STYLEFILE: LEAH KRAEHLING
Leah likesleather, but is obsessed with chiffon.
LeahKraehling has been a friend of Texworld USA for several years, having firstattended while working as a design assistant at Badgley Mischka. A talentedillustrator, she has been commissioned to do sketches for both Texworld USA andthe International Apparel Sourcing Show.
Leah isbased in New York, where she is currently working as a graphic designer and fitmodel, bringing insight from her fashion design background to her clients.
Are youable to tell us who some of your fit clients are?
I currently work for Mix Apparel sold exclusively to ColesSupermarkets in Australia (a concept by Joseph Mimran, founder of Club Monaco). Also see Joe Fresh now open in Manhattan and in Loblaws stores acrossCanada.
How muchdoes fabric affect the fit of a garment?
Fabric plays a huge role in the fit of a garment. One samplecan be made up in a beautiful crepe and then duplicated in poly for cost andreally not translate.
However, I have seen technical designers work magic to makea $3 a yard fabric look richer because the fit is impeccable and they usebetter finishing techniques.
As adesigner, what is your favorite fabric to work with?
I have an obsession with chiffon. It takes patience to handleas it is so delicate. But nothing is as feminine and pretty against theskin. Some prints look too harsh when made up in opaque fabrications butwhen printed on chiffon, they are perfection.
What is yourfavorite fabric to wear?
I'm currently into leather both faux and real. It can modernize anylook if the cut is right, of course.
Favoritecolor combo?
There are so many! Ivory and black is classic.
I love army green and neon yellow which looks really fresh for the weekend.I also adore tangerine and peony for sportswear and swimwear.
Keyseasonless item? …say for going from NY to LA?
Theyare a bit mainstream at this point but I still love a draped front wrapcardigan, especially when done in a gauzy fabric. Usually the actual pattern isso simple when you dissect the garment. But on, they end up drapingaround the body is such a chic way.
Texworld USA runs January 16 – 18,2012 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City. Register now to attend: www.TexworldUSA.com/LAB
