Deb and her company Equillibrium were one of the very first designers to participate in our very first ever fashion market back in 2004! What an honor to have her at our 15th anniversary and to see where her and her company have gone over the past decade and a half!
What inspired your love for fashion and fashion design?
My gut… always had the feeling of love toward fashion and clothes since a toddler…
What is the first thing you ever designed?
My first ever design was probably a dress in a High School… no pic.
How long have you been designing?
I feel like I’ve been designing my whole life in a sense… but started Equillbrium and designing under my label since 1998.
Did you go to school for design or are you self taught?
Self taught and later took classes for some advanced sewing and patern drafting to be a better designer.
Who is/are your biggest inspiration/s?
As far as designers go, I’d say my biggest conscious influences have been Ralph Lauren, Betsey Johnson, Vivienne Westwood, Lee Alexander McQueen (and now Sarah Burton)… ultimately NATURE really inspires me to create with a light footprint and relevant messaging. I think fashion has grown beyond my personal self expression and expanded to be my voice for the voiceless through Equillibrium. It is an outlet I need in this world for sure.
What message or story do you aim for your clothes to tell?
My brand is a sustainable street brand that speaks loudly from its roots in skateboard culture, punk rock, high fashion, and environmental activism.
What is your go to textile?
It all depends on what I am designing and making, but natural textiles are the broad genre- within that sustainable options like organic cotton, silk, and hemp are some favorites. I limit the use of synthetics and polymerized/ processed textiles in my lines.
What was the inspiration behind your latest collection?
Endangered Species… that will be the inspiration for looks on the Runway showing in November at Denver Fashion Week.
What does 2020 look like for you in the world of fashion? I hope Equillibrium has a broader reach to acheive a higher demand that is challenging to keep up with.
I donate 10% of my sales toward sustainable initiatives from reputable non-profits (such as Western Environmental Law Center, Earth Justice, Oceana, and Mission Wolf). I hope to be able to make larger donations for 2020 and do some small run production from increased sales.
Learn more about Equillibrium:
www.equillibrium.com
Insta: @equillibriumofficial
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EquillibriumOfficial1/