Special Updates

This is it! Tonight I go on trial for murder. No, i didn't do it, I am going to court for Mock Trial (not real court). I play the defendant. I will post photos on here in a separate post probably tomorrow.

I also have my first job interview with Barbizon Modeling Agency coming up this Saturday. So soon, you may see me on the cover of a major magazine. I chose to go into this because I want to bring some diversity to the "one size" world of modeling.

Designer, Creative Director, Hairdresser, Oh My!

Contact Gunnar

Email: deatheragedesigns@gmail.com

Website: www.gunnardeatherage.com

Interview

1.      Hello Gunnar! Could you start by telling me a bit about yourself?

a.       Hello!  This is a complex question, haha but I’ll start with the basics! I am freshly 25, and thoroughly enjoying the ride of my early 20’s. I live in Louisville, and work for a philanthropy and arts magazine here. I also travel out frequently doing styling and set design for photoshoots, and performances. I am as much of a stylist as I am a fashion designer. I think if you can design one thing you can expand that into a lot of industries, which is important for an artist in this day and age. Versatility is key!

2.      What made you interested in fashion?

a.       I think it started with being in show choir in high school. I was enamored at the dresses the girls would wear. My grandmother is also an avid sewer, so I grew up being able to be as crafty as I pleased.

3.      What/who inspires you?

a.       Life in general! Beautiful landscapes, long drives, other artist work, my friends, music, pretty much anything. I think I can draw inspiration from multiple things.

4.      What is your favorite fabric to work with? 

a.       I sincerely love working with Wool. I like a good fabric with structure.

5.      Who is your favorite designer?

a.       Aesthetically, I love Chanel. I love the timeless class and the modernity that is brought by Karl Lagerfeld’s vision; however I would say that I personally am more fond of Rick Owens, or Anne Demeulemeester.

6.      Do you have any trademark things you do to your garments that lets people know "I am Gunnar Deatherage"? If so, what do you do?

a.       I think majority of what I do has clean lines to it. I wouldn’t say I have a signature trademark. Every collection I make is an evolution of myself as an artist, and I love to try new techniques with every piece I make. Designing is a constant learning experience.

7.      Michael Kors or Zac Posen?

a.       Zac Posen.

8.      How was your time on Project Runway?

a.       Hectic, exhilarating, stressful, rewarding, vulnerable, and an overall success for myself personally. I don’t regret a thing. I had a ton of fun!

9.      How is “Project Runway” different from “Project Runway: All Stars?”

a.       Honestly, the time we get to sew is shorter, the challenges are harder, and the designers you are competing with are really really good! It was definitely something that made me feel like I had to majorly up my ante. 

10.  Do you think you’ve improved from your time on the show?

a.       Of course. I think every step you take needs to be a better version of your previous self.

11.  Who is your girl?

a.       I think my girl is femme, sporty, and chic. I love to mix in a lot of elements in each collection. I think that some collections lean heavier towards one aesthetic, but that varies with each one.

12.  Do think you’re ahead of the game because you’re a hairdresser, makeup artist AND a designer?

a.       I wouldn’t say ahead of the game, but I definitely think I have an advantage. I have tried to make myself a well rounded artist. I have the carpentry skills to build sets, the eye to style, the technique to sew, the patience to do hair and makeup, and the drive to pursue all.

13.  What kind of makeup looks do you like?

a.       That really depends on the look. Sometimes I want a dark eye and a dark lip, and sometimes no makeup at all. It all depends on the collection or photoshoot.

14.  Is there anything you hope will change in the future of fashion?

a.       Yes! The independent designers need a voice. Even with fashion shows, it’s hard to get a buyers attention. If you aren’t in the top percentile of funded designers, it’s hard to make money, and really for any artist it is a struggle to make money in this economy. So yes, I want more support for the smaller up and coming artists.

15.  You have a relatively new collection called “destination: HYDRA.” How did you think of the name?

a.       Hydra is a large moon circulating the planet Hydra. Really the whole collection came about from a song called “to Pluto’s moon,” and I love the concept of using something as beautiful as space for a collection.

