We published an interview with graduate designer Kim Foley today on the magazine side. The buzz around her is noteworthy. Having worked under Alexander McQueen and Carolina Herrera, Foley is poised to do some amazing things. We first saw her line at the Caravan fashion show this past New York fashion week. She shot some pieces from her line with her equally talented cousin slash photographer Jennifer Foley (who incidentally also graduated from FIT). Here’s an excerpt from the photo story slash interview:

PD: Through all the adversity, have you ever felt like you wanted to give up?

Although it hasn’t always gone as I had hoped, I never felt like just giving up. Being a positive person, I would just try a new route. The fashion industry is in my blood and I feel that I have the energy and talent to make a contribution. Creating the garments, working with the models, the photographers and seeing my work in a magazine is so satisfying and fun. There have been some times when I become frustrated because I couldn’t continue in the way that I wanted, but it has actually opened some new doors for opportunity and growth. One thing I have learned over the years is to accept new experiences. Although these new challenges may not appear exciting at first, try and make the best out of it, you might end up really enjoying it.

You can view the full photo story and interview entitled In the Box here.

I’m a bit excited to see what several designers are coming up with for the fall season. But I’ve wrapped my mind in particular around two, maybe it’s because they are going to be at our event this Wednesday, perhaps it could just be that I am a sucker for well constructed sustainable fashion.

Zonkiri was interviewed by our editor Michelle Bell last season and provided great insight on how he begins his process of designing for the different seasons and what he was looking to do for the fall, we’ve dug up the video for your viewing pleasure. We also dug up the two photo galleries from the style salon event below. We had a great time in February and are looking to do it all over again this Wednesday. If you haven’t rsvp’d, you can do it right now before the list closes. Without further ado, here are the galleries and videos from the Style Salon:

Zonkiri

Jedda Kahn

Video From Fashion Week:

Remember this post? It is pointed out because while there are many still going in that direction, there are several in the music, tv and fashion world going in the other direction. The other direction meaning going the right way. Instead of crashing into trees, showing their vaginas coming out of cars, ending up in jail for dui convictions, throwing parties inviting only the anorexic, there are those who are finally breaking through with real talent. Leah Renee is actually one of those going in the right direction with real good music. She agreed to sit down and have an interview with us while in New York recording her debut album and shooting A Day in the Life (have to get those Michael Kors shoes). A Papierdoll exclusive, the interview follows below:

What are you working on currently that has all of your attention, and how is it going?

Right now I’m working on finishing up my record deal-it’s been really challenging having to deal with everyone’s different, not to mention busy schedules and living away from home…but at the same time it’s exciting! I’m also writing and recording songs for my first album and future projects…which is always fun!!!

Who deserves all the credit for Leah Renee?

Well…there isn’t just one specific individual responsible for where I am in life right now. I’m a work in progress. I started modelling and acting at the age of five…I had to BEG my parents to let me. From a young age I learned the importance of having a strong work ethic and gained the confidence I needed to put myself out there and take risks with my career. I’ve worked with some great people and those who weren’t so great…but I’ve learned something from each of them. Luckily I hooked up with my New Jersey team ( a.k.a my 2nd family) and every experience so far has been a positive. They’ve definitely helped me grow as a person and an artist. It also goes without saying that my family deserves a whole lot of credit.

You’ve done voiceovers for TV shows and animated features, how did you get into singing?

Acting and singing are kind of related in the industry-when I was eleven I wanted to audition for the musical Jane Eyre which was coming to Toronto. So I did some research and enlisted the help of vocal coach Elaine Overholt…who just recently finished working with John Travolta on Hairspray…to help me get through the whole audition process. I didn’t get the job but I did land some jobs singing commercial jingles for TV and started to work with different producers.

Was the voice-over thing something you saw as a full time job forever?

As an actor you have to be versatile-it’s a good thing to be able to do on camera and voice work. I’ve been doing cartoons since I was a kid and I fully expect to still be doing them when I’m an old lady along with singing!!

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