The Simple Life
This spring, less is more — a mantra that L.A.-based designer Kelly Bergin clearly knows well. The FIDM grad has a knack for cool simplicity in the form of genius fabrics (think leather skirts, sheer tanks and metallic slip dresses) and flattering shapes (silk T-shirt dresses, long skirts with high slits) that have earned approval from both critics and shoppers alike. Since launching her namesake collection in 2009, Women’s Wear Daily has called the Beverly Hills resident “one to watch” while Elle, Vogue and the New York Times have all given their nod of approval as well. And as of this week, Bergin’s effortless goods can reach shoppers all over the globe via Net-A-Porter, otherwise known as the Mecca of e-comm.
We caught up with Bergin to talk about the crucial things in life — you know, design process, being labled an L.A. designer and, most importantly, how to dress for a first date.
SSLA: Your clothes capture the elusive casual-yet-polished look. Did you set out to create that aesthetic when you started your line?
The goal is to make clothes that have unusual or thoughtful details, but that aren't precious, and can be mixed and matched in a variety of ways with a casual, effortless result -- so I'm glad that comes across in the collection.
Which retail voids did you intend to fill when you began your business?
I have been primarily interested in producing high quality items from high quality fabrications and offering them at a relatively reasonable price point [ed. note: Bergin’s chiffon T-shirt can be had for under $100. Yowza]. Beyond that, I want everything in the collection to be versatile, in that each piece can be dressed up or down. I generally look to my best-loved basics for inspiration and go from there.
You use such a versatile mix of fabrics in your work – suede, gauze, leather and chiffon. How do you choose the appropriate material for each item?
It depends. Sometimes, I'll find a fabric I love and figure out multiple ways to work it into the collection, though I generally have a silhouette in mind first and work that way. I typically begin designing a season by collecting as many swatches as I can and sitting with them until things fall into place.
If you had to go to a desert island with one piece from your Spring/Summer 2011 collection, what would it be?
So tough. I can't pick one. I love the knit knotted pieces because they hit the perfect special/casual balance for me. I also love that we were able to offer leather mini skirts made of the softest lambskin for a really reasonable price.
Quick — you’re going on a first date. And you think you might actually like him a little. What do you wear?
I think the perfect first date outfit is whatever you feel most comfortable and relaxed in. I'm personally not about getting all done up because I'm usually pretty casual and I don't want to sell anyone a bill of goods! A casual dress usually does the trick.
Who were your style icons growing up? And now?
I grew up in the 90's, and my style icons were probably Cher Horowitz and Kurt Cobain. I had a definite grunge period, during which I would only shop in the boy's section and wore a uniform of denim, ribbed knits, and flannel. I was generally a preppy kid, though, and at times I find myself still tending toward a preppier look. My current style icons are Lauren Hutton and Loulou de la Falaise, who are both timeless embodiments of the classic, effortless, masculine/feminine look I love so much these days.
Do you find the that being a Los Angeles designer has hindered you in any way?
Not really. I understand that LA fashion gets short shrift when compared to major fashion cities, but I am a proud Angeleno and love being able to design and produce the line here. I get a lot of inspiration from the city and I think my LA upbringing informs the line and helps to give it an effortless, causal feel. We participate in NY market weeks and I collaborate with a lot of New Yorkers, from photographers to graphic designers, but I like having a base that is a bit removed.