16.  Who is the “HYDRA” girl?

a.       She is daring, confident, and a risk taker. The collection wasn’t designed for those who play it safe.

My personal favorite piece of this collection

17.  Do you have a favorite piece of the collection?

a.       The Aura dress was probably my favorite. The way the side peplums moved when she walked, and all of the hand sequining was definitely a touch I wanted to feature.

Designer Pick: "Aura"

18.  You also had a ready to wear line coming out simultaneously, what is the name of it?

a.       I simply called it my Ready to wear line it was simple clothing, clean silhouettes, comfortable fabric, and organic feeling colors. I really loved this line, and it actually sold out in just a few days!

19.  Who is that girl?

a.       Any girl. That was a collection I didn’t want to limit to one client. I wanted anyone to be able to own a piece from that collection!

My favorite piece of this collection

20.  What is your favorite piece?

a.       The Cowl caplet. I think that was definitely my favorite!

Designer Pick: Brown Capelet

21.  Is there anything coming up in the future?

a.       SO much! I am working on fashion shows and lots of travel for me this year! I’m really liking the way 2015 is shaping up for me!

22.  Do you have any advice for the next generation of fashion?

a.       Be You! It’s so easy to modify your aesthetic to industry standards. I do think it is important to consider the client when it comes to finances, but finding the balance is key. Also, network! Social media is your friend, take advantage of it!!

366 Days

That's right everyone! Yesterday marked the ONE YEAR anniversary of the blog! I got two "happy blog anniversary" wishes from my mom and my dearest childhood friend (you may see him on here in the future!) So I thank you over 860 readers for either coming or returning every time to read what happens! As I advance in my blogging journey, I just wish for a couple of things...

• If you can figure out how to do it, Please actually follow me. It'll be much easier on both of us.
• COMMENT! I want to get to know who is reading this blog!

My email is: justateenagefashionista@outlook.com  Email me with any comments, blog ideas, or just say hello! 

I want this blog to be one big family of fashionably advanced people.
check out my new project justateenagemakeupartist.blogspot.com to see makeup looks, from day to night to costume! my email for that blog is justateenagemakeupartist@outlook.com

Email me there as well to do the same things, and email me if you're in the field of beauty.


Thank you ALL for reading this, and see you next week!

Lilly Pulitzer for Target- is it all equal?

Mark your calendars and get your money out, Lilly Pulitzer is coming to Target! The summery resort wear is coming some time in April. The main collection consists of 250 pieces ranging from $2-$150. The clothes will come in a normal XS-XL size, and a plus size. Unfortunately, the plus size is only being sold online. This is irritating to me because I feel like a freak that exists, but can't be seen in public. The plus size should be sold in stores, and online. Fellow plus-size blogger Sarah Conley said “They’re really saying we only want 40% of customers to be seen in store.” the Senior VP of Target, Stacia Anderson even said "she wants this particular collaboration to be inclusive of people of all sizes," Plus size girls are getting the short end of the stick. I want to get the experience of going into my local Target and buying a piece of this collection. 

Lilly Pulitzer for Target ad.

Lilly Pulitzer Shorts

Lilly Pulitzer for Target shoes

Lilly Pulitzer quote with some of her eccentric patterns.

This collection (yet again) looks enticing, but it's going to be a struggle looking for clothes. Lilly is probably rolling in her grave over this petty decision.

New Year, New Blog

With the new year well past us, I would like to make some belated resolutions.

• Post every sunday
• get a schedule together
• Incorporate more photos
• This is a style blog, let's bring in more actual style
• Incorporate more things in here
• Beauty, Hair, Style

If there is anything else I should add, email me at justateenagefashionista@outlook.com or comment below. Thanks!

The new KORE trend?

Contact Bert

Facebook: Bert Keeter Fashion World https://www.facebook.com/bertkeeterfw

Twitter: @bert_Keeter https://twitter.com/bert_keeter

Website: www.bertkeeter.com

Instagram: @bertkeeter

Google Plus: +Bert Keeter Fashion World 

Email: bertkeeter@me.com

The Interview

1)       Hello Bert! Could you start by telling me a bit about yourself?

a)        About Bert? How much time do you have? I was raised in Northern Va by my British (from London) mother, Iris, along with my sister, stepfather and maternal grandparents.  Jumping forward I turned a remarkable 61 years old Nov. 17th.  Even more remarkable I am just over 6 years sober. Life is good!

