Darling designer Erika Viereck creates her line, Black Heart Bunny, printed lovingly by hand in Southern California. She also totally digs Amy Sedaris:
If I hadn’t taken up design, I would be a comedic writer. I really admire funny women. Especially Amy Sedaris. She’s pretty, she bakes, she writes, she’s never afraid of being goofy, and she always makes me laugh! I really want to be her when I grow up!
Hey Amy! Are you out there, we love to introduce you two…!
Shop Erika’s darling boutique, read her blog, follow her on Twitter, and learn more about her in this interview below.
Darlings: How old were you when you started getting involved in fashion design or the fashion world in general?
Erika: I started to hone in on fashion in high school. I realized that fashion could be used as a form of visual communication, and this is especially true among subcultures. In the 60’s “Street Wear” was born as the youth used they way they dressed to distinguish themselves from the generations before them. Punks in the 70’s use it as a way to declare their rebellion as well. Fashion can be a combination of art and function. Fashion for me was not only a fun form self expression but aspects of it also felt very empowering as well.
Darlings: When did you start your own line of clothing?
Erika: In 2005.
Darlings: Where did the name ‘Black Heart Bunny’ come from?
Erika: Naming my line was a lot like writing the shortest poem ever, setting the tone of my line in as few as words as possible and with a splash of alliteration.
Darlings: What influences your work?
Erika: This is a difficult question to answer as it seems every aspect of my life seems to influence my work in one way or another. I enjoy finding beauty in the smallest things like the colors of oxidation on a pipe. However, art is a big source of influence. The beautiful thing about art is that builds upon itself. Like listening to a great song might inspire a painting or even a fashion piece and maybe vice versa.
Darlings: Can you describe your personal style? Does your work reflect that style?
Erika: My wardrobe is a bit eclectic. I enjoy mixing elegant and feminine pieces with something that has a bit of edge, and basics with things that are a bit more fashion forward. I love combining colors in unexpected ways as well. I feel that even the most mundane task can be elevated if you’re wearing something fantastic while doing it.
I definitively incorporate these ideas into my line. I want people to feel comfortable in Black Heart Bunny clothing both on a physical and personal level. There are plenty of casual of clothes out there, but there aren’t many I would feel comfortable wearing. Black Heart Bunny pieces are easy to wear and can be dressed up or down depending on what your needs are.
Darlings: What does your average day entail?
Erika: I devote my days to running Black Heart Bunny and nurturing the line so it will grow.
Darlings: What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t designing?
Erika: I love being creative in different ways. I am a bit of a foodie so I love finding great places to eat and creating new recipes. I love to create dishes that look as good as they taste. I also really love spending time with people I love.
Darlings: Who is your favorite and/or most influential designer, and why?
Erika: Vivienne Westwood. She is a fashion designer but she was part of a movement, the punk movement of the 70’s. She is a provocative figure, but her enduring success proves her talent as a designer. I truly admire her boldness.
Darlings: How does it feel to see models hit the runway in your work?
Erika: I haven’t actually seen the models on the runway from the audience perspective. I’m usually behind the scenes making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible and even then there are somethings that just can’t be helped. Putting on a fashion show is a lot of hard work. It takes many days of preparation and a strong team to put on a really great one. Usually when its over I’m just relieved I get to go home and rest. I appreciate the experience after its over.
Darlings: Do you have any events that you are getting ready for in the near future?
Erika: Yes! I’m currently working on finishing up pieces for a look book shoot that is scheduled for next month. Trish introduced me to fantastic photographer Kevan Christine and I’m really looking forward to working with her.
Darlings: Tell us about something you LOVE that you want others to know about.
Erika: If you find yourself in the Los Angeles area you should make a point to stop by the Museum of Jurassic Technology. Not only is it an amazing space, it is a very thought provoking place.
Darlings: Is there anyone in the Smashing Darling community you have a question or comment for?
Erika: I admire they way the ladies of Smashing Darling support their designers. Thank you Darlings!
