Keisha Harris is an up and coming fashion designer that is currently working on a project called “Skull De Lys”. I had the pleasure of talking with her about this project, her future plans, and what inspires her designs. She also gave me a sneak peak at some of the unique and exceptional pieces of the Skull De Lys collection. Take a look at let me know what you think.

New Orleans City Chic: Tell me about yourself.

Keisha Harris: I am a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and
Merchandising in Los Angeles where I obtained my
degree in fashion design. I began sewing when I was
about 9 years of age. Basically clothing for my dolls
and I moved on to pillows after I was given my first
sewing machine.

NOCC: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

KH: I hope I am still designing but, this time for a
major corporation as well as small projects.

NOCC: Where does your inspiration come from?

KH: I am inspired by life, music, and my grandmother. She
could just look at Queen Elizabeth’s outfit on
television and suddenly she was wearing it to church
on Sunday. She made her own very elaborate hats,
jewelry, suits, and dresses. She had great taste. I
think that is why I adore vintage things so much.

NOCC: What are your short term and long term design
goals?

KH: I really could not call anything dealing with design
short term, but long term I would like to continue to
grow in design. I learn something new about myself
in each garment I create. I just want to continue to
grow.

NOCC: Tell me about your current project, Skull de lys.
Are there any other special projects you’re working on?

KH: Skull de Lys is a clothing line that I design for out
of New Orleans. I am a partner in this project along
with Dick Darby, Joe Parker, and Frenchie our graphic
designer from France. The concept itself is a New
Orleans ying yang representing life and death. It is a
whole new spin on the Fleur de lys and skull. I like
to think we have something very fresh and new. This
project has produced the two fashions I am currently
working on here in New Orleans. Skull de Lys is my
baby, and has afforded a lot of opportunities for me
and my partners.

NOCC: What makes your designs different? What is unusual?

KH: What makes my designs different is that they are not
pre-planned or thought out like I was formally
trained. They are cut from my heart and soul as I
touch the fabric. What makes each garment unusual is
that I only produce limited identical garments, they
are all hand sewn by me personally, the shape and flow
of my garments have attitude.

NOCC: Why do you think someone would like to purchase
your designs?

KH: I think someone would like to purchase Skull de Lys
designs because they are FRESH, EDGY, and for ANYONE
who embodies that spirit. Skull de Lys has that city
spirit, rock star vibe, and sex appeal that is
uniquely New Orleans.

NOCC: What elements are critical to the success of your
designs?

KH: Consistency, COMFORT, Color, and Confidence are crucial
in my work. I want people to look good and feel good
in our garments. I design with New Orleans in mind so
when someone has on a Skull DE Lys dress she should
feel wonderful and look wonderful.

NOCC: What age group are your designs aimed at?

KH: Our demographic is 20-50, so anyone, any age, any
size, I try to accommodate.

NOCC: Being a designer in New Orleans, how important is
the culture of this city in influencing your designs.

KH: Extremely important, fabric, graphics, color choices,
etc are influenced by New Orleans. The idea of our
logo is from the New Orleans culture. We are ready as
a city to step it up and I hope Skull de Lys is one of
brands that helps get New Orleans out there in the
fashion world.

Contact Keisha Harris:
keishamharris@yahoo.com