2)       When did you know that you would become a designer?

a)        All during my elementary and high school years it as my interest in history and love of art that kept me engaged in learning about the world I was born into. In my senior year  of high school one day my art teacher noticed me doodling small fashion croquis / sketches.  She mentioned that maybe I should look into attending a fashion design school, knowing I did not have the interests or aptitude for a traditional education. It had never occurred to  me to consider fashion design as a career path up until that moment. After graduation, I took a year off before applying to the University of Richmond's Art School and Parsons School for Design in NYC. I was accepted at both… I think it took me ONE SECOND to decide between Parson's and the thought of moving to NYC over UVA and Richmond.

3)       Who did you first design for?

a)        Upon graduation from Parsons I moved to LA with my partner John. LA back in 1977 was not the fashion hub it is today. It was basically manufacturers like LEVIS and other nameless companies.  I had attended the Coty Awards (predesser to the CFDA)  in NYC just before I moved to LA, where I saw the runaway show of LA designer Holly Harp. She did high fashion, but with a contemporary quirky side to it. Anyway I walked into her LA studio one day and asked if I could work for her. She had never had an assistant designer before and wasn't all that eager to start. I offered to work for her for free… maybe just buy my lunch every day, until she could see if it would work out between us. She agreed and after about a month or so of working just for my lunch she hired me on full time. Holly was an awesome human and great mentor. On my first trip to NYC with her and the collection, we showed at the Plaza Hotel, one morning she announced that she thought since we were half way to europe already, that we should just make the rest of the trip. And there we were off to Paris, Rome, Florence and Milan for 2 weeks. It was this on  trip that one night at a restaurant / nightclub n PARIS I came within arms length of my Fashion Idol of all time, Yves St Laurent. For me, just of of school on my first trip to Paris it was like seeing god.

     I stayed with Holly about 1 1/2 years until one day I received a telegram (yes  that's how long ago it was) from another fashion idol of mine, Bill Blass, who offered me a job with him in NYC! 

4)       Who are your style inspirations?

a)        "Fashion Fades, Style is Eternal" a quote from YSL. This is what I feel defines a great designer; developing, evolving and staying true to ones style. Designers I admired that are no longer with us; Balenciaga, Dior, Halston (whom I worked for from 1985-1990). Sadly, today,  none of these houses have the slightest in common with their original style or level of esthetic. 

     Living designers I admire, Albert Kremler… head designer for AKRIS. Donna Karan, has stuck to her guns over the last few decades. Lastly the two designers for Valentino…although I wish they would inject a little sexy glamour into their collections. 

5)       Who is your favorite designer?

a)        HALSTON… The original man and concept. Not the cheap crap under the label today.

6)       Just out of curiosity, Michael Kors or Zac Posen?

a)        KORS

7)       Do you have any trademark things you do to your garments that lets people know "I am Bert Keeter"? If so, what do you do?

a)        Trademark? Wearability, simplicity, lack of gimmicks. Clean, flattering lines and luxurious fabrics.

8)       How was your time on Project Runway?

a)        Project Runway was a 100% amazing experience. I went in really having only watched maybe 1 1/2 episodes in total. The format, challenges threw me at first…. I didn't realize I'd be making fashion out of  my boxer shorts and pet supplies.  It was extremely physically and mentally exhausting…after the 2nd or 3rd week  of filming time really ceases to exist…you just get up and go, go go  all day…The Heidi sneaker challenge we were "on camera " for over 24 hours straight.

9)       Do you think your aesthetic has changed after your time on "Project Runway"? If so, how?

a)        When I came home to design and create my decoy collection for the Mercedes Benz Fashion PR finale event…at first I tried to design along the lines of the critiques I had been exposed to on the show. be more editorial, my designs were too simple, they needed to be more this or that. After two weeks of struggling to accommodate these elements into my collection I realized I could not stand behind that concept. I started over, designing 10 looks that really speak to who I am as a designer, clean, sleek wearable style that let you focus on the woman wearing them first then the clothes.

