Interview with Michelle Taylor from Tallulah Love

FashionZest got a chance to interview Michelle Taylor from Tallulah Love. Michelle, who is Managing and Creative Director of Tallulah Love Luxury Lingerie, has ten years of experience in the lingerie industry and she is the former design director or Playboy Intimates. Tallulah Love is due to launch the fabulous and newly formed brand at the Paris lingerie show, Salon de International de la lingerie, this month. The lingerie line is elegant and contemporary with a touch of vintage. FashionZest were very excited to hear more about this new brand and the creator.

Jenny: How did you get into fashion design?
Michelle: I have always loved art, drawing and design. I went to Art college after school and realised that I enjoyed graphics and fashion…. I then did a degree in Fashion Marketing at the University of Northumbria at Newcastle (uk). This gave me a great grounding for my future career and enabled me to see all sides of the fashion industry. Helping me realise that the design area was the one where I had the most passion and skill.

Jenny: Why did you choose to design lingerie?
Michelle: Initially just after university a friend of mine was working for one of the largest suppliers to Marks and Spencer…a junior position came up and I went for interview. I love working with laces/fine fabrics and find it a challenge to keep creating new exciting design on something which is so small scale. Trends are still important in lingerie yet not so directly linked as outerwear. I love expressing my creative self through fabrics and colour.

Jenny: How would you describe the style of your fashion design?
Michelle: My style is very detail orientated and draws on historical/vintage references. I like to combine unusual prints/colours/fabrics to create something different though over the last few years have realised that making something commercial and marketable is obviously also very important.

Jenny: What inspires your design?
Michelle: I get so excited by colour and can design a lingerie set having been inspired by the colours on a decaying door/building on holiday in Morocco or from amazing interiors in a fabulous new hotel. People on the street inspire me…especially around London city when I go down adn visit. I love seeing how people put things together in their own way.

Jenny: How do you want women to feel when they are wearing Tallulah Love labeled clothing?
Michelle: When women wear Tallulah Love Lingerie and want them to feel elegant, sexy and sophisticated. I think Tallulah Love Luxury Lingerie can create a quiet confidence.

Jenny: What do you hope to achieve with the label?
Michelle: Short-term I hope that the brand will be well received in Paris and throughout Europe at the Salon International Lingerie. We will be looking for select stockists in the US aswell. Eventually we would like to open our own Tallulah Love boutiques that will sell not only lingerie but at some point swim-wear, interiors and lounge wear.

Jenny: What advice do you have for a young woman who wants to become a fashion designer?
Michelle: My advice would be to work hard, be very enthusiastic and always believe in your abilities.
Never give up and always be open to take on work experience. Many designers are lloking for enthusiastic young people to help them in the early stages and this can be a great experience for a young designer. Be proactive..email/call local design offices and offer your services…always be yourself, friendly and reliable.

Jenny: If you could choose to work with/for any fashion designer in the world, who would it be and why?
Michelle: I would love to work with Chantal Thomas as her lingerie is absolutely stunning. I love her whole brand and the way she manages to evolve with the decades while keeping things looking exciting, fresh and modern. I would love one day to have a collaboration!

Jenny: What are you working on at the moment?
Michelle: Im working on my 2010/2011 winter collection. They are all made of silk and printed with my own prints that I have designed exclusively for the collection. I am working with a fabulous factory and am waiting for my photo shoot samples to come in later this week. Im also organising the photo-shoot and sourcing models for it!! My photographer that I use is sooo talented. She’s one of the best in UK. Her name is Lara Jade…we have a similar idea about styling and colour and light and so I am soo excited to work with her again.

Jenny: What would be the one fashion tip you would give to a friend?
Michelle: As fashion tips go I would always say..wear what is great for your body shape not just what is “in fashion” then use accessories and nice lingerie to finish your look.
Never be afraid to experiment with colour!

Jenny: What current fashion trends do you like and dislike the most at the moment?
Michelle: I love the whole vintage look that Dior worked on the Runways earlier this year…the large petticoat skirts and little pale pink/peach basques etc. Love anything romantic/feminine. Also loving all the very fitted tailoring though too!!
Don’t like the whole ’80’s vibe, I know its a strong trend however it doesn’t work for me!!!;-)

Jenny: Do you sell your pieces? If so, where can people buy your stuff?
Michelle: We will begin selling our range from mid January this year through our Website….www.tallulahlove.com. The range will also be available from luxury boutiques and select department stores from February 2010 too.“Show some Love…show some Tallulah Love!!.xx