The Designer

I have come across very few people who are passionate about what they do. It is a sad, unfortunate reality, but it makes meeting those few much more special. Lelonnie Taylor is one of those people. Lelonnie, currently a very busy senior at Tolleson Union High School, wears her passion for fashion for everyone to see, quite literally.
I met Lelonnie my senior year of high school, her junior year, in a very random class. Random for me anyway considering I don't sing very well and that class was choir; Ms. Taylor, however, has a beautiful voice. Back to the point. I was hesitant to contact her for this feature because not only is she a super stylish, smart, singer, but because she has a very strong personality (and being socially awkward, she quite frankly intimidated me). Getting together to discuss fashion, her style, and future plans, though, was like meeting a completely new person. Lelonnie's strong personality was still present, but this time it was put forth into speaking passionately about her outfit and designs rather than forth into rolling her eyes at a much too energetic choir director.
Lelonnie wants to go into the fashion business without a doubt-- she hopes the Fashion Institute of Technology or Pratt are in her near future.
"I want to become a couture designer; [start in] New York then head to Paris where it originated. [Then] go back to New York for a boutique."
Like many other style-lovers, she loves the fast pace of New York City-- her attitude and personality will surely come in handy there.
The young designer has already gotten a head start in the business through various competitions and fashion shows. This year, she was invited back to participate in a show at Scottsdale Fashion Week.
"I was invited back because [one of the women in charge] fell in love with a homemade necklace I was wearing last year."
The challenge this year is to make a garment out of non-traditional fabric. Lelonnie is creating her piece--a formal evening gown-- out of duct tape and stained coffee filters. All together, she will be spending a total of about $15.
Lelonnie is a big DIY-er, specializing in both clothes and accessories, so much that she says she has projects and designs "backed up" to last her for months.
Her featured outfit, like most of her everyday styles, is a product of thrifting, reusing, and, of course, some personal touches. Her denim shirt belonged to her grandmother, and she added some lace details to soften the look. Her current obsession for large, oversize clothing is clear from our conversation.
"I love to wear men's clothes," she said about shopping in men's departments, "[Sometimes], the fit, especially in pants, is what women need."
As if she didn't sound  brilliant enough by that point in the interview, she went on to tell about her thrift store touring looking for the best place to shop in Phoenix . Of course, I have now set out to do the same myself.
"I really take fashion personally rather than [in a ] shallow [manner]. You can really just take $20 and find a really cute outfit."
Her best find to this day have been Oxfords for a mere $6.50 at a Savers.
Lelonnie's inspiration for her style and designs come from many things, especially music. What she listens to while sketching creates a mood for her look. This denim-lace look was inspired by one MGMT's album covers, and if her outfit could sing, it'd be rocking out to Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks" or Gaga's "Marry the Night".
The near future holds some promising and exciting events for Lelonnie including some school fashion shows and a possible trademark adequately named to reflect her style-- "Funnk & Freedom".
"I really don't have a set style. I do what I want."

Shirt: Originally belonged to her grandmother (Free)
Leggings: Walmart $5.00
Shoes: TJ Max $20.00
Headband: Wet Seal $1
Ring: Gift

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This interview took place back on December 16th, 2011. Once again, I apologize for the lack of posts.

With love,
Gabee.