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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.
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| 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.
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| 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!
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| My favorite piece of this collection |
20.
What is your favorite piece?
a.
The Cowl caplet. I think that was
definitely my favorite!
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| 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!!
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