Sindy: Where does your inspiration come from?
Jazmin Whitley: I'm inspired by a lot of things. It just depends what I'm creating, like if it's a one-of-a-kind piece for a client and they're attending a certain event, then I'm inspired by the theme. Or if it's just for my collection, it could be anything... like traveling really inspires me, different cultures, stuff like that.
Sindy: How do you think your label stands out from other young designers in the industry?
Jazmin Whitley: I definitely think that my label is really high end, so maybe a lot of younger designers aren't shooting to be so couture at such a young age. They're making more trendy stuff, but I want timeless beauty so my stuff is really timeless. You can wear a piece and in 10 years, you can wear it and it'll still be classic.
Sindy: You like to use silk and lace... and fur. Are you worried about backlash from people who are against the use of fur in clothing?
Jazmin Whitley: No! I love animals, but I just think that there's a limit for it. I love working with silk, lace, fur and all kinds of very rich fabrics and materials.
Sindy: Who are your favorite designers?
Jazmin Whitley: I love old Coco Chanel, very classic, very sophisticated, very tailored cuts. I'd say Chanel is my favorite. And then for style, it would definitely be old Hollywood films.
Sindy: Did you always want to be a fashion designer?
Jazmin Whitley: Yeah, since I was very young. I've always sketched out dresses and different ideas since forever. I've always loved fashion.
Sindy: How did you get your start in the industry?
Jazmin Whitley: During high school, I was creating one-of-a-kind pieces for me and my friends, and then I had clients a little bit later on at the end of my high school years. I started making a collection - it was my first collection - and I got approached to be in a show called Catwalk for Charity. That really started my career because I got to show alongside world-renowned designers like Valentino, Missoni, Pucci and it was really big because these designers are like huge! So showing with them really put me up there with them.
Sindy: Tell us a little about your upcoming TV show, Catwalk.
Jazmin Whitley: Catwalk is all about fashion and traveling and Fashion Week and everything that goes into creating amazing shows. You get to go behind the scenes, you get to see photo shoots, you get to see the glamorous side and also the side that's not so glamorous. Like, it's going to show what it takes, all the work, you know? It's kind of like a documentary following my lifestyle and career as a designer.
Sindy: Do you have any advice for young people who want to break into the fashion industry?
Jazmin Whitley: I just think it's a really competitive industry. You have to keep going and not give up. If people don't like your stuff at first, you should learn from that and not take it so personal. Take the criticism in a good way and learn what people like to wear.
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