eye4style Interview - Yotam Solomon

A sneak preview of Yotam Solomon's Spring 2009 Collection

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios Spring 2009 Collections are rapidly approaching and young designer Yotam Solomon is one of the many talented designers scheduled to show. He was gracious enough to answer several questions for eye4style readers, so read on for the scoop!

You're from Israel. How has that influenced your sensibilities as a designer (if at all)?

Coming from Israel - having been born and raised there - contributes to my design aesthetics and sensibility. Every designer has their cultural influences that direct him or her during the artistic process. Israel is a very special place that is influenced by many cultures that migrated to it when it became an independent state. Specifically European and Middle Eastern, which create a very unique taste.

Why do you show in LA? How does the vibe differ from that of New York Fashion Week?

LA Fashion Week is a great season that exhibits many wonderful designers and their fashion. It differs from NYC, which I appreciate very much, in many different aspects. For example, having different weather influences the cuts and fabrication choices. But at the same time, Los Angeles being the metropolis of the west has a very wonderful aesthetics, and has greatly influenced the 60's and 70's with Hollywood. It's a place where many people want to come, it's so hectic and so calm at the same time.

This is your third runway show. How have you evolved as a designer over the past few seasons?

I always critique myself very harshly, but I can see my progress while I lay collection by collection. I believe in great design which is comfortable, made well, has great fit, and clothing that makes my customers feel inspired and confident in who they are.

What's your inspiration for Spring 2009? Can you give us a sneak preview of some key colors, textures or silhouettes that we'll see on the Yotam Solomon runway?

My inspiration for this collection is: Stone and Water. One of the greatest things about Los Angeles is the amount of homes that have pools. I have taken that aspect of fun in the sun and taken it to the next level where stones are the a components of the ground we live on. On the other hand we have water used for so many different functions in our life. Combining the two in nature through millions of years creates wonderful shaped in stones, not to mention everything else. But what you will see is my interprenation of stone and water combined.Colors will include many pastels, some black and some white. Textiles include some different natural fibers with a strong play of soft against stiff.

You currently do womenswear and footwear...any plans to design other accessories in the future?

A: Yes, I'd love to add headwear and leather goods. I am very eager to create a men's line, scheduled to be presented within the next two years. (Yotam plans to wear denim of his own design at the show, so keep your eyes peeled when he comes on the runway for the finale.)

What's next for Yotam Solomon?

Sleeping more then 6 hours a night after the 17th of October! And of course, expanding my distribution. I would love to be accessible in more cites for my truly amazing clients.

For more information about Yotam Solomon, please visit www.yotamsolomon.com. In Los Angeles, shop the collection at the 22 Bond St. Concept Showroom, 126 N. LaBrea Ave. To shop the collection in New York, visit Debut at 298 Mulberry Street.