Now that the curtain has dropped on Fall 08, we've taken a moment to style and shoot the collections from some of our favorite designers. Sue Stemp, whom we interviewed as part of our pre-Fashion Week video series, invited us into her studio to shoot her Fall 08 collection. Stemp, as always, was a blast to spend time with, and with her new inclusion as a member blog in Coutorture we are even more excited for this shoot. She is one of the most lively designers and her beautiful manners and kind demeanor make her clothes seem that much more special. This Fall 08, Stemp showed vibrant dresses with details like hand screen printed designs and racer back panels that wrap into scarves. The collection is any party girl's dream come true where the clothes are sophisticated though lively enough to grace the dance floors of any posh New York City club. Since we've spoken with Stemp about her Fall 08 collection by way of our previous interview, we decided to ask her a little bit about her time spent post-Fashion Week. Below, our most recent interview with Stemp, links to other coverage, and our exclusive Coutorture editorial.




One would imagine, with Spring deliveries and Fall buying, this time of year might be a bit hectic for you. Is this a stressful time for you or are you able to relax with the help of your team?
Having your own business is relentlessly hectic all year round, but timewise in the fashion calendar, with there being a much bigger gap between Spring and Fall fashion weeks than vice versa, March and April are really the quietest months for me. So I’m trying to make the most of it and maybe get away somewhere soon.


When does the work for next season (Spring 09) start to pick up? When you are building ideas for a new collection, do you set a timeline for yourself?
I have to set a timeline for myself, and I guess I’ve already started to build ideas in my head and in my sketchbook. I’m just beginning to research these and look at fabrics….there is always a danger of starting too early on designing though as I’ll want to change everything later! The first things that I really have to finalise are the colours, order fabrics and trims, and get my prints and embellishments into work.


Your Fall 08 collection included so many wonderful dresses, perfect for an evening out in New York City. I know you've just moved uptown with your family, do you think your aesthetic will continue to represent a downtown lifestyle, or do you imagine the move will begin to inform your designs?
I don’t think my move will make any difference to my design aesthetic….it will still remain a mix of downtown New York with a bit of uptown and London thrown in!


What pieces in the Fall 08 collection did people respond strongly to? Were you surprised?
People always react well to my prints, especially this season as they were mostly hand screen printed with is really unusual. In general most girls respond strongly to whatever they think would like to wear themselves…so that’s not really that surprising, but it is flattering and encouraging.


Links:
Sue Stemp Spring 08 collection
Pre-fashion week video interview with Sue Stemp
Sue Stemp Fall 08 fashion show
Exclusive Coutorture editorial with Fall 08 Sue Stemp colllection
Exclusive Coutorture editorial with Fall 08 James Coviello collection

Our newest network partner, also currently featured in our exclusive Coutorture editorial 'A Night At Maxim's', is the lovely designer, Sue Stemp. Stemp will bring to our network her knowledge and experience as a contemporary fashion designer thriving in New York. Stemp's blog curates her lively adventures in design which include everything from exclusive events to karaoke nights with friends (like, uh, Doo Ri). Also, captivating are those glimpses from the 'backstage' vantage point, the moments that can only being captured by the designer herself (not the press, nor her friends). This week, Stemp captured the birthday party of Alexander McQueen, which started at Waverly Inn and finished at Beatrice. To see more from the party, check out Stemp's blog, we guarantee you'll recognize a few people.


Click for more Network shoutouts.

Maybe you haven't shaved your legs, maybe your planning some laying-in-the-grass time, or maybe you just feel like having some extra fabric floating as you stride. The maxi dress appears every season (sometimes abundantly so ) because the shape compliments many body types and many activities. Although this season, everyone's screaming about other trends and patterns, the maxi dress has definitely made more than one appearance. Here are our favorites, by Twinkle, Chris Han, Sue Stemp, and Yigal Azrouel.

As disco mania sweeps through the nightlife destinations of New York's hippest drink swillers, the Sue Stemp S/S 08 collection provides the outfits for the cause. This collection, in all of it's 1970's boheme glory, looks like it will be a solution to the ninety degree heat/desire to wear something other than a Uniqlo t-shirt problem. Stemp, a social, fun gal of her own accord, recently showed us around her studio and gave us a peek at the inspiration behind her A/W 08 collection. Sure it's a new season, but we suspect to see her aesthetic shine through, as she draws upon pop-rebels like Serge Gainsbourg for her next round in '08.



Pre-Fashion Week Studio Visit with Sue Stemp

Last week, we met with English designer Sue Stemp for a pre-fashion week interview and tour of her studio. This will be the sixth collection for Sue Stemp, who is known for her English boheme sensibilities and New York know-how. This season, Stemp draws inspiration from the famous restaurant, Maxim's, for its art nouveau interior and its social scene in the 1970's.