Photography Credit/Facebook.com
Written by | Ray Cornelius
Ladies and Gentlemen meet Ken Laurence.
He is one of the newest fashion designers competing on season 12 of Lifetime’s reality competition, Project Runway. A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Laurence is the 3rd designer from the southern state to appear on the show. Designers Amanda Perna appeared on season nine in 2011 and the very outspoken but funny Anthony Williams made us laugh all during season seven in 2010 and again on Project Runway All-Stars in 2012.
For 24-year-old, Laurence, Project Runway is 2nd chance at fashion design after years of endless freelance work. Like many of the other designers, he is using the opportunity as a platform to showcase his clothing line and present his work that he’s describes as a celebration of the woman’s body. Each item also pays homage to the strength and courage of his single parent mother.
“I really love to incorporate strong shoulders in my women’s wear because it symbolizes female empowerment. If you don’t have confidence after you put on one of my pieces, you will receive it.”
Recently, I caught up with the Laurence to talk about the show. Although he couldn’t reveal too much about it, for obvious reasons, he graciously chatted about his current obsessions, fashion predictions and the single fashion trend that needs to die a quick death.
Check it out below…
Who is your Fashion Muse?
I would have to say Victoria Beckham. She has an ‘air about her’ that I find attractive. I don’t care if she is wearing sweat pants with a tank top, she always makes what’s she wearing fashionable. At the end of the day, she is also a real women and the type I like to dress. She is career driven, with a family unit that she takes care of, as well as her own business endeavors.
Who is your favorite iconic fashion designer?
McQueen, I am obsessed with the late Alexander McQueen. His tailoring and pattern making skills were simply amazing as well as the whimsical feel of his collections. The visual standpoint of the artistry that comes behind his work and the story line is amazing as well, it inspires me a lot.
New York or Paris?
Ooh, I would have to say Paris. All of the great designers like Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior came from Paris. Plus, the city has a different respect for the artistry of fashion versus the United States.
What is your favorite clothing store?
As a designer, it’s kind of hard to just name one store. (LOL) There is usually several but my personal favorite is Express.
Which celebrity, other than Beyoncé, would you like to style?
(LOL) I would love to style First Lady Michelle Obama, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna and the list goes on and on. Honestly, Ciara has really stepped up her game and I would love to style her.
What is a staple fashion piece all men must have?
Just like every woman needs a little black dress, every man needs a well-tailored black suit in his closet…period!
Whose music are you listening to while you’re designing?
Beyoncé of course. It depends on the direction I am going with the pieces. Honestly, if I am not listening to her, I am listening to gospel, classical and opera music.
What’s the must have item for the fall?
I know that plaid is going to make an extreme comeback for the fall. So that is going to be something that is trending.
Name a fashion trend that must go?
I would have to say leggings. Contrary to popular belief, leggings are not pants and that is a trend that needs to die ASAP!
Click here to go to the Project Runway website where you can like his FB page #DesignerKen
The 12th season of Project Runway airs tonight at 9 p.m. EST on Lifetime.
