What was your first reaction when you were proposed to be the creative director for Three dots?

I really liked the Three Dots team – we clicked immediately and I believe that when you vibe with the people you work with, you can make things happen.  The better the vibe, the faster things happen!

I knew that I wanted to join the team because I saw what potential the brand had.  They already held an established fan base of loyal customers.  I felt that I could grow this base by adding more fashion-forward styles, and reaching out to the younger consumers.

Where do you want to take the Three Dots brand under your creative direction?

I’m going to bring in what I’m known for and mix it with the existing Three Dots aesthetic, which I see as “casual cool.”  I want to take it up a notch and take the collection from day to night.  I see this being done by mixing the fabrics to give the pieces more texture, and introducing new fabrics and fashion elements.  I want to make Three Dots more cutting edge!

How/Where do you find your design inspiration?

I was influenced greatly by my move to LA in 1999 – the chill vibe, great weather, and fabulous people inspire my collection every day. The weather is really key. In LA we have a lot of warm days and cool nights which allows you to really mix your look by adding and removing layers.  I also love to be outdoors and draw my inspiration from nature.  Sometimes I go on a hike, drive through the mountains, or hop in the car for an hour to get to the desert.

What gets you out of bed every morning?

Bikram Yoga.  I’m obsessed with the way it makes me look and feel.

What does your normal day of work look like?

I’m a morning person so I wake up really early.  I’m always excited to start the day because I love what I do.  After that, it’s all just a blur.  I feel like I get to work and by the time I finally sit down, the day is already over.  Some of the things I do during the day include researching current fashion trends and my favorite designers, meeting with my design team to brainstorm new ideas and to test the fit of current styles, and of course, I’m never away from my Blackberry.  Every day is different in this industry.  Every day is exciting.

What keeps you up at night?

When I design, I think of the girl I’m designing for.  I think about what kind of work she does, where she likes to go out, what she eats…even what she puts on when just out of the shower.  I’m always imagining different scenarios and different girls.  This is what makes designing so fun- I’m always using my imagination.

What advice would you give to an aspiring fashion designer?

Fashion is a passion.  You have to live, breathe, and eat clothes.  There are many different paths one can take to become a designer.  A lot of people go to school for design and I think that’s an obvious choice.  I started my career as a stylist. I believe this really taught me what the body is like and how to create shapes that will flatter all sizes.

What crazy things have you done to get people to know about and wear your clothing?

Like any other industry, fashion is about networking.  I have traveled the globe, stopping in all the major fashion capitals to check out top and up-and-coming designers.  You learn about their work and share it with the people you know – they do the same with yours. The more you put yourself out there, the more people will want to see your work – especially if it’s good!

What would you be if you weren’t a designer?

If I wasn’t a designer, I would rescue every stray dog in sight and live on a ranch!