août 02, 2010

Lalie Kavulich Interview

Style is something cultivated through years of experience. It comes naturally to some, others end up starring on “What Not to Wear” or fading into a patina of blurry look-a-likes. For Lalie Kavulich standing out is not an issue. When she isn’t crafting formal wear with the Rhinestone Rembrandt  MANUEL, you can find her reconstructing vintage garb for a new clothing line or dancing to James Brown. Sound like the kind of girl you might want to meet? We think so.

-The Bag Messenger 

THE BAG MESSENGER: Who are you and what do you do?

LALIE KAVULICH: My name is Lalie Kavulich and I am the Assistant designer to MANUEL (also known as the Rhinestone Rembrandt & Couturier to the stars),a slightly tortured artist, stylist & also a reconstructor of vintage clothing, jewelry and accessories.

THE BAG MESSENGER: Where did you grow up?

LALIE KAVULICH: I hail from the North East. Scranton, Pennsylvania to be specific .Yes, home of “The American Office”(our one claim to fame) and although I consider myself very northern in both mindset & heart, I have been living in Nashville, TN for the past 10 years now and I have cultivated a deep appreciation for all things Southern in culture. 

Lalie Kavulich

 

Manuel measures Johnny Cash for a suit.

 

THE BAG MESSENGER: How did you discover your talent?

LALIE KAVULICH: I do not recall a moment in which i did not have an immense passion Fashion, wearable art, costuming, styling and the like….I used to cut up and reincarnate Barbie doll clothes as a child. After high-school It was a toss up between Fashion and Writing. Visual inspiration had always came so effortlessly, I was never afraid there would be a day I would go bankrupt of concepts, plans designs or ideas. 

THE BAG MESSENGER: What are a few current projects you are working on?

LALIE KAVULICH: I am in the process of starting my own green, reconstructed. one of a kind, clothing & accessories line. Nothing will be over $100 but each and every piece will be completely unique. I am mainly focusing on items for females that march to a slightly different and more complex tempo. A world where Alice of Wonderland is best friends with Joan of Arc, Barberella and Aphrodite.  Think- hip vs. glamour, serpentine vs. femme fatale,  I gather a great deal of inspiration from strong feminine historical and literary characters. 

Lalie Kavulich

Jack White in a suit designed by Lalie.


THE BAG MESSENGER:  Name a song you never get tired of?

LALIE KAVULICH: “The Payback” by James Brown and “all we ask” by Grizzly Bear 

THE BAG MESSENGER: Favorite drink?

LALIE KAVULICH: Champagne.

 

Dia De Los Muertos suit designed by Lalie Kavulich

Dia De Los Muertos suit designed by Lalie


THE BAG MESSENGER: Who has been the most inspirational person or thing in your life?

LALIE KAVULICH: My mother for creating the template for what a strong woman should look likeand my boss MANUEL for teaching me to be unstoppable and that the most reliable thing in life is change. 

THE BAG MESSENGER: Plans for the future?

LALIE KAVULICH: Travel, tall tales, fabrics, photographs, costumes, adventures, statements, characters, recreations -one day at a time.