In
all honesty, I normally do not get excited over swimwear. It seems
very "same old, same old." However, I am absolutely blown away by
your collection! Where do your concepts originate?
I decided to delve into swimwear, because I felt suits could
use some reinventing! As a woman, I can relate to our need for
individuality and wanted to create pieces that allowed us to stand out.
I strayed away from traditional cuts, patterns and fabrics. I really
strived to be different and wanted to give women something to be excited
about again! My concepts come from a lot of different places. My latest
collection (Fall 2010) is inspired by the Lion King! I love that
play...I have seen it on Broadway probably like 4 times! I always wanted
to do an African-inspired collection and when I thought about the play,
I got really excited.
I'm also blown away by the fact that everything "works!"
Your designs are an amazing example of strategically placed material.
Are there any frustrations when actually putting your pieces together?
Does everything always come out as it should, or do you envision
something that when actually sewn together would only work on
anatomically incorrect women?
Frustrations always come along with putting together any
collection. I usually sketch the suits first, to serve as a
skeleton which helps pattern it and I always try them on! (I am my own
fit model). This allows me to find any inaccuracies and perfect the fit,
after a few trials….. it is back to the drawing board. Fit is most
important to me, so I make sure that I tackle that aspect first!
Was swimwear something you always wanted to design?
I always loved swimwear! It had always been a childhood
aspiration to design for Barbie, until I had an epiphany…. “Why should I
create a miniature clothing line, when I can make the real thing and
make real women happy?”
Tell us about your upcoming Keva Couture collection. Will
we see any similarities between the lines?
Keva Couture will be my ready-to-wear collection. I love
ready-to wear and I adore cocktail dresses. There will definitely be
some similarities in these designs, consisting of different shapes,
necklines, draping and mixing of fabrics.
What
are some of the highlights you've been most excited about since
launching KEVA in 2005.
I’d have to say I’ve been most excited about being featured in
magazines and online websites. The reaction to the line has been great!
So many people are excited about it, which adds to my enthusiasm. Each
accolade makes me feel like I’m doing something right! The best feeling
I’ve ever felt thus far was when I was placed in Lucky, which has always
been a goal of mine!
Some just for fun getting to know Keva J questions:
Favorite Color: Steel
Most "coveted" item in your bag: My MAC Lipglass (I
cannot leave home without it!)
Trend you're loving this summer: O
ld-school
jumpers...love them - so nostalgic!
Daily habits: Working 24/7 and talking to my
mother and my best friend (can't go a day without hearing from them)
Starbucks or brew at home: Neither-I'm not a
coffee drinker!
Q&A With the Designer Behind KEVA by Keva
J.
The "It" Designer in Swimwear!
Let's face it, if you've seen one swimsuit,
you've seen them all. The one-piece, the tankini, the
bikini...all the same in different colors. If that's your line
of thinking when it comes to swimwear, think again-it's only because
you haven't been introduced to the
KEVA by Keva J.
line! Her magnetic, glamorous,
unlike-anything-you've-seen-before designs, FINALLY get us excited
about swimwear! After browsing her collections, you're sure to
feel a tinge of distress when you realize you've viewed your last suit,
as each piece is equally unique and fabulous. Keva J. knows
how to leave us wanting more! No worries, you can browse and
purchase to your heart's content and gear up for the upcoming
ready-to-wear Keva Couture line!
Visit the
KEVA website,
to see all of Keva J.'s designs!
Q&A with 24-7 Style
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