Lala Talks: Reverie S/S 09 and Q&A with the Emerging Designer

Ronit Genik is the creative designer behind emerging label Reverie. With a strong passion for fashion, this New Yorker has translated that desire to create into her line. Her Spring/Summer 2009 Collection is perfect for the minialist. There is a strong use of blue hues and fabrics, not to mention a great astronomical print inspired by the deep space theme of her collection. Ronit Genik is innovative, has a clear sense of what she wants to design and clearly has a true love for the art of fashion. Watch out Alexander Wang because next year Reverie will be taking the CFDA Fashion Fund Award home!

"There is a great energy in New York that is difficult to match. Everything is accessible to you and anything is possible."

Tell us a bit about yourself. Ronit Genik, 27. Born in Israel, outside of Tel Aviv. Moved to the US at 3, grew up in Brooklyn, New York. Graduated with BFA in fashion design from Parsons School of Design.

What made you decide you wanted to become a designer?I’ve always loved fashion and dressing up. I think it comes from my mom letting me dress myself and make my own choices from a young age. My mom was always very fashionable in her own right and I grew up looking through magazines like Vogue and Bazaar. I remember from a young age, designing clothes for dolls, or crocheting a hat or scarf (my sitter taught me). I would also design and make different accessories like purses and buy sequins and trims to decorate with at local shops. I also loved vintage and would shop thrift stores, looking for great details and ideas. By high school, I didn’t really consider any other profession and enrolled in Parsons school of Design. I did a year abroad in Paris as well, where the focus was more on couture and self-expression.
As a New Yorker, what is your favorite thing or place about/in this lovely city? I really love New York because it is so diverse- in its people, culture and open possibilities. People come here from every corner of the world, they work hard and they live together no matter how different they are. There is a great sense of community and “we’re all in this together”. There is a great energy in New York that is difficult to match. There is so much to do and see, you can never be bored. Everything is accessible to you and anything is possible.
Tell me about the concept of your current collection and what were your inspirations?
My Spring 09 collection was inspired by images from deep space, constellations and stars. I have always loved astronomy and the beautiful images that the gases, stars and sunlight created- its magical. The colors and shapes are ethereal. I was inspired by those images to create prints and use special details and trims like Swarovski crystals, metal studs, and special buttons. I also named each style in the collection after a different constellation and recreated the constellation patterns on tops and dresses with crystals, which are whimsical and elegant. I mixed this concept with feminine silhouettes that are wearable and fun.

Were there specific fabrics or techniques that you leaned more towards?

For my Spring 09 collection, I leaned more towards a variety of silk fabrics like chiffons, georgette, and charmeuse, which I think are beautiful and feminine. I also used heavier silks for structured dresses and cotton for more sturdier pieces like a vest or short. I used techniques like pleating, pintucking, and shirring to manipulate the fabric and allow it to drape and create new shapes.

Whether it be a musical artist, a person, an art exhibit, a book or idea, what is your current creative stimulation ?

I think art has always been a creative stimulant for me- whether it is a new art exhibit, architecture, photography, costumes or traditional garb. I get inspired by things I see in the street, from a film, or when travelling. Sometimes I am inspired by what I would want to wear to a party or to an event or what my friends would want to wear.

What are your other passions besides fashion design?

I really love art and culture in general, whether its going to an art exhibit, seeing an independent film, going to see the opera or a play. I also really love to travel and experience new cultures and so far have to been to places like Iceland, Peru and Russia.

Could you see yourself doing anything else?

If I wasn’t in fashion I would probably do something with travelling. Something that would allow me to travel around the world.

Your philosophy to live by?

Do what you love and don’t give up. The struggles and difficult times make it more rewarding at the end.

What is about fashion and design that appeals to you the most?

I love that fashion is about self-expression- it’s a release for a lot of people, even if they don’t consider themselves as fashionable or artistic. Fashion can represent your culture, religion, what part of the world you live in, the music you listen to, and who you are as an individual or as part of a group. It is a window to your moods and emotions- whether it is rebellion against your parents or trying to fit in with your friends at school. As for my customer, she is looking for something unique and special. I love clothes that are feminine and edgy with great details. I want to create something that stands out among the rest.