Red Carpet Regulars Exclusive Interview with Mover and Shaker Chrishaunda Lee Perez, Writer and Television correspondent- She Talks To Whom You Know On Spring Fashion! Our Coverage Sponsored by Hallak Cleaners the Couture Cleaner
Chrishaunda Lee Perez
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Like many women who love fashion today, Mover and Shaker Chrishaunda Lee Perez was introduced to the art of it at a young age. As a teenager, she was lucky enough to intern in London, Chicago, and New York, with some of the most recognizable designers like Donna Karan, and ended up landing her very first job working for Ralph Lauren. Though Chrishaunda Lee started out in design and transitioned to marketing and PR, when she began her career, her world as it related to fashion became even more diverse and influenced. After serving at one of New York's top private arts organizations, the National Arts Club as a member and then Governor, Chrishaunda Lee evolved into serving as Chair of the Fashion Committee. With a strong annual list of programming, for nearly a decade, this eclectic committee did everything from recognize like-minded fashion related nonprofit organizations such as Baby Buggy and Dress For Success, shine light on then up-and-coming "Ones To Watch" in the fashion world like designers William Calvert, Heatherette, Shipley and Halmos, and Bibhu Mohapatra, produce educational panels filled with fashion Influencers like the founders of the Gilt Groupe and executives from the popular Bluefly.com, and of course seal each season with a black tie tribute to some of fashions greatest legends with the annual Gold Medal Award. Past recipients include Arnold Scaasi, Carolina Herrera, Oleg Cassini and Betsey Johnson. Currently, Chrishaunda Lee has stepped down as Chair and Governor, yet still supports the National Arts Club for its colorful possibilities in the future. In the meantime, she continues to support her designer friends and the rest of the industry by staying active in the community, and, of course, by being a patron of their work! We are absolutely thrilled to present Chrishaunda Lee Perez as our latest Red Carpet Regular! Peachy Deegan interviewed Chrishaunda Lee Perez for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: What is your first fashion memory?
Chrishaunda Lee Perez:
My very first fashion memory was of my uncle in a kilt as he took me trick-or-treating when I was eight.
How do you personally define fashion?
I personally define fashion as a grand opportunity to express who we are through clothing everyday.
Historically, what do you think have been the world's best dressed women and men both yesterday and today and is there anyone you emulate your own style after?
Historically, I have always admired any woman who took pride in her appearance and had flair. Two women that come to mind are my grandmother Vernita Lee and my husband's late grandmother Teresa Perez.
Peachy recalls an impressive up and coming designer showing in the theatre of MPS in perhaps sophomore year highlighting denim...do you remember that show and do you have any future design ambitions?
I absolutely do. Timing is everything.
What did you learn from working with names like Donna Karan and Ralph Lauren and what would most people be surprised to know about them and their fashion philosophy?
I was extremely fortunate to have had experiences working for both Donna Karan and Ralph Lauren. What I admired and learned most about the incredible Donna was her unfailing sense of spontaneity and passion. I remember one day sitting in a tiny cubicle filing away swatches as a design assistant intern and she waltzed in from an overnight flight from London. A still mannequin was dressed with a sweater with which she was impressed, and right then, she pulled off one of her famous 'cold shoulder' sweaters and immediately tried on the frock hanging on the mannequin. She then declared to the room, "We must have THIS!" That was my very first encounter with her. From then on, I always viewed her as someone who wasn't afraid to take risks, and she was someone who moved by her gut-two qualities I swear by today. My Ralph Lauren experience was vital for me because it was the first real job I received post college. I worked at the top level of his Madison Avenue office in PR. I was so wet behind the ears, and there I received a relatively fast course on how the titans work. Purple and Black labels are the epitome of class and luxury coupled with an energy that feels very free. How he was able to sculpt clothing that define that sort of lifestyle without the clothing feeling too constricted and controlled is more than a gift. He also has quite a team.
What do you think the hottest looks are now for spring?
I don't really pay much attention to what is "hot". Because I focus more on individual style and people's ability to navigate on a timeless clock by the way they express themselves through fashion, I perhaps would be the wrong person to ask that question. What I will add is, for me, spring is always about CONSTANT COLOR.
How does fashion in Atlanta differ from fashion in New York?
