Some of us are old souls, others however tactfully borrow elements from the past and infuse them with present day. Designer Sheila Frank hones such capabilities in each of her collections. Sheila and I corresponded via email to get the back-story on her affliction for past eras, her love of swimwear and what the future will bring. A self-proclaimed “fine-artist-at-heart” this multitalented designer brings a lot to the table.

Photo by Meg Urbani

JW: As someone who started out studying fine art, describe the moment you knew that you wanted to switch to fashion.

SF: When I was a kid I would make clothes out of toilet paper and tape paper for my Barbies. And I learned how to hand sew from my Mom when I was six. I would always draw princess gowns and dance costumes, but I never thought about being a designer. I always had my own sense of style and living in suburbia people would often look at me like I was from another planet. My sophomore year at Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, was the, “Aha!” moment for me. I was studying photography and printmaking and I saw my projects begin to turn into fashion advertising.

Shortly after graduation Sheila Frank launched her namesake label. Then in 2007 her fascination with swimwear became a label of its own with its main inspiration being the curvaceous pin ups of the 1940s and 50s.

JW: How did swimwear become your staple? What do you like about designing it?

SF: Junior Year at Moore College of Art and Design, we were required to design and construct swimwear. I have never been a fan of bikinis so I wanted to do a retro inspired collection, with high waists and skirted bottoms. The critic critiqued my style in a bad way. He laughed at me and said, “Who would wear a girdle?!” At that point I was really into the 40s and 50s and so my response to him was, “I WOULD!” It is funny how now the pinup thing is an ongoing trend. I really like swimwear because you can do a lot more then just a bikini.

Sheila may not love a bikini on her own body, but she describes her own personal aesthetic as “Classic meets modern day,” reiterating her knack for converging past and present. She adds, “Fashion is art. I don’t care if it’s wearable.” Though, she likes pieces that celebrate subtle details such as weaving, pin tucks, and gathering. That being said I asked, what one piece makes this designer swoon?

“A charcoal grey mini dress from Forever 21. I love it! It’s versatile! I can pair it with my motorcycle jacket and mile high heels, a cardigan and oxfords, or a blazer and thigh high boots,” Frank said.

As for the rest of us this season Miss Frank has not only created a collection, but a story to go along with it. The collection, named The Stalker Project takes a look at the dark side of obsession. The high-waisted skirts and pants, fitted jackets and dresses themselves mimic Frank’s appreciation for clean lines and subtle detail. The color palette is sharp; mainly comprised of bright red and white. Overall there is a distinct retro femininity.

Photo by Elena Jasic

JW: Tell me about your fall/winter 2010 collection. How did it come to be?

SF: My thoughts can be random sometimes, ha! So in October 2009 I was watching a lot of horror films. This was the time when I was gathering my thoughts for the Fall Collection. I thought of the idea of blood splatter on clothes and the textile that that would create. Also at times I like to look through gossip magazines and as I am flipping through pages I begin to feel like a stalker, seeing the same celebrity on every page. As I was designing, the two concepts melted in one. I couldn’t stop thinking about celebrity obsession and how it could lead to murder. I’m not a morbid person! My mind created this concept.

As for the design aesthetic, I love classic silhouettes like a shift dress. I wanted to create simple looks with beautiful detail. I used dye on some of the garments red rhinestones on others to create “blood.” I collaborated with my photographer friend Meg Urbani and models Sam Folb and Alex Arace. We shot a sort of movie still scenario where the guy is obsessed and leads to murder.

After discussing this vibrant collection Sheila revealed more about herself inside and out of fashion.

JW: Who is your fashion role model? What about them inspires you?

SF: I was really into Betsy Johnson when I was younger, because of her bold statements.

I am particularly fond of Erin Fetherston and Samantha Pleet; they are very ethereal and stay true to their image. I admire Claire McCardell for putting pockets in silhouettes and Madame Gres for effortless draping techniques.

JW: What are your favorite materials/fabrics to work with?

SF: I love swimwear of course, milskin (a blend of lycra and spandex perfect for swimsuits). I also like chiffon and sheer fabrics, you have to have a light hand to make it effortless. I love anything that drapes.

JW: Are there any films, works of art, or books that inspire you? What are they and how do they inspire you?

SF: I am obsessed with period films. I just saw Dorian Gray! I also love Atonement, Girl with the Pearl Earring, Vanity Fair, Marie Antoinette, Elizabeth… and the list goes on. The fashion inspires me.

I admire French Impressionism Matisse and Post Impressionist Cezanne. I adapt to these styles as a painter. I like to build brush strokes, sketchy and unevenly, mixing on the canvas to create an image.

As for books, I have a lot of art history books, books about artists, and fashion history. I don’t have much time to read, the last book I read was The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.

Photo by Elena Jasic

JW: If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would it be and why?

I want to travel Europe. I know it is so cliché but, I’m Italian–my Grandmother is from Naples. I want to travel and paint the cities.

If Sheila Frank had not turned down the path of fashion design this multitalented woman may have pursued dance-something she did from ages 3 to 21. Or “Maybe,” she says, “I would be an art teacher.” However she seems to be finding her niche quite well on her chosen path of bringing the past to the present by way fashion design.