Bonjour! The whole team here at Laurence Carr is buzzing with excitement about the inspiring design, lifestyle, sustainability, health, and wellness-related content we’re developing this year… beginning with the introduction of a new series here on Beyond Aesthetics: the LC Conversation!
Creative collaboration, meaningful conversation, explorative travel, and driving curiosity with a thirst for learning have long been hallmarks of Laurence’s lifestyle and now extend into the LC team values as a whole. The LC Conversation gives us an opportunity to connect with people in a new way, and share these connections with our audience.
This series will feature a diverse array of tastemakers, visionaries, and thought-leaders from an assortment of creative fields, as they answer the same set of questions to give us insight into their philosophy, experience, style, and artistic view.
And to kick it off, we’re thrilled to welcome highly-sought-after eco-conscious clothing designer, the “queen of green couture” – Deborah Lindquist!
We recently featured Deborah on our monthly IG live series (if you missed it you can catch the replay on our YouTube channel), and she was such an inspiring delight that we had to invite her back for the conversation.
Deborah was originally trained at Parsons School of Design in New York City. After a successful career in Manhattan designing unique Milanese mesh belts and jewelry (using a mix of vintage materials and semiprecious stones with mesh), she moved to Los Angeles in 1989 and launched her clothing line, starting with one-of-a-kind jackets, vests, and bustiers made of vintage romantic floral and tropical barkcloth, jacquard, and Indian blanket fabrics. She began successfully catering to hip, young urbanites and boutiques throughout the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia, and even used her design skills to create sexy costumes for the burlesque troupe Pussycat Dolls.
Today, Deborah’s eco-conscious clothing line combines environmental responsibility with a cutting-edge aesthetic. As noted in fashion magazines and blogs around the world, she works her fashion magic with a mixture of environmentally conscious fabrications (from vintage cashmere, hemp blends, to organic linen) and the resulting designs are as striking as they are ecologically sensitive. As a trailblazer at the forefront of the stylish green-clothing movement, Deborah is making an impact in the fashion world while remaining true to her love for the environment, earning her the moniker of “Green Queen.”
She has designed for such mega-stars as Sharon Stone, Pink, Jessica Alba, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, and many other celebrities. Her work has been featured in numerous shows and publications including the Huffington Post, LA Times, Elle, Lucky, In Style, WWD, LA Brides, Rock&Roll Bride, and Good Morning America. Whether designing a simple T-shirt from organic cotton, a reincarnated appliquéd cashmere cardigan, or a cutting-edge wedding gown, Deborah’s mission is to create American-made, breathtaking eco-conscious designs that will deliver exquisite style and luxury to her clients while using the finest quality fabrics.
Without further ado, let’s begin!
What is your present state of mind in 2021?
I got married on Jan 22, so there is that newlywed/love state of mind happening which is nice.
I’m redecorating our home a bit, working on home decorative items, and planting some new edible plants in our garden. I think it’s very important to grow food and love the idea of calling it a Victory garden as was done during WWI and II.
Beyond home, garden, and current designs, I’m doing a lot of research in order to get a clearer picture of the state of the world and where I can be helpful. I’m planning a sustainable lifestyle education channel so want to have clarity regarding what skills I should start to teach and to whom.
On a personal level, I’m drawn to do more yoga which I used to teach. I’ve spent the last 3.5 years doing a lot of weightlifting, taekwondo, & boxing, but less yoga. Thankfully I haven’t lost flexibility but I’m trying to balance the yin/yang more and to be able to fully calm down and observe where I am in the moment. Yoga is very helpful for my daily meditation practice as well.
How do you think recent events are affecting consumer trends with respect to design, architecture, and interiors?
Since many people are working from home, I’m seeing a lot of creativity and ingenuity when it comes to creating workspaces within the home. Creating functional workspaces to be as separate from living spaces as possible is a healthy idea, even if it’s just a corner of the room in a smaller space. I started my business in a walk-up studio apartment in NYC, so I can relate to the small space challenge and the built-in stairmaster/leg workout feature of a 5th-floor walkup. Thankfully I was designing accessories and not clothing at the time!
But home needs to be not only about work, but also a sanctuary to feel comfortable and happy. I think about home and interior design from an energetic point of view, probably mostly due to my study and implementation of Feng Shui which has helped me create harmonious work and home spaces. I use experts for any complicated energy clearing but started out by doing things on my own.
I’m hearing a lot about color as we transition into spring. The Pantone colors of 2021 are grey and yellow- with their meaning being defined as a balance between dependability (grey) and hopefulness (yellow). I’m not personally changing my décor to grey and yellow because that would be a lot, but I do know that color affects your mood, and lately I am drawn to changing up my throw pillows. With that in mind, I’m making colorful pillows out of my leftover cashmere sweater pieces which will be available online soon, with grey and yellow in the mix of a rainbow of pillow offerings.
In the “home as a sanctuary” concept, I also love using chakra balancing crystals as part of my home decorative accessories in general and as an altar for my meditation practice. Plants are great for increased oxygen levels and other health benefits.
How do you incorporate sustainable practices in your business?
I work with a few categories of fabrics considered eco-conscious/sustainable. These include vintage/recycled, sustainables such as hemp, organic such as organic cotton, and deadstock which are leftover fabrics from production. I’m mainly a clothing designer and produce in small quantities locally. I’ve always saved scraps of fabrics to use in my clothing lines and often create gift and home decorative items out of them. The home category is definitely turning into a growing opportunity as more people are looking to change up their décor in an eco-friendly way.
What does the concept of a “Circular Economy” mean to you?
For me, it’s about reducing waste, finding a use for what might have been thrown out, and doing my best to produce beautiful things in a sustainable way.
What’s your personal approach to health and wellness?
I built a little gym outside when my gym closed last year so that I have a designated place to work out. I do weightlifting, yoga, taekwondo, boxing, meditation, hike, swim, bike, ski, and work in the garden. I eat organic and heathy whole foods and grow some of my own food without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. I use healthy non-chemical cleaners for my home and consider my health as my first priority.
What is your design motto or favorite quote?
I have a quote from the beginning of my clothing business printed on my care labels that says “live green and prosper” It’s been with me so long. The other, also on my care label is “Save your Planet”
Who is your artistic muse or icon (from past or present)?
Hippolita, strong warrior and the queen of the Amazons in Greek mythology.
Where do you feel most inspired and alive?
In nature, especially the beach and the mountains.
One item you cannot live without?
Maybe some kind of T-shirt since I operate best in something comfortable that I can move in.
What is your favorite fabric?
Hemp
What color consistently draws you in?
Turquoise
Which collection will you never forget?
“Sirens of Spring,” a runway show of feminine/edgy looks with a hemp/silk wedding dress finale. It was the first wedding dress I showed on a catwalk.
What book have you read recently that made a tremendous impression on you?
These are survival resources, not so glamorous: “The Lost Book of Remedies” and “The Encyclopedia of Country Living.”
What music brings you to life?
Depends on what I’m doing. Sometimes I don’t want music at all. But in general, I like rock & roll, some old disco music because I used to dance with a partner and it brings back fun memories, and mellow meditation music if I’m doing yoga.
What would be your daily uniform if you had to choose just one?
I kind of do have a uniform since I work at home doing physical things. Leggings and layers of t-shirts along with tevas, running shoes, or some kind of supportive shoe because I stand most of the day.
If you could tell your younger self (when you were just starting out) one thing, what would it be?
Make sure to have some fun.
