Letesha Brady is truly a force to be reckoned with--from designing, to setting up photo shoots to showcase her collection, she makes turning your dreams into reality look way too easy! Eugene Taylor is targeted towards those who want to look daring, without being uncomfortable in what they’re wearing. And although the designs from her latest collections are as fresh and exciting, Letesha still makes high fashion practical.
How would you describe your style?
High fashion streetwear/sportswear.
What inspires your style?
Chicago! I love Chicago so much.
What sets you apart from other designers?
My designs are simple, functional and comfortable. My prices are also extremely reasonable.
How did you get start in fashion? When you you know you wanted to create your own pieces?
My barbies when I was a kid. I loved to make them clothes and I would cut up my clothes to do so. My mom really didn't appreciate that, lol. This continued on to grade school and high school, still cutting up my clothes, but instead now it was for me.
What's your inspiration when designing?
I get so inspired by my friends. All of the pieces from Collection II are named after people who inspire most of them are my friends. My friends are so amazing they give so much life I am literally inspired by them all.
What advice could you give to young designers?
I would tell them to work hard and stick to it. Designer isn't easy it takes a lot of patience something I've had to personally work on. So just have patience and stick to it!
In five years where do you see yourself ?
In five years, I want to have my line in a couple boutique across the world my plan is to always stay small. I would like to eventually own a boutique or two where I would only carry up and coming designer like myself.
What kind of music inspires you?
All type of music. I’m a true music lover! Jimi Hendrix is my favorite musician of all time, Kid Cudi is a close second, and Stevie Nicks changed my life!
Who are your favorite fashion icons?
Oh man there’s so many! Designers Coco Chanel and Ralph Lauren hands down. Muses Josephine Baker and Rihanna and of course SOLANGE!
If you could collaborate with any fashion designer who would it be?
My best friend, Alex Carter. She is probably my favorite designer out right now next to opening ceremony, J.W Anderson and Vflies is my latest fave. I would love to collab with all of them!
What brings you absolute happiness?
Eating tacos! Well, eating in general. But when I'm having a bad day and I treat myself to tacos, its like the best thing in the world! However I really do try to live every day like its the "best day of my life" I think that’s important!
How do you keep up with politics and what's going on in the world around you?
I read a lot. I most certainly keep up with whats going on. MSNBC is my favorite source. However I’m a huge fan of John Stewart and Steven Colbert.
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?
Barcelona, UK, Japan, and Ireland. Super random choices, but they all have a purpose.
What motivates you to do better and step your fashion game up?
Solange! She literally gives me life.
As a POC, what would be your message to the youth? How have you dealt with racism and what tips can you give to stay positive?
I would tell them to stay true to what they believe in but do not give these pigs a reason. As people of color, we enter a world of prejudgment, however you can still define yourself remember that! Stay true! I think that its important to for the youth to be able to express themselves. I would also tell them to stay in school always keep educating yourself! And always remember that you are stronger then a fist you are better then that. There are so many things that I would like to do to change the world for the better but the most important is the racism that clearly still exist and equality for people of color and women.
What would you say is the key to success?
Having confidence in your craft. I think that's extremely important. You have to believe yourself before others do.
What would you rather be rich or famous?
Neither! Happy!
Can you picture yourself doing something completely out of your comfort zone? If so what would it be?
Absolutely! Menswear! I’m still learning and its very different and difficult however I got this. Lol
What's the craziest thing you ever done?
Ha ha ha ha! I have a long laundry list of crazy things I've done has to be taking shrooms at SXSW years ago That was a terrible idea. I've never felt so crazy in my life haha.
If you cant get enough of Letesha Brady be sure to follow her on instagram @teshab89 as well as check out her latest collection at http://www.eugenetaylorbrand.com/collection-fw15/
Photo credit: Bryan Lamb | @bryanallenlamb
