DARLENE PERKINS
DESIGNER
Interview with Darlene Perkins, Red Lightning Couture
Contributed By: Saif Rahman Sozib for World Fashion Media News
1. When did you first discover that you wanted to be a fashion designer?
I really didn’t discover I wanted to be a designer, it just happened. My porcupine quill art work (which is a special native art work), is what helped me transpire my quilled art work into clothing art pieces.
2. How would you describe your designs?
My designs are inspired by my working with authentic materials, porcupine quills, horse hair, lambskin leather, Pendleton fabric, feathers, etc.
3. What are you favourite materials to work with?
My favorite material to work with are mentioned in number 2, however, I also like working with various different textile fabrics, leather, sequin, silk, and bling fabric.
4. How important is color to your design process?
Color is really important, also mixing colors to bring out the design of a piece of clothing.
5. How did your knowledge of color theory change the way you think about design?
Color theory never changed because color is a huge aspect in the design of a piece of clothing.
6. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
My inspiration comes from my elders whether it is my grandmother who taught me quill work or a fashion designer from the 1920’s up to now.
7. What is the biggest risk you ever took with a design?
The biggest risk I took was to bring about my art work and start creating. I never thought my work would flourish to where I am today.
8. What are you working on now? Any new designs you can hint at?
I am always thinking about new designs and what the next piece will be. No hints yet.
9. How was it showcasing in New York Fashion Week produced by founder of lolc Sherrie Gearheart? Describe the experience.
It was my first show with lolc, I wasn’t sure my designs would fit in but I took the plunge and it went very well. The experience was amazing. I’m so thankful for the lolc experience.
10. Where/how can we purchase your items?
Pieces of clothing can be ordered directly to me. Darlene Perkins, Red Lightning Couture.
Photos by: Campos
I really didn’t discover I wanted to be a designer, it just happened. My porcupine quill art work (which is a special native art work), is what helped me transpire my quilled art work into clothing art pieces.
2. How would you describe your designs?
My designs are inspired by my working with authentic materials, porcupine quills, horse hair, lambskin leather, Pendleton fabric, feathers, etc.
3. What are you favourite materials to work with?
My favorite material to work with are mentioned in number 2, however, I also like working with various different textile fabrics, leather, sequin, silk, and bling fabric.
4. How important is color to your design process?
Color is really important, also mixing colors to bring out the design of a piece of clothing.
5. How did your knowledge of color theory change the way you think about design?
Color theory never changed because color is a huge aspect in the design of a piece of clothing.
6. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
My inspiration comes from my elders whether it is my grandmother who taught me quill work or a fashion designer from the 1920’s up to now.
7. What is the biggest risk you ever took with a design?
The biggest risk I took was to bring about my art work and start creating. I never thought my work would flourish to where I am today.
8. What are you working on now? Any new designs you can hint at?
I am always thinking about new designs and what the next piece will be. No hints yet.
9. How was it showcasing in New York Fashion Week produced by founder of lolc Sherrie Gearheart? Describe the experience.
It was my first show with lolc, I wasn’t sure my designs would fit in but I took the plunge and it went very well. The experience was amazing. I’m so thankful for the lolc experience.
10. Where/how can we purchase your items?
Pieces of clothing can be ordered directly to me. Darlene Perkins, Red Lightning Couture.
Photos by: Campos