Never stop challenging yourself – an interview with designer Lindsey Carter
Lindsey Carter is proof positive that hard work, determination and experience pays off.
Designing her own prom dresses in high school is just the beginning. After finishing a psychology degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lindsey spent two years at the Fashion Institute of Technology achieving an Associate of Applied Science Degree in fashion design. While at FIT, Lindsey interned with L.A.M.B., White + Warren and T21 by Elie Tahari. This valuable experience and education led her to a designer position for Madewell, a J. Crew Group brand. She spent 2 1/2 years with the company before giving up the corporate life in NYC to move to Charleston with her fiance. It was then that she delved into the entrepreneurial world and co-founded the golf and resort wear line, Carter Humphrey in 2006.
Carter Humphrey was key in preparing her for what she absolutely loves to do – designing a ready-to-wear dress line. Premiering at Charleston Fashion Week this past March, Lindsey’s solo line, Troubadour, won her a finalist slot in the Emerging Designers Competition. Her website describes Troubadour as a line that “exudes edgy inspiration and the energy of the cultured young woman intent on supplementing her sophistication with ever-unique character.” I couldn’t have put it any more perfect!
Check out the interview below to find out what inspires Lindsey and her advice for anyone looking to break into the design industry.
Mackenzie Image Consulting (MIC): Where does the name Troubadour come from and what inspired you to name your solo collection after it?
Lindsey Carter (LC): Troubadour is a word from the 17th century to describe a musician who traveled around and played music. For me it signified gaining inspiration from the places and things during time and travel. The clothing line is based off this notion, with inspiration coming from different time periods and places.
MIC: What time period/travels inspired the Fall 2009 Troubadour line that was showcased in this year’s Charleston Fashion Week?
LC: The line I showed during CFW this year was based off the late 1970’s and the beginning of punk rock America. My inspiration stemmed from the show, TV Party with Glenn O’Brien, think CBGB’s club and Debbie Harry. The line has a very edgy look to it but is still elegant and sophisticated.
MIC: And your next line … what’s that based off of?
LC: The Spring/Summer 2010 line inspired by the photographer Neil Krug, I loved his use of new film made to look like old polaroids. It will carry some similar silhouettes to the previous line but there will be more colors – vibrant blues and greens. It will be viewable on the website later this summer for buyers.
MIC: What is the biggest thing you’ve learned from co-founding Carter Humphrey in regards to starting up your solo Troubadour line?
LC: I’ve learned a lot throughout the past couple years with that line but the biggest thing I learned from Carter Humphrey was not to overbuy. We bought too many skus to cut down on overall CMT costs ad that’s one thing I won’t repeat. At the time, when I started Carter Humphrey, I felt like I had a really good basis; that I was in a good position. I truly believe that sometimes you just have to trip over your feet a little while before you can stand your ground.
MIC: Was it a little scary to make the transition from NY, working for an established company, to going into business for yourself and designing your own line?
LC: It was a little scary being out from under a corporate umbrella in NY and then deciding to start my solo line, especially in this economy. But I know there’s got to be an upswing. The economy might not be what it was before and it’s going to be hard for awhile, but eventually it will get easier. Again, I felt I had a good basis and background to move forward on my own and had made some good contacts which helped.
MIC: What keeps you motivated, especially in a rough economy?
LC: The simple fact that I’m doing what I love. I try not to think about everything going on with the economy and how bad it is. I’m always constantly learning and moving forward. It’s all about a challenge. I encourage anyone designing to challenge what they are doing, whether it’s prints, silhouettes or coming up with your own design challenges. Doing so is what constantly keeps me evolving as a designer and it’s definitely important to constantly be evolving.
MIC: Any specific advice for those who are looking to get into apparel design?
LC: There are a lot of people that think designing is a glamorous industry. It’s important for young designers to know that glam is less than 1% of the industry. Be aware of that. Designing is a career. Ninety-nine percent of this is really hard grunt work. It’s also important to have an eye for proportion and be comfortable with measurements and numbers. Get the experience. Go to design school, get a job and intern. Don’t be scared to do it. Follow your passion and your dream – jump right in.
MIC: How about some advice on how to cultivate a personal style?
LC: I think it’s good to look through magazines and pick things out that work for you. That doesn’t mean you have to buy high end. You can mimic the looks by seeing what works together and for your body type. Also, if you find something that works, stick with it. Know your flattering points and know your unflattering points.
MIC: Where do you see yourself in five years?
LC: In five years, I look forward to having the Troubadour line in boutiques nationally.
Check out the troubadour website as well as Carter Humphrey to view her lines. If you’re a Twitterer, follow Lindsey as she tweats!
Click the photo below for the full album of our interview with Lindsey.
-Shauna
Charleston, SC
Related posts:
- “Have the guts to be you.” -Interview from local fashion designer, Julie Wheat My closest friends and family know the soft spot...
- Growing success from a yellow dress – Interview with local designer, Sarah Acker Sarah Acker has always loved to make clothes but who...
- Toss your hat into the ring and take a chance — an interview with Top Hat Lady, Archie Burkel You know those magnetic individuals who light up the room...
- From Awkward to Assured — Interview with Project Runway finalist, Carol Hannah Whitfield “Awkward doesn’t even begin to explain myself during childhood...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
1 Comment(s)
Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI
Leave a comment
[...] us to find our inner power and to dress “powerfully”: Shauna Heathman presents Never stop challenging yourself – an interview with designer Lindsey Carter and Business attire for Inverted Triangle posted at Mackenzie’s Blog. Noemia comes up with a [...]