“Originality is….a by-product of sincerity. ” – Marianne Moore
Immediately when I read this quote, I think of American designer Byron Lars. He’s simply an original. There’s no one like him nor his label, Byron Lars Beauty Mark. A quiet storm he is, but with tenacity and confidence he captures the heart of the everyday woman. A San Francisco native, Byron Lars has been known for his exquisite taste in patterns and his ability to accentuate a woman’s silhouette for over 20 years! It was truly an honor and a privilege to interview him – a dream for so many! And I thank him dearly for opening up his world to me in order to share with you! I pray that this candid interview empowers you, encourages you, and INSPIRES you to be all that you are with no limitations and to know that we are ALL models of life 😉
To all of the new people who did you not know but do know you NOW, what do you want to say to them? What do you want them to know about you and your collection?
Well, I think one thing I like, for the ladies out there to know about me, as a designer, I’m really on your side. I really put a lot of making these clothes to really try and make you look your best. That’s a very high priority on my list, above fashion and trends and all that because none of that matters if you put these things on and you don’t feel like you don’t look better, don’t feel like you look your best. So that’s what I’d like for you to know about me honestly AND my product. There’s a lot make in these clothes to facilitate your best self. Um, it’s sounds so corny but I’m 100% for real with that. It’s my first and foremost mission statement.
You are amazing at placing a variety of unique patterns together. Can you take me through your thought process as you place the patterns together?
You know, a lot of times, it’s not really a thought process at all, but like honestly, letting the pieces all come together on their own. We start with a fabric board here, like we go on fabric appointments and pick things we like that inspire us and move us. And then we put them all up on the board just to have them away so we can start ordering them. And so often times, things are gonna just naturally be placed to one another, speak to one another and become a garment. And honestly, I feel like this is like divinity in this whole process where it’s like “I’m not commanding the universe to my will”. But, it’s honestly from a higher place. I think sometimes like those things are falling together just by chance. Then they are falling next together because they need to be something. And I’m listening to that now. So, that’s my process. I let the Lord do my designing.
Watch this video of Byron Lars giving the details on his Fall/Winter ’15 Collection!
https://vimeo.com/121973900
What is your favorite part of the designing process before the clothes hit the shelves? What is your favorite part to do?
There are so many favorite parts of the process for me. I love fabric sourcing. I love seeing like what textile designers have been working on and concocting to inspire us and for designers, you know, build on. I like, I love pattern making. Although I don’t make the finish patterns from start to finish; I’m very involved in that process because that is what builds the shapes and the clothes that you know ultimately we sell. Um, I love it when like I’m at the factory and there’s a sample in work in the machine and you can just see this great and you’re like “Oh can I just borrow that for a second” and just put a piece of that on. Shoot. You know, it’s just all taking shape; it’s all just incredibly exciting.
What inspires you as an individual?
What inspires me as an individual is people living life with gratitude but on their own terms. Being fully and proudly the people that God put them here to be, in an uncompromised way.
Do you have faith in God? If so, how has that help you understand who you are?
I do have faith in God. Um, there’s no way I can do this or anything else effectively without His help and guidance. Recognizing that fact in my life, well in my youth, well I wasn’t that young when I recognize that fact. In fact, when I was young I thought I was doing that all on my own and I can tell you it was a lot more difficult that way. Once I placed it all in His hands, everything got a lot simpler. It’s not easy, but it’s a lot simpler.
In life, we have tests and trials, how have you overcome adversity to stay true to who you are?
Again, with God’s help, you can stay the course, and you put a lot of the, a lot of the load on Him. And it’s just a whole lot lighter and easier to carry through. And when you know that like you’re moving through the world with good intentions and you know. Honestly and fairly, you just have to know that it will work out for you and whatever your endeavors because that’s just what the design, the grand design is all about. It may not work exactly how you envision it. It may work out a lot better than how you envision it or completely different. But, it will definitely work out, for the better.
Watch this video clip with Byron Lars defining what “A Model of Life” means to him!
https://vimeo.com/121975085
See below for pics of some of my favorite pieces from the Byron Lars Beauty Mark Fall/Winter ’15 collection! You’ll be sure to love them just as much as I do! Also, you can view more collections and purchase items on his website at http://www.byronlarsbeautymark.com/
Can you say CLASSIC?!
Isn’t this skirt darling?! My gosh, the patterns. I actually need this skirt NOW in my closet but it won’t be available until the fall sadly! The buttons on this woven provides a twist that immediately caught my eye! And the color? Yesssss!
Umm where’s my motorcycle to kill these streets?! Mortal Kombat, eh?
This dress is to DIE for!! A must need in EVERY girl’s closet!
I hope you beautiful people enjoyed and was touched by the interview as I was! But, I have Part 2 for you coming up next and you’ll be able to win FREE pieces from his collection! So watch out for Part 2!
A Model of Life 