A sisterhood of creativity
EMILY KERSMAN and Noelle Vazzano have earned a spot on the short list of fashion newcomers by making the most of their differences.
Vazzano, 23, is the dark-haired gamine whose inclinations run toward backless dresses and strapless tops. Kersman, 25, is the blond merchandising major who tends to rework those styles into funky looks layered with jeans, pullovers or their now-signature peacock-feather belt.
The result is emilynoelle, a contemporary sportswear collection that capitalizes on the improbable mix: sexy fleece, casual silk and vintage-style blouses with modern leggings.
Whimsy and sophistication harmonize throughout the clothes: White fleece shorts twinkle with gold metallic piping; sailors’ signature double buttons distinguish pants, tops and jackets; big buttons and childlike proportions revive a simple polo shirt.
On paper, some of the ideas might seem to clash, but the design partners are experienced at creative compromise.
No surprise. Kersman and Vazzano were roommates at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising -- after having survived a total of 34 previous roommates between them.
They’ve arrived at a relationship that, they say, is “more like sisters.”
“After you’ve lived with someone, you know if you can be partners with them,” Kersman says of their year-old collaboration. The two are also veterans of other clothing ventures: Vazzano launched Noelle Couture, a quick-turnaround trendy line, and Kersman is a former partner in Primp. The new endeavor has been a welcome addition in local boutiques.
“It’s well made, fun, young, trendy with a vintage twist,” says Sescie Antin, co-owner of the West Hollywood boutique Brunette, where emilynoelle is a top-selling line. Intuition, Sirens & Sailors and Hillary Rush also carry emilynoelle, which sells for $70 to $300, modest prices among designer labels.
Kersman and Vazzano have a showroom in the Cooper Building in downtown’s fashion district, but no publicist, no office, no other day jobs and no fancy market research. They learn what’s hot by hitting the clubs.
“I met some of our best contacts by going to clubs,” says Vazzano, a list that includes, naturally, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie.
Vazzano will stitch up a new look by day and market test it by night. If she can’t get through the door without a compliment, they know they’ve got a hit.
“It’s the best advertising,” Kersman says. Adds her partner: “That’s probably the best part of the job -- making stuff and going out and seeing the reaction.”
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Favorite night spot: Teddy’s at the Roosevelt Hotel.
Favorite movie: “Moulin Rouge” for Vazzano, and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” for Kersman.
Best shopping: Flea markets and vintage stores such as Decades, American Rag and Jet Rag, mostly for inspiration.
Favorite restaurant: Blowfish Sushi in West Hollywood, not that they’ve ever eaten the blowfish.
Nightclub entrance strategy: “Wearing cute clothes helps,” Vazzano says.
