Meet Violet Somers, the 18 year old designer who proves to be an innovator with her latest focus, wearable art. From an early age Violet was completely taken with the many possibilities and outcomes that come with a career in visual art & fashion design. Born and raised in the diverse city of Los Angeles, Violet not only single handedley started her own business, but also totally dominated the tennis shoe industry with the most creative not to mention humorous designs on the market. We spoke exclusively with Violet about art & life in the City of Angels.
What inspired you to create your line of wearable art?
“At 14 I was diagnosed with Lyme disease and I was out of school for about a year. I would spend most days at the doctor or at home, and while my academic brain completely shut down, art started pouring out of me. My friend Caroline Bell (@cbellious) asked me if I could create a pair of custom painted tennis shoes for Coachella. She posted them on Instagram and they were a hit! Then Town and Country featured them in their magazine. I got really inspired and started creating designs unique to each customer. I created a web site and suddenly I had more business than I could manage. It really helped me get through a very hard phase in my life and made me realize I could make a living as an artist. When I got healthy I applied and was accepted to Los Angeles County High School of the Arts (LACHSA). If you believe our greatest challenges have hidden gifts (I do!), Lyme disease and those tennis shoes were pivotal in solidifying my path into visual art and now fashion design.”
Talk us through your creative process.
“I’m very visual, conceptual, and philosophical. I have so many varying interests so there are always a thousand different ideas going around in my head. Those ideas can really be prompted by anything: a book, a poem, a cool branch I saw on a hike, or wires hanging backstage at my friend’s play. When I get the initial input I start to piece things together and create metaphors in my head that end up adjoining pretty random things together, rooted by a common theme. Once I have that down I usually start by writing. I write every inch of my idea until it feels thought-out enough to start some preliminary sketches. I sketch a lot until I end up with a final sketch and then go about whatever artwork or design I’m creating.”
What items could you not live without?
“I have a lot of skincare and makeup routines. Good skin and nice lips are essential. My DCL B-Prox face wash for clear skin. Aquaphor keeps my lips soft. Nars Dolce Vita Lip Pencil is my go-to color. Cle de Peau Radiant Foundation for a sheer coverage. My journal – because I have WAY too many thoughts and always need a sketch book. For clothes – right now I’m in love with these vintage high-waisted Levi’s and a Frida Khalo t-shirt I thrifted in Florence.”
Describe a day in the life of Violet Somers.
“BUSY! I start my day with a cup of Bulletproof coffee, helps detox my brain and get me charged. Carpool to LACHSA with my best friends and Amy Winehouse on blast. Mornings at school start with academics. I’ve also added an online Italian class. After lunch I have a different art class everyday. Figure Drawing has a live, nude model (learning about anatomy and proportion in this class has really developed my skills for a future in fashion design). Fashion Design class involves croque sketches, draping, pattern making, and sewing. And I love my painting class just to let the creativity flow. After school I try to get to the gym or a hot yoga class. I have a nice organic family dinner, then procrastinate for 2-3 hours texting friends and managing social media. Then I hit the books, work on art assignments, and my favorite part of the night is creating a tornado of clothes as I plan an outfit for the next day. Then I try to turn off my brain and go to sleep.”
Being a frequent traveler, what have been your favorite destinations and why?
“This summer I attended a fashion design program at Polimoda in Florence, Italy for 5 weeks. I was surrounded by beautiful art, architecture, and fashion from the greatest masters of all time. The inspiration was overwhelming! I couldn’t sketch my ideas quickly enough. I saw my entire future collection – with all the details for each piece. The whole city is full of passion, life, food, family… just glorious. Being of Italian descent, I really had a sense of belonging in Italy. I have so much work to do to execute all the creative inspiration that came my way. Florence stole my heart.”
What was the most difficult aspect of setting up your own business and so far what has been the most rewarding?
“The most difficult aspect was definitely keeping up with the orders. Because so many people wanted my shoes and I was just one person running every aspect of the business (the web site, the finances, the design, the painting, etc.) it took a long time for me to actually produce and deliver a pair, which consequently made their desirability higher and increased demand. I really could have used some employees or local artists to help me paint – haha! As well as that, I get very perfectionistic and passionate about my work, so I really took my time with each pair. Like I said, the tennis shoe business was really a starting point for me to lead into my path to study fashion design.”
Have you always aspired to have a career in the Fashion Industry?
“Absolutely. Though I have several interests, fashion has been consistent from the time I was 5 years old and my nanny taught me how to hand sew dresses for my dolls. My grandmother is Suzanne Somers and when I was little, my sister and I would go through all of her incredible dresses, shoes, and accessories – essentially tearing up her closet to assemble outfits and put on a fashion show. It was the beginning of learning how to style and my grandma always said I had an incredible eye (I mean, she’s my grandma, but it built my confidence!). At LACHSA I began to design my own garments, and it’s amazing that I have the opportunity to do that at my age. I’m impatient and eager to learn more. I can’t wait for my technique to catch up to my imagination!”
What are some of your favorite things to do when you’re not working?
“When I’m not working I love to cook. I used to practice traditional French pastry when I was 9. Now I’m gluten intolerant and kind of a health nut. Regardless, I love cooking for myself and others. Poetry is a passion of mine. I like to express what I’m experiencing in metaphors because it feels like an intricate code. I also love to dance, especially with friends, though even alone in my room it always makes me happy. I used to be a competitive dancer, so I like to dip back into the technique at times and practice my old ballet routines for fun.”
What do you believe sets Los Angeles apart, being your locality of choice?
“I was born and raised here, but I’ve done enough traveling to understand why LA is such a desirable location. What really attracts me to LA is the freedom, the space, and the energy. It’s an incredibly diverse city. You have a bohemian utopia in Venice, 20 minutes and you’re at upscale Canon Drive in Beverly Hills, another 20 minutes and you’re in urban, artsy Los Feliz!
I’m always surprised by what I can find in this city: the art exhibits and installations (flower petal drop!), the restaurants (love Blossom for Vietnamese food in DTLA), the secret trails with incredible views, or the local musicians at a club. I really get the chance to explore because my friends live all around the city. I used to go to private schools on the Westside, but now I’m at LACHSA downtown. I’m so happy to have both experiences because it affords me the opportunity to know such a broad spectrum of people in LA. There really are so many undiscovered artists here in every genre waiting to emerge. The energy is palpable.”
Where to next?
“Next… New York for Fashion Week! My sister (@cameliasomers) and I are being sponsored by Kyboe watches to attend the very first accessories show at Fashion Week. New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world and I’m considering Parson’s School of Design for Fashion after I graduate next year. Either that or I will head by back to Polimoda in Florence for their 4-year program. I’m beyond inspired by the authenticity of the Italian designers. Ferruccio Ferragamo is the President of the school and the teachers push away all boundaries to really explore your passion and push to your potential. Plus, there are those charming red rooftops and gelato on the Arno!”
Where can we follow you?
“Follow me on Instagram (@violetsomers) and on my web site (VioletSomers.com). Thanks so much for the chat!”
