Go Blaskovits, Go!
Many Angelinos by now have made plans to attend one—or many—of the Fashion’s Night Out events around the Southland tomorrow. Many will likely support their neighborhood shops. I will venture into the night with my digital camera, debit card and my first purchase will be Marc Blaskovits’s Fashion’s Night Out T-shirt.
Blaskovits was born in Luxenbourg and he's currently studying graphic design at Fashion Institute of Design Merchandising—for the next two more weeks, that is. He graduates in mid-September. Marc is an accomplish young man, he already received a degree in fashion design from Ecole de Conde in Nancy, France; interned at NBC/Universal and speaks Luxembourish along with four other languages (French, Italian, English and German).
Does he ever stop? The answer is no. Marc is gearing up to land he's dream job as a graphic designer at a major clothing company. But his launch to design fame begins tomorrow.
After seeing Marc’s T-shirt design for FNO/LA, I wanted to meet him to ask how he felt about being the buzz around town. It was also my way to get--second hand-- a bit of his excitement and hoped to share any “old-man” wisdom. The deal was; no talking points, no PR agent, no cameras. (Well, except my digital camera) He agreed. I was lucky to have him join me--with very little advanced notice--at my office in downtown Los Angles. We met on a Friday afternoon and chatted about everything from being provocative to his future plans.
RB.: How does it feel to be the buzz around town?
M.B.: It feels great! I can lie and say that it doesn’t but I love being the buzz of town. I am enjoying.
R.B.: Don’t lie to me. Are you getting used to it?
M.B.: I have to stay focused. I would like to be making my passion, a living. It’s like somebody has approved your work.
R.B.: So, there’s no chance we will see you on a fashion reality show?
M.B.: I would much rather get to work in company learning. A show can get you to be known fast but I see myself more interested in concepts.
R.B.: Concepts?
M.B.: Learning the many ways that makes a good product or design good. I want and I enjoy learning how others can make beautiful provocative items.
R.B.: Are you provocative?
MB: Yes.
RB: What provocative designers do you admire?
MB: Jean Paul Gaultier, Dolce Gabbana, John Galliano and the designers that helped Michael Jackson create his iconic look.
RB: Do you consider yourself a fashion designer or graphic designer?
MB: Graphic designer.
RB: What’s your favorite color?
MB: Black.
RB: Why did you moved to Los Angeles?
MB: I moved to Los Angeles because I researched schools for fashion and learned about FIDM. I moved to Los Angeles and I liked the relax feel, the weather and the city.
RB: So, you moved to the U.S. just to attend FIDM?
MB: Yes. I had visited the U.S. before but didn’t stay.
RB: What is your favorite part of L.A.?
MB: I live in Downtown L.A. and I like it much but I also like Venice.
RB: Are you single?
(Marc looked puzzled and took a beat before answering)
MB: Why?
RB: I’m sure people want to know.
MB. (With a big Smile) No.
RB: Where will you be on Fashion’s Night Out?
MB: I will be walking the red carpet at the Beverly Center.
RB: Will this be your first red carpet event?
MB: Yes, I can’t wait! I want to look good, a little bit fancy but cool. I’ll be wearing a light gray suit.
RB: How cool! You will be walking your first red carpet, stand right next to the Mayor, your T-shirts will go down as a commemorative of LA’s first FNO... wow!
MB: I am very happy. (He blushed)
RB: I feel your excitement. How will you use this opportunity to make sure this attention stays or helps you?
MB: I’m working on it.
RB: Dude, ride the wave. You have great things coming your way.
MB: It’s the right time for me, you’re gonna see me again, you’ll see.
Designer Raymundo Baltazar appeared on the second season of Bravo’s “Project Runway.” A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, he has worked as the international design director for Scanty clothing and launched his own collection in 2005. He has produced runway shows for Christian Audigier and Ed Hardy in Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Barcelona.He has designed costumes for films including “Shooting LA,” “710/SPLIT,” “Playing with Dolls,” and “Laugh Pad,” and has worked in television for companies including The Jim Henson Company, Cartoon Network, Touchstone Pictures, NBC, ABC, FOX and Oxygen. He has appeared as a fashion consultant on ABC’s “What About Brian,” and was the lead stylist on campaigns for William Rast, People’s Liberation and Antik Denim.
