Pushing Boundaries

Liz Heisler is a fashion designer currently based in New York City.  Originally from Toledo, Ohio, she began crafting her talents while attending Savannah College of Art and Design.  Her high quality standards distinguish her from other designers; with the belief that clothing should tell a story and the inside of a garment should be as beautiful as the outside.

What should everyone know about you?
LH: I’m a womenswear designer currently based in New York City. I specialize in high-end leatherworking and couture construction.

How would you describe what you do?
LH: My personal aesthetic is extremely symbolic with an edge. All of my garments are one of a kind and the design elements, pattern pieces, fabric manipulations, and prints that I create all have a meaning. I also work as an assistant designer for a company that I believe my style compliments.

Why did you choose to be a designer?
LH:I started out with an interest in drawing and fine arts but was also interested in pursuing a career that involved mathematics or engineering. I chose to pursue fashion design because it’s a combination, much like architecture.  But instead of how people interact within a space, it’s about manipulating the body and how people want to feel about themselves.

What steps did you take to become a designer?
LH: I studied fashion design at Savannah College of Art and Design with a minor in Fibers. While in school and after graduation I also interned with various companies in New York and LA.

Best/Most Challenging part of your job?
LH: Balance. I work full time as an assistant designer and also have some freelance projects. It’s very difficult to do everything and still find the motivation to keep working on my personal collections.

What’s a common misconception people have about what you do?
LH: That working in fashion is always fun and glamorous.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
LH: Either to be fully working on my own brand or working as designer/ patternmaker with a company I love.

How has your work evolved since you began your career?
LH: My work has definitely evolved as I have strengthened my technical abilities. My silhouettes started more organic and draping based, then with the more I learned became very intricate and structured with sharper tailoring. I’m always striving to push boundaries and experiment. I don’t think my work will ever stop evolving.

Are there any types of clothing/footwear/accessories that you avoid wearing?
LH: Morally, I try to avoid trendy, fast fashion as much as possible. I’ve been aiming to buy less and higher quality or vintage/recycled clothing.

What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your career?
LH: Not to compare myself to others.  Yes, competition is motivating, but always comparing your journey to the immediate success of your peers can be toxic.

Learn More about Liz at StylePortfolios.com

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