From the moment I saw this picture I knew I just had to get a hold of Cameron Levin. Cameron is a fashion designer here in Seattle, her newest collection Chelsea will put anyone at a loss for words when they see how elegant and feminine each piece is. I’m also partial because she uses pink in several of her pieces, my favorite color! I had the opportunity to visit with Cameron about her inspiration and collection.

MollieinSeattle
Where do you get your design inspiration?

Cameron Levin
I’m always processing ideas, but when it’s time to create a cohesive collection, I think of my prime target audience (women in their late 20’s to late 40’s), and I decide on a concept and a color palate. For the Chelsea collection, my inspiration was New York City; you’ll see a lot of motifs that reflect industrial NYC architecture and also the ballet in each piece. In general, though, a designer’s inspiration comes from everywhere– nature, world events, music, movement, etc. It’s just a matter of deciding what impacts you the most, and what idea can develop into something cohesive, sellable and beautiful.

MollieinSeattle
How would you define your city’s fashion? (Seattle)

Cameron Levin
If I had to pick one word, I guess I would say that Seattle fashion is eclectic. There really isn’t any thing that unites Seattleites in terms of style, and as a community we don’t embrace fashion “rules”– we listen to our own instincts. We have everything here– from quirky DIY indie fashion and eco-conscious clothing lines to mass manufactured, commercially successful brands.

MollieinSeattle
How do you prepare for a fashion shoot or show?

Cameron Levin
No matter how prepared I am, I usually get zero sleep before a show or shoot. There’s just so much work involved with shows– it’s extremely exhausting, from transporting all your garments to and from the venues, pressing every garment (for silk fabrics this is an absolute must and can also be very time-consuming) making final adjustments on the models, shoes, hair, make-up and whatever else– all for just a one minute show.

MollieinSeattle
How would you define the style your line exemplifies?

Cameron Levin
I like to think of my line being functional and comfortable to wear, while offering artistic touches of femininity, sophistication and uniqueness. Because I mainly use silks, my line can come across as somewhat formal, but I think some of the separates transcend day/evening wear and can be worn both casually and formally. I want my designs to stand out when a woman wears it– to always be interesting and eye-catching. I hope in a few collections, people will be able to say, “That looks like a Cameron Levin design” when they see someone wearing one of my pieces.

Thank you Cameron for taking the time to visit with me and share more about your inspiration and new collection! I know that I find every piece in the Chelsea collection to be impeccable and striking. If you want to keep up with Cameron and her designs check out her website and follow her on Twitter!