designer q+a | Ya-el Torbati Raven Denim | slideshow: Spring 2011

words_dena rochelle

Full disclosure: I handle Raven Denim’s social media and consider the creative director to be a friend. And let me tell you, when you are a denim devotee like me, it’s a lot of fun to have a pal who is a premium denim designer. When I first laid eyes on the upcoming Spring 2011 collection, a big smile spread across my face because I love every style. Further proof that this social media gig of mine is a match made in denim heaven. Of course, I have an inside scoop for you: Spring 2011 lookbook photos (as previously stated, the whole lookbook is amaze but I limited myself to eight faves), plus an interview with designer Ya-el Torbati.

D~ What inspired this collection?

Y~ “If I had to paint a picture with themes I would say: 40’s safari meets 70’s pool party! What!? I think the color palette, the slouchy, easy silhouettes, and the utilitarian details all evoke a sort of vintage-y safari vibe yet the washes and the new denim bodies (which include lots of wide legs and some high waists), really have a breezy 70’s summer feel. Somehow the two ideas mesh quite harmoniously.”

D~ How has this season evolved/changed since last season?

Y~ “This season’s biggest change is the ratio of denim vs. non-denim fabrications. Whereas the line used to be about 80% denim and 20% non-denim, we have now evolved to about 60% denim and 40% non-denim. This addition includes a few Tencel and Tencel blend fabrications, some piece-dyed twills, a yarn-dyed plaid, a novelty herringbone, and chambray.”

D~ Which styles will you be wearing most?

Y~ “Tenley in Stoned Forest, Poppy in Antique, Orly in Poolside, Jemma in Spruce, Remy in Checkers, and Alix in Marvel.”

D~ What are your favorite new washes + fabrics from this collection?

Y~ “The addition of Tencel, which is super soft and drapey allowed me to introduce some great new shapes into the line like Jemma and Poppy. I am madly in love with the buttery soft chambray that opened the door to do a few shirtings like the Beatrice tunic. The yarn-dye plaid, which I call Checkers, is rad! And as far as new denim washes, I heart Heatwave, Beatnik, Dusk, Tonic, Antique, Poolside, and Surf.”

D~ What kind of music are you listening to these days?

Y~ “When I’m on the computer, I’m listening to Pandora. My 90’s gangsta’ rap station and my station based on Bell Biv DeVoe are getting lots of play. I guess I’m feeling nostalgic. When I’m driving, I always listen to Sirius satellite radio: XMU, Shade 45, Lithium, First Wave, Hip Hop Nation, and of course the 80’s station. At home, I’ve been reaching for soundtracks lately including O Brother, Where Art Thou?, The Namesake, Lost in Translation, & The Darjeeling Limited. I may be one of the last Mohicans that actually still buys CD’s instead of downloading music (I like the tangibility!). The bands on my to-buy list are: Black Mountain, Blonde Redhead, Local Natives, Band of Horses, and The Concretes.”

D~ Do you have an iPad yet? What are your favorite apps?

Y~ “Almost, I’m gearing up to buy one! My favorite iPhone apps are: Hipstamatic, Words with Friends, Pandora, eBay, Shop Shop, DoBot ToDos, Emoji Free, FMC, ShopStyle, Lose it!, Atomic Fart, Burp Piano, Moviefone, and Yelp.”

D~ What are you favorite TV shows?

Y~ “I may be a bit of an HBO-head. I love True Blood, Bored to Death, Eastbound and Down, Curb your Enthusiasm, How to Make it in America, Hung, and Entourage. I also like 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, The Daily Show, Colbert Report, Hoarders, and I have to watch The Biggest Loser. Also, I will admit that it’s hard for me to get ready in the morning unless I have the Today Show on. Don’t worry, I have a DVR so that TV won’t ruin my life.”

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