Stephanie Gentry of ThunderLily NYC is nothing short of fabulous. Gentry is beyond talented, stylish and all things fashion as her passion for design is reflected in each of her unique, gorgeous creations. Gentry’s designs are bold, one-of-a-kind and the work of a true talent. Her pieces are perfect for the urban chic woman. I recently had a chance to chat with the very busy Gentry. See what she had to say about her work and growing brand:
KLO: At what age did you know you wanted to take the design route? There are so many different facets to the fashion world, how did you know design was for you?
SG: I have always known and wanted to be an artist. I started exploring careers as an artist in college. When the Atlanta College of Art and Design merged with SCAD to form the Atlanta campus my freshmen year, I decided to try fashion. Being that I was coming from an illustration background, I was not sure. But I had been inspired by all the fashion in TV shows and fashion at my school. So, I decided to try it. It stuck when I realized I have basically been designing my whole life.
KLO: In one sentence, how would you describe your personal style? Is it directly reflected in your designs.
SG: My personal style is definitely reflected in my designs, but I also pay attention to my customers. My designs are very urban chic – chic for work, urban for play – sometimes a combination depending on the situation.
KLO: Who is your biggest fashion inspiration? With that in mind, do you have a “dream” client?
SG: This seems really far out there and I hesitated saying this, but I love Princess Kate. Her style is super chic, but it also has an urban feel to it. I would love to see her in my trench or jacket. I was told recently that my clothes remind them of something she would wear. It has definitely got me thinking.
KLO: What are three items of clothing/accessories you cannot live without?
SG: Scarves, bags, and ruffle hair clips or headbands.
KLO: What was the best advice you have ever gotten for your career?
SG: One of my bosses once told me, ‘If you cannot find work, make it for yourself.’ She was a very successful entrepreneur. And her advice is surely working.
KLO: Your pieces are so unique and chic. How have your designs evolved over time? Or did you always have an exact vision of what you wanted?
SG: My work has definitely evolved. I actually developed the original inspiration through art history classes. In college while prepping my senior project, I fell in love with Frank Gehry and the idea that form follows function, instead of function follows form, for architecture. My clothes don’t always look like the typical architectural style, especially my spring line, but you can see it if you look at the Marquis De Risqal. The building looks like ruffles and ribbons folding over itself – which is where I drive a lot of my ideas from. I also love vintage clothing and the shabby chic look. So I decided to combine the two and this was the result.
So, I have been rocking a scarf by Gentry the past couple days at work and have received compliment after compliment. As she said herself, one cannot live without scarves. And I must agree – a fabulous addition to any outfit!
For more information on Stephanie Gentry, check out her twitter, @SGDeisgner and her women’s wear line at www.thunderlily.com/stephaniegentry.
KLO
