What role does fur play in your current 2010/2011 collection?

Fox fur is like the explanation mark and collection is the sentence – the fur gives it the impact to make the statement loud and clear!

Why do you like working with fur?

I love the luxury and the glamour of it, as well as everyone’s eyes light up when they see my colorful and whimsical furs!

Has SAGA Furs had a role in introducing fur into your collection?

Yes, SAGA has been a wonderful support in teaching me about new fur techniques and the latest developments in fur constructions.  I feel honored to be part of the SAGA family!

What is your earliest memory/experience with fur?

Growing up a country boy I remember wearing raccoon Davy Crockett fur hats in the winter!

How has fur/fur fashion evolved in the last few years?

Fur has become the epitome of fashion at this point.  I think one would say what is high fashion without fur?

How is fur worn today?

Maybe the real question should be how isn’t fur worn today?  I’ve seen fur back packs on guys, fur lined heels on ladies and babies wrapped up in fur blankets.  Fur for the whole family!

Who is today’s fur fashion customer and what are they looking for?

I feel like fur is so versatile and the love for it so universal that there is no longer one type of person or customer but a whole spectrum.

What is your favorite fur to design with?  What about this fur appeals to you?

Well that’s tough, I love fox for its fluffy volumes but as a designer who creates a lot of graphic patterns I love mink for its ability to print a graphic design.  It’s tough as they both have such wonderful and different qualities.

How do you start designing a new piece?  What inspires you during the design process?

Color, cut, volume – it really depends sometimes, I’m so in love with the idea of a color and that is the basics of the inspiration.  Sometimes I have a cut in mind and that dictates where the piece will go.  That’s the wonderful thing about inspiration you never know where it will take you!

Who do you envision wearing your coat when you start designing?  After?

I generally think about the show and the models wearing the designs firs as I think about the fashion show.  But from there I love seeing how other people interpret my work and wear it and make it their own.

What would your ideal fur coat/jacket require?

Light up portions!

What item would you recommend for a first purchase?  An investment piece?

A fox stole, I feel they are classic and never go out of style.

In your design process, do you like mixing furs?  Why?

Yes, there are beautiful differences and exciting elements that arise then.

What technological process do you like working with?  (i.e.  shearing, knitting, sewing on fabric, cutting with airgalon, etc)

Printing for me, its one way to personalize the furs beyond what anyone else is doing in fur.

What do you do to make your fur designs more accessible?  Open to a wider audience?

By mixing the fur with other fabrics like fleece brings fur to a new client and keeps the price down while still looking totally rad!

What should every man have?

A ¾ length fox fur coat with a notched collar in black.

What direction will fur fashion take in your upcoming 2011/2012 collection?

I’m using fur in bright pop colors for Fall ’12.

Are there certain themes/trends you will focus on?

My general theme for fall is simply fun!  I’m making fun clothes for cute kids to go out and have a good time in, simple as that!

What colors or fabrications will dominate?  Prints or stencils?

For me, orange is the color of the season hands down.  But I am also a sucker for pink.

What furs will you be using in the upcoming season?  Long furs like fox and finnraccoon vs. short haired furs like mink?  Sheared?  Natural or colored?

Big in volume and short in length.

Who are your favorite fashion icons today?

Daphne Guinness, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Miss Katy Perry.