      Later on FB and other social media I began to receive posts and comments from viewers all around the world who admired my style and collections for what they stood for, clothes that were modern but classic, simple but sophisticated. These remarks definitely gave me the confidence sand reassurance that I had a voice in my designs that people understood and appreciated. 

10)   Have you ever had a moment at a show where you were like “holy crap, I did THAT?”

a)        The Stilt Walker challenge is my only true regret on Season 9. My team mate was dead set on what we should design. and wouldn't budge. Since I had already been tagged as Bertzilla by several of my fellow designers, I felt it was not worth the battle to convince him to reconsider anything other than what he wanted us to make. It was a disaster, he didn't know the difference between Queen Elizabeth the 1st or Queen Victoria. Our look wound up resembling a barmaid at a Renaissance Fair. Really HORRIBLE!

11)   Who is your girl? (Who do you design for? The sporty girl? The business woman?)

a)        I like to think the woman who wear my designs is not a slave to trends and designer logos but one that looks at each piece she owns as an investment of not only her money but her time. She wants a wardrobe that will evolve with her as her lifestyle evolves…. a source that she can come back to season after season.

12)   The media obviously knows about designing for Allison Janney, how was it?

a)        I met Allison through two friends as a direct result of being on PR. They are also close friends of Allison's and suggested we meet with the possibility of designing a gown for the 2014 EMMYS for her  nomination in MASTERS of SEX. She is a spectacular person, totally down to earth and void of any pretense or star  BS. After our first meeting at her home I felt like I had known her for ever. She is 100 real…plus she has a killer body, all 6' of her!  I designed two dresses, a sleek black matte jersey sleeveless gown banded in platinum matte jersey for the Emmys, which she won and a short black wool crepe cocktail dress studded with Swarovski crystals that she wore to the Variety "WOMEN in FILM " awards. I am hopeful that more will follow.

13)   Other than her, have you designed for any other celebrities/People of a higher power?

a)        Patti Lupone when I was at Halston, for the Tony awards and her wedding gown. A dress for Hallie Berry in 2014. Julie Bowen who actually contacted me after PR on FB. Unfortunately she is not as accessible as Allison…I never was able to meet her or be present to fit the gown…after several mis-steps, lack of communication from her camp etc I gave up. Being it's a small world, I met one of her wardrobe dressers about 6 months later. I told her of my experience.  She informed me that of all the celebrities she has worked with JB is the most difficult. Oh well…at least it wasn't all my fault!

14)   So, you are designing a new collection called "KORE", why did you name it KORE/What is the meaning of KORE?

a)        Bert Keeter / KORE was created for the American career woman that needs the modern, sleek fashion that will compliment her at work and in her personal life. The word "KORE", derived from ancient greek is used to identify a particular type of sculpture; a female statue, independent, freely standing, not supported by any other means. This is how I see the KORE woman; independent, standing on an equal level with her contemporaries in the business world

15)   Who is the KORE girl?

a)        I see the KORE collection attracting women who appreciate its approach to modern wardrobe building for designs that will compliment them at work and in private events.

16)   What will we be seeing from you in the future?

a)        Besides the Bert Keeter / KORE and the Bert Keeter Collection, I am working on a very exciting reality show concept that will travel the world in search of fashion inspiration.

17)   Do you think you can start a new trend? (Coco had the LBD, DvF had the wrap dress)

a)        The Bert Keeter Trend? Buy less and curate the best pieces to keep and enjoy for years!

18)   Do you have any words of wisdom for the next generation of designers?

a)        The FASHION BUSINESS today is probably one of the most competitive and overstocked career choices out there. In order to succeed to build a designer label you must  have a reason why a customer would choose your collection over the dozens or more that are available…not just once but time and time again, season after season. Stay true to yourself…evolve and perfect your product as you evolve.  And if this doesn't interest then  just design a bunch of EDITORIAL  crap for magazine covers and red carpets…. and then sell out to TARGET and become a star on QVC!