. It was a very successful business that was growing so I was utilized in many ways. I became a store manager, buyer and fashion show producer. It was an exciting place to be right out of school.
SD: What inspired the name for your line?
LB: The name of my line, “Georgia Eve” is named after my only daughter Georgia Eve. The name is perfect for her and so perfect for my children’s designs. (Her 2 brothers don’t seem to mind!) You really can see her personality in many pieces.
SD: What inspires your designs?
LB: My daughter inspires me a great deal. But, fabric, I think is the biggest inspiration. I love color! Coming across a new shade of velvet or accidentally putting 2 fabrics next to each other that were not intended to go together and having them work is very inspiring. Sometimes I can just play with fabrics for hours. I can create an idea just on having two textures come together unexpectedly. The surprises that happen along the way are really the best inspiration.
SD: What is your design process?
LB: The design process starts almost always because of the fabric. There are outside influences such as people, the weather, or the need for a specific outcome. The process may be sparked by just the color or texture that screams jacket or skirt. The texture may be the starting point or the drape of a fabric, for the perfect pant. A pattern is developed and first sample is made. I almost always work in the actual fabric that the garment will be finished in so I can really see if it is what I intended is working. Then I fit the piece on a real model (Georgia of course)! Sometimes it ends up being one of a kind. Sometimes I’ll make the garment in a few sizes.
SD: Describe your philosophy behind your designs?
LB: My philosophy behind my designs is that the garment be made well, fit well and be especially comfortable for kids -yet highly styled. I design many pant sets that are dressy so that little girls look great fancy and dressed up but not stuck in a stiff party dress or want to change into jeans right after the relatives get a picture. Many times my dresses have a slightly larger armhole for mobility and comfort. I’m not scared to use synthetic fabrics. If I like the fabric’s hand and the fabric works, then I use it. I’m not ashamed if it’s polyester or a “blend”. It’s important to have as many designs as possible be washable when working with kids. I hate the idea that someone buys an outfit for one occasion and puts it in the closet for fear of ruining it. That’s senseless.
SD: What does your average day entail?
LB: Oh my! My day is so far from typical and to most, it would seem quite ridiculous! I have 3 children from ages 4-8. I do have a workroom in my home so that does make things a little easier than going off to work. My morning is all about getting my family out the door for school. I find my youngest would rather spin on my work chair and bombard me with questions rather than watch TV when he is home. It is difficult to get interrupted a lot but somehow things get done. I do many hours of work when everyone is sleeping.
SD: If you knew then (before you started your business) what you know now, what would you do differently?
LB: I really wish I had started doing “my own thing” when I was younger -before kids. I spent many years in retail and part of me regrets that. I truly believe things happen for a reason though. I’m thankful for my Georgia Eve! And I’m thankful for the little time between soccer, dancing and scouts that I get to do what I love!!
SD: In your opinion what is the best and worst current fashion trend in children’s fashion?
LB: I think the worst fashion trend right now (I hate to say it) is screened tees. I often think the patterns reflect ideas and designs that are more fitted for teens than little girls and are worn for shock value sometimes. Don’t get me wrong – we own some. I personally like to see a bit more structure to garments.
Hopefully this is not a trend… I love the ladies look for little girls. The tunic tops, drapey fuller tops in dark colors, gray, browns, black. Bold patterns being used. The fact that mainstream has embraced patterns and more patterns all working together is great. I love to see a girl’s personality come out in her clothing you can’t do that with a tee. It’s not showing off. It’s knowing who she is and being comfortable. So many days I want to scream when I see what my daughter goes to school in! I let her go because she picked it out and likes it.
SD: What do you think the hardest aspect of your industry is?
LB: The hardest aspect right now (for me) is finding clients that share my taste and style and desire something different than what the chain stores can offer. I know I am where I should be –Smashing Darling!! It’s just the beginning!
SD: Do you have any events you are getting ready for in the near future?
LB: I am preparing for an annual fund raising art show this November. I have planned the show now for 6 years but have only shown my things for 2 years. This art show really got the ball rolling for me. I haven’t stopped since exhibiting three years ago.
SD: If there was one person on Smashing Darling you were curious about questioning…who would it be and what would you ask them?
LB: I don’t have a question but I admire sooo many artists at SD. I just love Anne Pasquale’s hats!!!
