#rockuniform

Meet one of our project:design! 2013 finalists, abaya DAKE. 

Interview with Designer Suzanne Lay

by Dwight Carter

RU:When did you decide in life that you wanted to be a designer? 

SL: My mother taught me to sew when I was 8 years old.  I’ve been sewing ever since making clothes for myself and my friends.  It’s what I love to do , my passion.  It only made since to make it a career…to do what I love.

RU:Please describe the evolution of your designs. How have they changed from the beginning to the middle to the current collection? 

SL:When I first started I did mostly knits and the clothes seemed aimed for a younger crowd.  Because that is who I was at the time.  Since I’ve started I have had 3 three kids and I’ve grown up quite a bit…I don’t go out and dance the night away like I used to…so I guess I can say my designs/look/vibe has grown up with me.  My lady is more sophisticate and chic now…more glamorous.

  RU: Are there different collections within Suzanne Lay? 

SL: My main line is Suzanne Lay…I branch out on other projects but my main clothing line right now is Suzanne Lay.

RU:  What do you think of the Midwest and its Fashion trends, designers and boutiques? 

SL: We have quite the eclectic bunch in STL.  I think that there is a little bit of everything here which is great…we have a lot to offer, and that seems to be getting noticed.

RU: What do you think of St. Louis specifically? Designers? STLFW? Project:Design! ? 

SL: There is a lot of talent here…the talent pull grows every year.  I’ve been around since 2008 and I love seeing the new designers emerge every season.  I haven’t really focused on STL until now…there is a good base here and it’s amazing to have support from your local boutiques and events.  Being a part of the events like STLFW, RAW and Project Design help to get a good foundation locally that kind of support is needed when you are trying to get noticed.

RU: How do you balance being a Mom, wife and designer?

SL: LOL I don’t know really.  It’s hard I have days where I feel like I am pulled in about a thousand different directions all at once….but I love it too.  I live off little sleep and lots of caffeine.  But it’s my passion I love what I do.  I really do have the best of both worlds I have my family and I get to do what I love.  I didn’t sacrifice one dream for the other.  I always wanted to have a family and be a fashion designer too.  God blessed be with both.  That is something that I don’t take advantage of…not a lot of people can say that they have it all…but I truly do and I feel very blessed.

  RU: Who is your favorite designer? 

SL: Stacey Bendet of A+O I’m slightly obsessed LOL…but she’s a mom too and making it work on the level that I want to be at someday so I find her inspirational.

RU: What fashion magazines are you reading currently? 

SL: Marie Claire, Vogue, Style

  RU: You are specifically a women’s designer but have you ever designed anything for a man? Your husband perhaps? 

SL: The request has been made many times J….I will do Men’s wear in the near future…Hopefully sooner than later.

RU: What does 2013 look like for you? 

SL: Things are getting crazy for us.  We will have a location out of my house soon J, getting Spring 13 into boutiques, designing fall 2013 which we are showing at RAW on Feb 21 2013, designing Spring 2014.  Making the transition of growing our business from two collections a year to four. Possibly making another appearance at Phoenix Fashion Week in Sept…trunk shows…just staying busy constantly and growing our business as much as we can.

RU: What do you do when not designing? 

SL: I play soccer mom driving the kiddos to school, swim, soccer or any other activities that they have.  I love to sleep and read I do that whenever I get the chance

  RU: What is your favorite time of the year? 

SL: I would say Spring and Fall I love the color changes that happen. Reminds me that our lives, our world is constantly changing…anything is possible.

RU: If you could describe Suzanne Lay as a designer in three words, what would they be?