Terri Stevens: Independent Fashion Designer
As seen on Bravo! Project Runway, Every Wednesday, 9pm.
Ok, Columbus, let’s get ourselves on the map! One of Columbus’s own has been recognized as a talented, up-and-coming fashion designer. We recently had the opportunity to speak with Terri regarding her experiences thus far in the fashion industry and the opportunity that she has received from Bravo’s Project Runway. Wardrobe Therapy interviews Terri on the Fall trends of ’08 and Fashion Designers that have inspired her career.
Q & A:
Wardrobe Therapy: What would you say is your own personal style? Has anyone helped influence you more, specifically?
Terri: My style pretty much stays the same. Evolving a little here and there. I love denim, mostly Levi’s and Diesel or anything that fits the way I like it. I am a tomboy, That’s it! That’s all! I try to look like a dancer most times but with a b-boy edge. Most of the time I leave a little underwear hanging out for fun, like ghetto gold. But I can flip it all around and go Galliano/McQueen on you with the quickness.
Wardrobe Therapy: What is your favorite fabrication/trend that you see to be important for Fall ’08?
Terri: I live for fall/winter. I love layers and layers of cloths. I can wear at least 12 layers in the fall in a heartbeat. I really don’t follow trends but like inventing them. I do think Michael Jackson has started a lot of trends that people don’t give him credit for, like the thriller and beat it jackets, the military gear he rocks, and his cropped pants with dress socks. Fall to me is textures mix with bold prints and colors paired with some sick and delicious heels. My hair also plays an important role. At most times my hair is my hat. It’s so big that it shields me from the bitter cold winds of winter.
Wardrobe Therapy: Where do you find the majority of your inspiration? Is it a specific city? Artist? Subway? Music?
Terri: I am always inspired by everything around me. Music–hip-hop, punk, funk, rock plays a very important part. I can play some Michael or some Prince and an entire collection can be whipped out in minutes. I have been watching The Wiz lately and see a collection inspired by that in my future. Chicago is very inspiring. It’s a very beautiful city and the house music that thrives throughout the streets is serious. Sub cultures are amazing sources of inspiration. Old photos of my mom gets me a sketching.
Wardrobe Therapy: Tell us a little bit about your experiences being on TV…Are people recognizing you when you are out and about now? Give us the Scoop!
Terri: People are noticing me everywhere I go. Some come up to me and practically blush and cry. Some just stare, point and whisper, then come up to me. I don’t mind it at all. It’s great that people get so into the show and really root for this person or that person. I definitely have a fan base growing in Chicago, Columbus and Minnesota where my mom lives. But it seems that I’ve (gone) global. Miami, LA, Paris, and Brazil (I’m sure because of my husband being Brazilian and all). To be completely honest, I would always tell myself and others that I was meant to be on tv. I wanted this more than anything, and to meet Michael Jackson, dress Madonna, Janet, Diana, Oprah you name it. This is a competition about talent. People don’t care about race, creed, or color. They care about what you can produce and hopefully your pretty darn entertaining doing it.
Wardrobe Therapy: We know we can’t inquire too much…but where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Terri: I have always had this vision of owning several boutiques. Definitely, one in Chicago, New York, Paris, London, and Brazil pretty much the world. I do know I will keep it moving. Can’t stand still and won’t stand still. I want to look at all opportunities big and small. Make the small ones really big. You never know what can happen.
Wardrobe Therapy: Ok, so Columbus may not be New York City… but where is your favorite place in our city that you feel is a “hidden gem”?
Terri: There’s a great place on the outskirts of Columbus called Captain Betty’s and you an find some delicious pieces for you to wear and steal the scene or furniture for your home to create a scene. I love Jinny’s in the Short North. The store carries underground designers from all over the world. I like the fact that she doesn’t carry your household names. Although, I hope I am featured in her store soon (Hint, Hint). Columbus has wonderful vintage and thrift stores. Hit high street and look left and right while you drive/walk because there are lots of hidden stores with great finds. Grandview Mercantile
We know that you’re getting ready to “sew your next stitch”… and we’re excited to see where this journey takes you!
To learn more about Terri Stevens please visit at www.bravotv.com
