Erdem Moralioglu has ruled out designing a high street collection, Elizabeth Banks requested uncomfortable clothes for ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘American Idol’ will launch a clothing range entitled ‘Authentic Icon’.
The designer gave a public talk with Colin McDowell at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London, as part of the Fashion Fringe Roadshow in which he said he will be working on his collections, rather than pieces for the high street.
He said, “It’s never been the right moment. If it works for some people, then that’s wonderful – but it depends on where you’re at.
“For me, it’s really important to concentrate on your collection and your own work. Once you start looking at versions of your work, it can get a bit dangerous. One can do it really well and in an interesting way though.”
Erdem also played down his links to Dior, and was cagey about being touted as a possible successor for disgraced designer John Galliano.
He added, “Anything like that is a compliment. But you just have to concentrate on your job and what you’re doing.”
The designer also talked about how complimented he feels when celebrities wear his designs, and how long that association lasts.
He noted, “I’m really lucky – and it’s a real compliment – that women of all ages wear my clothes.
“Michelle Obama wore one skirt of mine about five years ago and I am still associated with that and that’s wonderful. When I started at the RCA I never thought I’d be doing things like that.”
The actress – who portrays eccentric government official Effie Trinket in the blockbuster – worked closely with the film’s stylist Judianna Makovsky when they were coming up with costumes and was always willing to try new things.
Judianna said, “Elizabeth’s so much fun to work with. She tells people that she was my Barbie doll. But she has a lot of good ideas, she knows how things should fit, and she wanted all her clothes to be very constricting — she has that funny walk [in the movie] because she can’t walk any other way. Her shoes are so outrageously high and uncomfortable, and she wanted that. I’m like, ‘Are you sure you can do the scene?’ And she’s like, ‘Yes, I’ll do it. I’ll take them off in between shots. It’ll be fine.’ She was miserable, but she did it because she felt it was right.”
However it was not easy for Judianna because she didn’t get to meet with all of the stars of the film beforehand to dress them and had to use the Internet for research.
She added to NYMag.com, “It’s interesting: A lot of the actors were unavailable for fittings. Thank God for the age of the Internet. We could send research back and forth, ideas back and forth, and talk on the phone, but a lot of the actors – not Jennifer, and definitely not Elizabeth – their clothes were made without them, and they arrived, like, two days before. We were like, ‘We hope this works!'”
The talent search show recently recruited Tommy Hilfiger as an image advisor, and is now planning to launch an exclusive clothing collection at Kohl’s stores across the US.
The line will debut in April and be in stores from June and will feature selections for both men and women.
David Luner of FreemantleMedia Enterprises, the production company behind the show, said, “It was a natural extension to partner on a line of American Idol-inspired apparel that captures the essence of our rich music, style and performance heritage.”
Contestants on the show will model the styles when they appear in the weekly live finals.
Rick Darling, president of LF USA – which is helping create the clothes – said, “The ‘American Idol’ collection will build upon the powerful influence of music and entertainment on today’s fashion-conscious consumers.”
Upon being appointed to work on the series earlier this month, Tommy said, “I am honored to be joining the 11th season of ‘American Idol’.
“My own experiences at the beginning of my career inspired my commitment to mentor young people who are dedicated to pursing their dreams. I look forward to working with the artists to guide them in defining their performance style and identity.”
