Designer (and OCNY store associate) Layla Racy will be in her backyard or Prospect Park when she's not working in her studio. Yes, she has a backyard in New York. But we can't be that mad at her, because it inspires her beautiful designs. Layla's spring collection has just arrived at OC. It's filled with palm tree prints, ruffles, and striped silk. We stopped by her studio in Brooklyn to see where it all came together. Scope out the pieces, and Layla's lookbook, below.
Shop all Layla Racy here.
Alice Newell-Hanson: So where exactly is your studio?
Layla Racy: My house in Park Slope, Brooklyn
ANH: What's your routine when you're working on a collection?
LR: I always start by choosing my fabrics. Usually I fall in love with the prints first. Those dictate the remaining colors and textures of the collection. After that I figure out the silhouettes and individual pieces.
ANH: What music do you listen to?
LR: That depends on my mood. Sometimes it's reggae or African music. Sometimes Sade. Lately I have been into 80s hits on Pandora.
ANH: What inspired the Spring/Summer 2013 collection?
LR: The blue jungle print. When I saw that I had to have it.
ANH: Which piece are you most excited to wear come spring?
LR: The denim romper
ANH: Where would you like to take it on vacation?
LR: Brazil
ANH: How did you spend your summers when you were growing up?
LR: I was a huge tomboy. Summertime for me meant playing sports and spending as much time as possible in the water.
ANH: How does your own style inform the collection?
LR: My own style revolves around comfort. So I always want my collection to feel comfortable and effortless. At the same time, I don't think you have to sacrifice style for comfort. I love seeing a woman who looks stylish and confident but who doesn't seem to spend too much time agonizing over her outfit. I try to design with that idea mind.
ANH: What's in store for Fall/Winter 2013?
LR: Well, of course there are more prints on the way! Think florals and plaids meet velvet and tweed. The rest is a secret—you'll have to wait and see.
Shop all Layla Racy HERE.
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Layla outside her house in Brooklyn, with the palm print from her spring collection. Photos by Brayden Olson
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Mini Layla already knew how to work a print
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A model from the United Bamboo cat calendar
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Shop all Layla Racy here.
Alice Newell-Hanson: So where exactly is your studio?
Layla Racy: My house in Park Slope, Brooklyn
ANH: What's your routine when you're working on a collection?
LR: I always start by choosing my fabrics. Usually I fall in love with the prints first. Those dictate the remaining colors and textures of the collection. After that I figure out the silhouettes and individual pieces.
ANH: What music do you listen to?
LR: That depends on my mood. Sometimes it's reggae or African music. Sometimes Sade. Lately I have been into 80s hits on Pandora.
ANH: What inspired the Spring/Summer 2013 collection?
LR: The blue jungle print. When I saw that I had to have it.
ANH: Which piece are you most excited to wear come spring?
LR: The denim romper
ANH: Where would you like to take it on vacation?
LR: Brazil
ANH: How did you spend your summers when you were growing up?
LR: I was a huge tomboy. Summertime for me meant playing sports and spending as much time as possible in the water.
ANH: How does your own style inform the collection?
LR: My own style revolves around comfort. So I always want my collection to feel comfortable and effortless. At the same time, I don't think you have to sacrifice style for comfort. I love seeing a woman who looks stylish and confident but who doesn't seem to spend too much time agonizing over her outfit. I try to design with that idea mind.
ANH: What's in store for Fall/Winter 2013?
LR: Well, of course there are more prints on the way! Think florals and plaids meet velvet and tweed. The rest is a secret—you'll have to wait and see.
Shop all Layla Racy HERE.
Layla outside her house in Brooklyn, with the palm print from her spring collection. Photos by Brayden Olson
Mini Layla already knew how to work a print
A model from the United Bamboo cat calendar
