1. Who is Susan Hollingsworth?
Who a person is revolves around what is important to them. For me that would include family, friends, faith and just enough social interaction to keep me sane. I like routine in my life. I have a pretty tight circle of friends and don’t need a crowd around me. Don’t do lunch but am always happy to catch up at Happy Hour. I embrace the challenge of new ideas and won’t let go until I’ve worked them out, even over the course of years. I work on my phone during my morning walk - answering email, sourcing new artists or materials, or answering questions as I’m doing at this moment.
2. How do you define fashion and or style?
Fashion for me is all about feeling good and confident in what I wear. I can’t count the times I’ve seen someone “stylishly” dressed with a look of unease in their expression, surreptitiously adjusting their clothing every few minutes. I can’t say that I follow fashion outside of creating jackets that I would love to wear or handbags that I would love to carry.
3. What influences your style? ie travel, work, movies, magazines, social media trends, celebrities, color, etc.
See above! Comfort and confidence. I have a tendency to “save” clothes, even for everyday wear, and it always feels wonderful to shake free of that and break out something new or special and just feel good wearing it. I do try harder on nights out and try to work one of my jackets into the mix.
4. What does your dream wardrobe consist of?
Leggings and the perfect stretchy/slouchy top during the day, and the perfect jacket palette at night.
5. If you were to give fashion advice to your younger self what would it be?
Be patient - that elusive comfortable AND stylish flat shoe will become a reality.
6. How important is it to be body positive and to appreciate the skin that you're in?
It is essential to your mental well-being to feel confident in the skin that you're in, whatever that may be. I believe that the road to accepting the reality of who you are and disregarding outside influences is a unique and individual journey for each one of us. There is no universal formula - some people are born with it, and many arrive at such positivity only after years of soul searching.
7. What do you love about jewelry?
I love wearing jewelry - it is the “!” to every style we embrace, often the final finishing touch. The aspect of wearable art inherent in each SuKaz jacket and bag is cemented in the jewelry it is adorned and paired with. A central element of each SuKaz handbag is a one-of-a-kind jeweled handle crafted by an amazing multi-medium designer and artist, Ronda Terry.
8. How do you incorporate accessories and jewelry into your daily looks?
I am very casual but always wear my favorite earrings and have some very bold pieces that I wear for evenings out. My jackets are eclectic and work best with jewelry that is compatible with the strength of their statement.
9. What are your non-negotiables when it comes to style and design? Also tell us about your "I'm never going to wear that again" moments.
I’m a stickler for detail and consider every possibility imaginable in the construction of each jacket. The inside lining and structure must be as beautiful as the outer fabrication and they must work together seamlessly. I know that I’ve succeeded with that harmony and balance when I see the expressions of those trying on a jacket transform from expectation to pure pleasure. Regarding my style mishaps, it’s more about regret than vision and relevant to say “I’ll never wear that AGAIN!”
10. Tell us why you choose fashion and style.
I didn’t actually choose to work in fashion but was inspired to create my jackets by the cultural craft I came in contact with during my years of living and traveling overseas. That’s my true passion, and Fashion has been a great stage to share this passion with others.
11. What is your favorite fashion / style quote or mantra?
“Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It’s not about brands. It’s something else that comes from within you” Ralph Lauren
12. How and where can people connect with you?
You can contact me through my website sukazjackets.com, Instagram @sukazjackets_, or Facebook SukazJackets.
We agree, Susan- fashion and style aren't all about labels. When we feel comfortable with our style then we feel confident with ourselves! Thanks so much for sharing.
XoXo
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