{Elle & Lily Twirling. } Pre Photo Shoot for Lilah Collection

It was a windy, hot day (finally here in MN!!!) and my neices Elle & Lily were practicing a little twirling in their skirts prior to the photo shoot.  Elle ending up a bit dizzy at the end ;)

lilah collection inspiration board

When I begin thinking about the next collection I create, it seems to always start the same way...

{fabric swatches}

{photos from magazines}

{paint color chips}

{ribbons}

...and then somehow they end up pinned onto one of my many bulletin boards.

When I worked at Ralph Lauren, this was always the initial way a collection was started...except that it was done on a whole wall in a design room dedicated to this process.  These walls were then photographed and throughout the design process were always referred back to.  I guess this is another concept I learned from Ralph...excuse me, .. Mr. Lauren.

{behind the seams.} photographing the lilah tank dress

There are certain aspects of the itzi & bitzi process that I enjoy a bit more than others...and I have to admit seeing the clothes on a live model getting photographed is one of my favorite parts.  After spending time in the design room, filled with fabric piles and clothes on hangers, it's always good to get out and spend time with one of my favorite little models and her mom the photographer!  Here I am helping Anja adjust the ribbon belt, although she would prefer for it to be a little pocket....I'll have to incorporate one into the next design:)