Cameron Levin

“As a fashion designer based in the Pacific Northwest, I strive to create artistic pieces that enchant and inspire while minimally impacting our environment. I grew up loving the ballet, dance, art and nature. These themes are incorporated into my various designs with consideration of movement, form and function, and a sustainable future. I work exclusively with fine, natural textiles, including sustainable fabrics, and all of my pieces are constructed in the United States.” – lovecameron.com

When did you fall in love with fashion?

I think I first fell in love with art, then fashion. As a child, I remember being infatuated with the artwork we had around our home. I’d wander around my house from painting to painting, and sift through our photography books and Encyclopedias. I was so captivated by the subjects in the pieces– what they were wearing, how they were feeling, etc.

Do you have any aspirations to expand your line to other lines or industries (i.e. men’s wear/women’s wear, perfume, home decor)

Not really, unless I somehow stumble upon a million dollars.

Did you have to train or apprentice with another designer? How was the experience?

No, but I did go to fashion school. Regardless, I don’t think anyone has to do anything or go through any particular experience in the fashion industry to be involved. There are tons of brilliant self-taught designers. There aren’t any rules, really. Anyone can do anything, whenever they want to.  I’d even say that a good majority of Seattle’s fashion community is made up of people (entrepreneurs, writers, facilitators, etc) with no official training or fashion background.

What inspired you to start designing?

I was in graduate school at the University of Washington, and to make a long story short, I had a life-altering experience that reminded me that life is too short to not do exactly what you want. Society tells us that it’s impractical to pursue a career that isn’t especially lucrative, but it is actually very sensible to do what you love. So, I left the program about halfway through, and ever since I’ve been designing.

If you weren’t a fashion designer then what would you be?

For almost 10 years I’ve worked at various non-profit organizations—from refugee resettlement and humanitarian services to fundraising and leadership development. I’m actually still working full-time in this field as I design.

Being creative is an everyday challenge for a designer, tell us what keeps your creative motor running?

I would have to disagree with the idea that being creative is an everyday challenge for a designer—it’s our gift, and our ongoing, motivating force. I think designers are designers because they have to create. It’s an inherent, instinctual thing for us—just like any other artist.

Tell our viewers how do you want them to feel when they wear your brand?

When a woman wears a piece from my Chelsea collection, I want her to feel unique and beautiful, but also feel unrestricted, comfortable and confident.

Do you have any advice for anyone entering your field?

Get thick skin! Even though not everyone understands fashion, everyone has an opinion, and a lot of times those opinions are going to be insensitive and unconstructively critical. My advice is to ignore everyone—except for your target audience, and a few select mentors whom you trust.

What advice would you give a prospective fashion student?

Fashion school is the time to explore, make tons of mistakes and experiment. Do all that then, and when you’re ready to launch your business/brand, stick with your brand identity and don’t lose sight of it.

What excites you about the future of Seattle fashion?

I’m always excited to see what my peers come up with each season. I also think Seattle has a lot of potential to grow as long as boutiques carry local brands and shoppers frequent independent boutiques.

How do you see the brand developing over the next couple of years? What can we expect?

My brand identity will probably stay the same but in the next few years I hope to reach more boutiques and buyers and grow as a business.

Quickly, what are the benefits for Seattleites of buying from local designers?

When Seattleites buy local fashion—designers stay local. Besides helping the local economy of small business owners (retailers and designers), buying Seattle fashion designer’s products means that designers don’t move away to NYC or LA to find work.

Chelsea is Cameron’s newest collection inspired by iconic ballerinas of the New York City Ballet and the sleek industrial aesthetic of New York City architecture. Check out more HERE.