7Qs… A peek inside the world of Sweet P Vaughn

How would you best describe your design style?
Sophisticated, forward and feminine.

When did you really know you were born to be a Fashion Designer?
When I would watch the Sonny & Cher show as a kid. I would sketch new outfits for them. I guess I thought I could do better than Bob Mackie.

What training path did you follow traditional or nontraditional?
A bit of both. I did go to school but I dropped out and started selling my line right away. Even though I knew nothing about the business I kept afloat for 5 years and was in about 100 stores across the US with a few stores in Japan and Germany. Then I got a job in the industry and really learned the business, production, merchandising, sellability etc.

Who is your ALL TIME favorite Designer and why?
I don’t really have an all time favorite. I love so many designers for different reasons. I love THE Christian Dior for pushing the limits at the time and for “the new look”. I love Galliano for his inventiveness, playfulness and all that he has been through yet has not given up. I love Miuccia Prada because she is always creating a new fresh take on fashion. I love Marni and the simple aesthetic. I love love love Dries van Noten with the eclectic mix of prints and fabulous color choices. Balenciaga is another favorite for his sculptural qualities. I love Yves St Laurent for the forward , modern silhouettes. And after seeing the Spring 2009 shows Marc Jacobs is back on my IT list. I love the mix of cultural influences and the FABRICS are amazing. Go Marc! I love Phillip Lim. Oh I could go on & on.

Which celeb do you dream of one day seeing rock your designs?
I hate to say it but I don’t really care about the whole celebrity culture. Really if I was good at Menswear I would love to make something for Barack Obama and Jon Stewart. Not because they are celebrities but because I admire them. But I would like to have Catherine Keener, Drew Barrymore or Chloe Sevigny wear something because I have met and have respect for them. Not because they are celebrities but because they are cool women, real women.

Describe your Season 4 Project Runway experience in 3 words.
Awesome, Inspiring, Hard

What’s the name of your clothing line & where will we see Sweet P Vaughn next?
Currently I don’t have a line. I am trying to find a new way of making a living with Design. I just launched a collection of Limited Edition Garments incorporating the Art of my husband, Sage Vaughn. The theme is “Ghosts in the Garden” The pieces are being sold online at PulpLab.com. The garments will be on sale until December 31st 2008. I am truly excited about this collaboration and way of working. Keep your eyes open for a book! I am also creating a dress for St. Vincent de Paul’s “Discarded to the Divine” where I take old clothing and create something new and gorgeous. It will be auctioned off for charity this Spring.

You can keep up with me by checking out my blog: www.sweetpvaughn.blogspot.com