Cool Kat: One on One with BabyLady Kat West

Babylady's Kat West is one of the freshest new designers we've come across. We were wowed by her first collection, that debuted this fall. It was all about shy girls, bat wings and African prints. Now she's crossing the t's and dotting the i's for Spring 2011. She gave us the scoop on the line, her inspirations, her creative process and what else is up her batwing sleeve, so to speak.

What inspired you for Spring?

Spring inspiration came from the life of the urban child, a compromise of opposites; simple details with bold statements, volume with the noise.

Tell me about the blushing graphic – that was repeated from fall – does it mean something to you? Is there a backstory?

The Blushing Eyes graphic is a special print for us because it is the epitome of the ‘babylady’- she’s shy and doesn’t have to say much, but she caught your eye didn’t she?

What’s your favorite piece of the Spring collection? Why?

My favorite piece of the collection is the Harem Pant, it was inspired by a pair of matching pants I made for myself and my daughter all before this sweet little adventure started. 

Tell me about the next year at Babylady – what are your plans – what can we look forward to?

Wow, we never look that far ahead, but I guess you have to huh???  We are so ‘in the moment’ when we design, but I can say that we’ve wanted to dabble in some accessories and poster prints.  And we have a boys’ line literally on the verge of launching (We.Make.Do.) so watch out!!

What bands, music, designers, places, et al put you in the mindframe to be creative and design?

Late at night, when I’m working and need to keep my creative juices flowing, I always have some Otis Redding on, or some Reggae or Dub, I also love to chill out to electronic music (Do Make Say Think, Blue, Skied & Clear, k&D Sessions). . . I love to listen to just about EVERYTHING!!

Name 3 songs on the playlist of this collection. . .

I’ve Never Loved A Man (Aretha Franklin)

You are Heaven Sent (Nicolette)

Burial (Peter Tosh)

Check out some looks-to-come from the new spring collection below, and shop the amazing Fall/Winter collection now at Babesta.