Q&A with designer Lisa Perry

New York City-based fashion designer Lisa Perry still describes herself as a Midwest girl. Born and raised in Chicago, she always planned to return home. But after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology, she became enthralled with NYC, met her husband and now produces a highly successful clothing and accessories line that is a nod to her artistic upbringing and love of all things vintage.

We spoke with the former Project Runway guest judge before her arrival in St. Louis, where she will serve as a juror for the Saint Louis Fashion Fund Caleres Emerging Designer Award Nov. 4 and attend an intimate trunk show of her fall collection.

T&S | Tell me your background in the design world.
LP | My family is in the textile business, so I grew up knowing and loving fabrics, fashion and art. I didn’t want to look like everybody else. I was never into trends and wanted to have my own voice.

T&S | Did you get a job in fashion right away?
LP | No, I did something completely unconnected. I was a fundraiser in Democratic politics. Starting in 1998, I worked for Hillary Clinton behind the scenes to get her elected to the Senate, and I still work to support her today.

T&S | How did you start designing clothes?
LP | It happened organically. When artist/designer Lisa Eisner saw me in some Courrèges pieces I had bought in Paris, she introduced me to vintage Courrèges at a boutique in Beverly Hills. I started collecting vintage clothing, and that’s all I wore for 10 years, mostly clothing from the ‘60s, which was clean, modern and minimalist. People always commented that they loved my look, and since they couldn’t get the same items, I decided to create clothing based on my style.

T&S | What was your big break?
LP | Eight years ago I showed my first sample pieces to my good friend Jeffrey Kalinsky, who runs the designer clothing store Jeffrey in New York City and Atlanta. He wanted to buy the collection, but I told him I was just doing it for friends. He insisted that he launch it at his stores. That’s how people discovered me. I was exclusive to him for a couple seasons, then we opened distribution to other stores. Now I have stores in NYC and East Hampton, and we sell at Barney’s, small upscale boutiques nationwide and online at ShopBop.

T&S | You also have some home decor and accessories?
LP | We do things like cosmetic bags, duffel bags and pouches. I love home design, and we are trying to incorporate more of it into the brand.

T&S | What is your advice to women wanting to follow the latest trends?
LP| Personal style is about feeling comfortable when you walk out the door. An article in The New York Times recently called burgundy the new navy, but if it doesn’t look good or feel right, don’t buy it!

T&S | What is your connection to the Saint Louis Fashion Fund?
LP | Susan Sherman (board chair) reached out to me through a mutual connection, and I couldn’t say no to her Midwest charm and warmth! It’s great she’s bringing more awareness to the Midwest, where there is so much untapped talent. And I love that I’ll get to meet the St. Louis customer and introduce more people to the brand.

T&S | Have you worked with up-and-coming artists before?
LP | At FIT, I worked with students for an entire class and saw things come to life, from a sketch to the finished garment; it’s such an interesting process!