Lala Talks: Interview with Telfar & the S/S 09 Collection

Telfar Clemens, known to most as simply Telfar, previewed his first collection at the age of 19. Since then, Telfar has made himself a sought-after name in fashion. His collections have been featured in magazines like Tokion, Clear, and Bleu. Telfar has a cutting edge interpretation of fashion, which was evident in his Spring/Summer 2009 Collection. Active athletism was the focal point of the collection, with mesh tennis shorts, Jack Purcell for Converse sneakers with a tennis ball heel!, visors, track shorts, and zip-ups with the drawstring bag built right onto the garment. With his unprecedented designs, pioneering style and fresh concepts, Telfar is the designer that will change the fashion industry as we know it.

Lala’s Q&A with Designer Telfar

Tell us about yourself (age, occupation, home town, etc.)
Telfar Clemens, 23, Clothing Designer/DJ, Brooklyn, NY
What made you interested in fashion design?
Myself, it’s all I thought about doing.
When did you show your first collection?
In 2004. Vice Magazine sponsored my first show/preview. [It was called] ‘Vice is Burning’.
Do you feel like you can say that you have grown as
a designer since your first show?
I think so.
Tell me about your inspirations and concepts for your S/S 09 Collection.
The inspiration was active New Yorkers. People on the go mixed with a sports influence.
How would you describe you personal style?
Eclectic… it’s a mixture of a lot of things.
How does it feel to be compared designers like Martin Margiela?
I guess a compliment? But, I like focusing on new things and concepts specific to my work.