Fashion Spotlight!
Lou Torres & NYmph by:Lou
A woman of many talents and titles, Lou Torres is an up-and-coming fashion designer who is not only an entrepreneur who runs her own company, she is also an empowering philanthropist and community activist who is a great inspiration for all. Here is her interview...
BIO:Lou Torres is a 24 year old womens wear Designer. She caters to bodies of all shapes between the sizes 6 to 26. She loves to make women feel confident and embrace their curves. She was first known on the fashion scene in New York and Miami for working behind the scenes of Runway shows also merchandising showrooms 2004-2007. Lou has Produced or helped produced over 50 shows and designed costumes for 3 theater productions since 2007, all while raising her 3 year old son and always finding ways to lend a helping hand to charities such as, Austims Speaks, Keep a Child Alive, St. Judes, Nephcure and many more. Torres truly loves what she does and says "My life is ever changing, I may take some wrong turns,but the key is Forward Progress and NEVER stepping back."
INTERVIEW:
What is the significance of your company's name, NYmph by: Lou?
If you look up the definition of "Nymph" you will find words such as: attractive, sultry, beautiful and gorgeous affiliated with it. Nymphs are beautiful winged creatures such as fairies I find a close correlation with fairies and my target customer. They are both strikingly beautiful and free to fly above the rest. Also I spell it with the NY capitalized and the mph lowercase to show that the ladies wearing my garments are always running on New York speed, they are fast paced women of business.
You are a self-made woman who has accomplished a lot. Out of everything you do, what is the most satisfying?
Out of all the Production, Promotion, Model Management and so on that I do the one thing that brings me total gratification is the philanthropy I do. I truly enjoy giving to the less fortunate or just lending a helping hand to those that need it. I try to never forget where I came from and remember those who have guided me along the way.
What is the inspiration behind your unique creations?
Whenever women get together one thing I always find to be a common topic of conversation is imperfections. This is always such an inspirational conversation for me, I love to take what I hear and create garments that showcase the positives and hide the negative women complain about. Different body types are truly the inspiration behind the silhouettes of my garments.
What makes your designs different from other designers? Do you have a signature insignia that separates your creations from others?
I truly can not say that there is anything different about my designs from other designers. None of us are doing anything new. We are all inspired by our surroundings myself as many other NY designers are inspired by street fashion the hard surfaces of NYC colliding against the soft, flirty dresses or vintage garments walking down the street. So in short nothing is different. I aim to please and don't always follow trends. I am more into the nostalgic looks of the 20's. 30's and 40's when women with curves were appreciated. My signature is clothes that hugs curvy bodies just right with vintage flare.
Finish the sentence: I never leave the house without my...
Phone! My business is completely run on my phone. whenever I want to take a vacation from work my friends and family hide my phone and tell me to lay down. lol Not much of a vacation , but definitely relaxing.
Who is your favorite designer (besides yourself) at the moment?
The late Alexander McQueen was definitely a favorite, but Betsy Johnson, with her girls just want to have fun attitude is always in the front of my mind. She is free and liberated in her design and I love it! Limitless creativity. She is awesome!
Favorite fashion magazine?
I have never been a fan of Fashion Mags I feel like they narrow the path our creative minds, they tell us what fashion is instead of letting us experiment. To be totally honest some of the things in these high end mags are not all the rave but people buy into anything drilled in their head long enough. I try to avoid wasting my money on people who want to box in my creativity.
In your opinion, what impact does the media and music play in the fashion industry? Can they live independently from each other or is it a symbiotic relationship?
I think that they have always been tightly knit. One influences the other for sure. I wish however that designers would be able to look to art more than media, celebrities, music and so on to be their inspiration. I guess it doesn't hurt to dream right?
Scenario: It's 5pm in NY and you just got invited to a high-profile soirée that starts in 2 hours! You have nothing to wear and $100 in your pocket. What do you do?
I would hit the garment district and by some fabric, and go at it with a needle and thread praying that whatever flowey and well accessorized outfit I put together makes it through the event. haha! I find it very comical when people get nervous about what to wear. This industry can make you mad, but that is why we love it.
What advice do you have for aspiring designers?
March to your own beat, become a breathe of fresh air and don't allow anyone to redirect you from your destiny. Don't just consume fashion take the time to branch out and find new things that inspire you. Always work hard and keep your eye on the prize. The key is Forward motion never steppping back!
How can I get my hands on your designs?!
I'm currently working on my basics line to stock my webstore that will launch at the end of July. Right now anything that you see on the site can be ordered by simply sending us an email on the contact tab about the garment and your size. Everything is made to order right now but that will all be changing in July. I will also be incorporating my jewelry and underwear lines on the site as well. So stay tuned.
CONTACT INFO:
Website: www.nymphbylou.com
Facebook: Lou Torres (Fashion Designer)-NYmph by: Lou
Twitter: @justBrownNY
Email: nymphbylou@gmail.com
I hope you have been inspired! Keep dreaming, and keep doing!
p.s. Don't forget to leave a comment!
xoxo,
Jadée
