Radmila Lolly
is the designer of glamorous couture collections, accompanied by an alternative-classical soundtrack, the latest of which is from her self-composed album
'Wonderland'
- both were debuted during a dazzling night at Carnegie Hall.
Lolly is the sole designer of the fashion house
ELTARA CASATA, with her couture pieces being worn by Gayle King, Bebe Rexha, Mya, Miss Universe 2018, Miss USA 2018 and Miss USA 2017 - to name a few. As well as being seen in Vogue Italia, Harper's Baazar, at Barneys Madison Avenue Trunk Show and at the Daytime Emmy's Ceremony.
Her designs are a statement of confidence; she strikes the balance between fierce and feminine, whilst inspiring women to fill up every space in the room with power and elegance.
Lolly first burst onto the music scene with her triumphant debut album "IV Stories at the Standard Hotel Op.6" with the avant-garde, electro-acoustic "Scorchio" string quartet. Her fashion allows her to fulfil the visual sensations of her music, however each medium continuously inspires each other. It's very rare to see an artist preform a concert wearing a full wardrobe of her own fashion house; Lolly is in control of every artistic detail and through that creates an evocatively passionate world.
ROUGH
spoke to Lolly as she works on her next self-composed album with a couture collection to accompany, however she is also finishing a novel - her next endeavour in the desire to truly express herself...
ROUGH: How does your music blend into a fashion collection?
Like I said earlier, music is art, and fashion is art. Fashion has textures, colours and a message, and so does music.
ROUGH: What is it about specifically couture fashion that you connect with so much?
I think you can never be overdressed; how you dress is how you feel. People think that if you're very feminine in your dress and appearance it doesn't make you strong, but I think you can be strong and feminine. There is something so captivating about a woman walking into a room and owning the space with her presence and elegance, and I think couture complements that.
ROUGH: How would you describe your musical stylings and what inspires that style?
I am fascinated by different instruments and finding out in what ways they are similar and how they are different. Understanding how each works is a little bit like speaking a new language. In terms of my musical stylings I try not to go with trends and just express my own creative ideas. I still think it is important to understand the history behind music, and keep up with what is happening in the music world currently, in the sense that being informed gives me more tools with which to create my own music.
ROUGH: How does your music blend into a fashion collection?
Like I said earlier, music is art, and fashion is art. Fashion has textures, colours and a message, and so does music.
What is it about specifically couture fashion that you connect with so much?
I think you can never be overdressed; how you dress is how you feel. People think that if you're very feminine in your dress and appearance it doesn't make you strong, but I think you can be strong and feminine. There is something so captivating about a woman walking into a room and owning the space with her presence and elegance, and I think couture complements that.
In fashion, what's your creative process from idea to final garment?
An idea strikes me and I immediately start sketching, which usually takes me about five to seven minutes. Then I buy specific fabrics to match my vision, and give the fabric and drawing to my head seamstress. Sometimes if it is a complex design I will even pin the fabric to a dress form myself to make sure my vision is made clear. Usually within three days or less the item is produced.
I hear you don't just design couture - but nearly all your clothes! Can you tell me about your passion for fashion design?
Yes, I design most of my own clothes because it allows me to express most accurately how I feel and who I am every day. I design and make one of a kind couture pieces; I do this for many performers, and numerous red carpet events. But, I don't just do fashion and music; I write novels and movies scripts, I paint, I learn many instruments. To me they're all different mediums for me to express myself as best I can.
You have a novel coming up - very exciting - how does that tie into all your other work? And, I hear it corresponds to your new album and couture line... Can you hint what the themes might be throughout them?
It takes place in 1928-1970, one of my favourite eras when I watch old movies. Back in the day they really put an effort into making movies, perfecting the scenes and their acting, getting everything right. I feel the same way about this novel; it has taken me six years to write it, because I want to make sure that everything is exactly how I imagine it to be. As I am writing, I imagine the story and the characters like those old movies, so as I am writing I am already creating the couture collection in my head - it will be very vintage inspired! The music is just another way of writing the same story, and it completely intertwines with and complements the novel.
