
L&T: Why did you become a fashion designer?
Nanette Lepore: I grew up in a very adventurous bohemian family. My dad is an abstract painter and my mom was the chicest kindergarten teacher in town. They encouraged my creativity and when I began to sew at a young age, they were extremely supportive. Later on, I was a Spanish major in college, toying with the idea of being a social worker, and realized that I really wanted nothing more than to design clothing. I married my husband, moved to New York to attend FIT and the rest is history.
L&T: What obstacles did you face to get where you are today?
Nanette Lepore: I started my company with a $5,000 loan from my dad. I struggled to build a business and the process happened very very slowly. Because I couldn’t afford to make mistakes, I was forced to rely on the local factories to guide my work and mentor me along the way. One big reason I’m still such a dedicated advocate for New York’s Garment Center is my appreciation for the support I received at that beginning stage of my career- it was vital to my success.
L&T: What was the inspiration behind your latest collection?
Nanette Lepore: When I was thinking about my Spring 2012 collection, I was inspired by Cybill Shepherd in The Last Picture Show and all those soft, feminine silhouettes of the 1950s. But I wanted to take that classic femininity and turn it on its ear with an exuberant palette of shocking neons. I had also seen an amazing exhibition of Olympic athletes at the Venice Biennale and wanted to infuse my collection with some of their tenacity and athleticism.
L&T: What is your favorite trend this season? Ever?
Nanette Lepore: I’m having a love affair with neon right now but usually I fall for anything that glitters…
L&T: Who is your style icon?
Nanette Lepore: My mom was the most beautiful, stylish person I’ve ever met. I also love watching my daughter Violet’s fashion sense develop.
L&T: What advice would you give an aspiring fashion designer?
Nanette Lepore: Make it in America- the opportunity is right here in New York City.
L&T: What is your favorite place to go on vacation? Favorite city?
Nanette Lepore: We take a yearly trip to Italy as a whole family. Last summer we went to the Aeolian islands off the coast of Sicily. With all those volcanoes and rocky beaches, the islands had a really primordial feel and we had blast exploring. My all time favorite city is Venice. I love getting lost there.
L&T: What is your favorite restaurant in New York?
Nanette Lepore: I love the pasta and people-watching at Bar Pitti.
L&T: What is the one item you couldn’t live without?
Nanette Lepore: Besides my daughter Violet, I can’t live without YSL mascara.
L&T: What is your favorite quote/quote you live by?
Designer Dialogue: My Dad used to tell me: “You have to push the peanut with your nose.”