Schyler Slaven: KCFW Q&A

Model-turned-designer Schyler Slaven has an eye for mixing the creative and the analytical. With a degree in apparel and textiles, her knowledge of fabrics is the foundation for her line Schyline. It’s a men’s and women’s lounge/resort-wear line that was inspired by Slaven’s time abroad in Melbourne, Australia. Ahead of Schyline’s runway walk at the Kansas City Fashion Week Wednesday show, we talked to her about inspiration, her work at Lee Jeans, and what it has been like switching to the design side of the fashion industry.

What made you decide to move from on the runway to off?

Being on the runway as a model is truly an irreplaceable experience, but I decided to switch because my true passion is design. I felt like I could add more to the apparel industry through design and strongly represent positivity and action with my clothing. Also, being able to create an opportunity for other models to experience what I did on the runway is very exciting and rewarding for me.

Because of your experience as a model, do you feel like you have a better perspective as a designer now?

I do feel like I have a better perspective of how Kansas City Fashion Week runs overall after being a model, and I understand the perspective of my own models as we get close to show day. This knowledge has helped me communicate my vision as a designer more clearly to my models, so that they can bring my collection to life. I know what information they need from me in order to be successful, and I know how they will be feeling minutes before they walk on the runway.

Currently you work for Lee Jeans as a men’s denim pattern designer by day and design your own collection, Schyline, by night. That sounds like a busy schedule. How do you fit it all in?

Although this is exactly what I have hoped for in my career, and I love every minute of it, I do have a lot on my plate right now, and yes, it can be overwhelming. I handle it by prioritizing and staying as organized as possible. One way I stay organized is by looking at the larger task and breaking it down into actions I can take now. I’m naturally a planner and usually have lots of detailed lists. I’ve been working on my most recent collection nearly every evening after work since December. This entails patternmaking, constructing mock ups, sewing, and finishing details.

What about your trip to Australia inspired you specifically?

Going to Australia was a dream of mine since I was very young, and I finally made plans to go for a semester during my junior year of college. It was an eye-opening experience for me, because it was my first time out of the country, and it made the world feel like a much more reachable place. Exploring the city of Melbourne specifically inspired me because of the gorgeous street art, art galleries, and views of the skyline across the water. Although a lot of my inspiration comes from these beautiful elements of the city, I also get inspiration from how the experience helped develop me. I hold on to the moments of complete self-awareness and extreme optimism that I had during my time in Melbourne. I feel like anything is possible after living there for five months, and I came back to Kansas City feeling like my best self.

How does your background in textiles impact how you approach a new design?

It makes me think critically about the design process. I hope to convey a very clear message from my inspiration to final production through the silhouette of the design, the textiles themselves, or both. I usually start my design process by collecting images, words, textiles, and colors that are inspiring to me, then group them together to create themes.

It seems like loungewear has become increasingly popular in recent years. Would you agree?

Yes, definitely! It seems like a lot of designers are pushing the boundaries between loungewear and streetwear lately, and shoppers are looking for comfort while still wanting to look fabulous. I love being able to create the balance between comfort and high fashion for men and women with Schyline. My most recent collection uses intimate materials, which makes the loungewear feel more luxurious and wearable. For example, although the materials are still stretchy, soft, and comfortable, they have a luxurious look that can be worn outside of the home.

What do you have planned next for Schyline?

My next plan for Schyline is to create a small Spring/Summer 2019 collection and continue building my brand by doing collaborative photoshoots and runway shows.

Where can our readers find your clothing?

My clothing will be available for preorder after its debut at Kansas City Fashion Week on March 28th, 2018. Readers can contact me on my Instagram @Schyline or my website www.schyline.com to preorder. My official ecommerce website will launch at the end of April!

Schyline
Kansas City Fashion Week Wednesday Night Runway Show
March 28 at 7:30 p.m.

The Grand Hall at Power and Light
1330 Baltimore Ave
Kansas City, MO 64105