Being Byron
5 Minutes With A Designer

Earlier this year, fashion designer Byron Lars made his Rip the Runway debut on BET's fourth annual fashion-meets-music showcase. The style maven, who has had his own line since 1991, and is known for mixing Savile Row-type tailoring with casual gear for women, showcased his fashions alongside fellow designers and newcomers Douglas Says, Johnny Vincent, Akoo, Project Runway finalist Korto, and Monif C. Though the Rip the Runway show may have been many younger viewers' first encounter with him, Lars is no newcomer to the fashion world. Quickly after the launch his own designer label in 1991, when he was named "Rookie of the Year," by WWD, Lars' signature style of edge mixed with "the familiar" caught the eye of major retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale's. Unfortunately, a licensing deal with a company designed to sell his line went sour--they sold his line to discounters, which to a new designer, " is death," his partner testified in a hearing. It took two years for Lars to win his lawsuit, but by then, the damage had already been done. And his star, which shined so brightly to high-end retailers, appeared to dim. But Mattel had other plans. The toy maker, known for creating Barbie, asked Lars to create a private collection for the doll. And in 1997, that's exacgtly what Lars did, becoming the first African-American designer to create clothing for Barbie. Shortly thereafter, Lars launched "Byron Lars Beauty Mark" line, which delivers the same workmanship but at a moderate pricepoint. This new endeavor which borrowed from his shirt and shirtdress concept (feminine-tailored shirts that wrap to resemble a Dorothy Lamour sarong) was now more accessible to the more budget-conscious consumer. Here, Lars discusses his first Rip the Runway experience, his upcoming fashion line, and some tips for the fashionista on a budget.

By Shari Myles

AMBERmag.com: What about the styles of the 40's and 50's intrigue you?
BL: I really love the level of polish that is indicative of that time period of fashion. I think it's especially fresh to pair something ultra polished with something that is really not. For instance, a white wife beater under a flawlessly tailored, no-nonsense coatdress.

AMBERmag.com: Tell us about what you're currently working on ?
BL: I am currently developing an extended size collection accomodating sizes 14 through 24. I am finally addressing a long- standing request of the many would be customers that can't buy my clothes as they are sized at present.

AMBERmag.com: When will this line launch? How will it differ from your other lines? What are the price points?
BL: The plus size line is still a work in progress that I hope to get up and running by Spring 2010. Although it will be edited down, it won't differ much from the main line and that is exactly what I hope to set it apart from the plus size offering currently available out there. The price points will be contemporary with the look and detailing of high end.

AMBERmag.com: What was it like doing Rip the Runway?
Byron Lars: It was very exciting at the Rip the Runway show to witness such a positive reaction of a completely new audience to these clothes.

AMBERmag.com: Who were some of your favorite designers of the night?
BL: Hands down my favorite designer of the night was Korto Momolu. I really think she has a good eye and a refreshing take on things.

AMBERmag.com: What style tips can you give to fashion-savvy women on a budget?
BL: Before investing in a new piece for the season, put the candidate for your closet through the following litmus test:

-Does this dress, blouse or fill-in-the-blank freshen anything that I currently own?
-Can it go to work as well as continuing on for and evening out?
-Can I potentially wear this 8 months out of the year?
-Does it make me look fabulous, as opposed to simple. Does it look fabulous?

If you can't answer yes to at least two of the above questions, by all means, save your money and move on. Another essential style tip for the budget-conscious is to never underestimate the power of the purchases that you have already made which are probably being taken for granted. Now is the time to really study what you already own and get creative in the realm of reinvention. That tired and unlined spring jacket from last year for instance, could be amazing after you cut the sleeves off of it and belt the waist with three of those (none matching of course) skinny belts that you never got around to throwing away.

AMBERmag.com: Where can we buy your clothes?
BL: Please check out the website, www.byronlarsbeautymark.com to find the stores nearest you that carry the line.PLEASE

AMBERmag.com: What are some Summer trends we can look forward to?
BL: I really like butching up a girly chiffon minidress by pairing it with an army navy feeling pair of boy pants and punctuating the look with a silk flower pinned to a bullet belt. Byron Lars Beauty Mark is sold in fine department stores and boutiques nationwide. To find out more about Byron Lars, visit ByronLarsBeautyMark.com.

Take a look at Byron's most recent RIP the Runway showcase.

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