I love that I get to dip in and out of New York, then relax in Atlanta on a regular basis because I am always aware of the contrasts. While New York has its tradition of relative non-tradition, Atlanta is filled with southern belles who subscribe to a certain way of elegance and casual dress altogether. I can pretty much determine where I am by the number of women I see wearing white jeans no matter the season. Being provided with sun many more months of the year, Atlanta women are masters at being well-put together, and remaining cool.
What is the biggest fashion mistake women make?
Allowing "what's hot" determine what they wear. Many of us make horrible mistakes this way because what is "hot" might not work for certain people.
What is the biggest fashion mistake men make?
Men's biggest mistake is feeling like they cannot explore with fashion. I must say that my uncle's kilt was perhaps extreme by American standards, but I recently observed rapper Kanye West wearing one at his inaugural Throne concert with Jay Z. When he appeared on stage, in my head I gave him a standing ovation. It was a fierce statement for his genre of music.
We know you love dogs-are you a supporter of canine couture and if so what looks do you love?
Yes, dogs are more than a passion for me. In many ways, they are so much like humans and I have a great respect for their unwavering loyalty to us despite anything. I used to dress my now deceased English Cocker Spaniel, Reina in everything I could find that accentuated her shiny black coat- shearling coats for the winter, colorful argyle sweaters for the fall, stand-out nail polish in the summers. I was young and playful. Seventeen years later with our new Boykin Spaniel, Caty, we allow her more liberty. She has been endowed with Reina's signature old Louis Vuitton collar that is well worn in, but other than that, her chocolate coat stays wavy and exposed. However, a nice shearling is always good if the weather turns too cold!
Does your daughter seem to enjoy fashion as much as you?
Sure. At six, my daughter is just getting into real style. However, she has been walking around the house in whatever high heels of mine she chooses for the day since she could walk. She is big on color and color defining sexes. Hard to get her in head-to-toe navy blue (although I love it) because she thinks navy is a boy's color. She doesn't prefer monochromatic anything, I think she feels too muted. Skirts and dresses run the world for her.
What are your favorite colors, fabrics and textures?
I looooooove yellow GOLD! I don't think I will ever be someone who accents my home with tons of gold leaf, however. But with clothing, it is the BEST accent. I feel regal in well blended cotton or cashmere, and linen is also a fav. I believe Issac Mizrahi did a linen corset a few years ago that was divine. Though a few people wore it out, I would wear that look once a summer with a pair of white flared slacks with a super thick yellow gold neck cuff. Just radiant.
Who are the biggest designers of tomorrow that no one knows about yet today?
I think they are all just being born.
What are you up to in the world of writing and television today?
Currently I am working on production of an art film screenplay I wrote based on Atlanta, and am in the process of completing content to launch a website I designed epitomizing the strength and goodness of women.
If you could instill a worldwide dress code, what would it include?
I would instill that people had enough sense to properly dress at certain events, restaurants, and other etiquette-driven places. For some, standards have lessened.
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
Probably act in a film. I am a theatre major and have done stage throughout college and in my earlier adult years which was enriching. My husband is a filmmaker, maybe membership will have its privileges at least once for me.
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at a cocktail party?
The funniest thing that has happened to me at a cocktail party was my heel broke on a pair of five-inchers. It wasn't appropriate to walk around barefoot and I'd just arrived. So I kept my walking to a minimum and primarily stood near the bar perched on my tip toes to look balanced while holding the other heel in my hand. I got hit on twice that night.
Who would you like to be for a day and why?
For one day and one day only, I would have liked to have been Jackie Onassis on her busiest day.
If you could have dinner with any person living or passed, who would it be and why?
I would have loved a round table with the likes of Truman Capote, Jean Michel Basquiat, Gustav Klimt, Che Guavarro, Antonio Machado, Edith Head, Edith Piaf, and Diana Vreeland. Why? Because they are incredibly interesting and smart and creative. I would also add Betsey Johnson. She is a scream.
What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the world?
Everyday I try to instill solid values in my daughter so she can be productive and kind in the world. I show respect and love to my husband which helps to inspire him to be his best self on set, and I do my best to stay present and conscious. Yes, I am also on charitable boards and I give volunteer time when I have it, but everyday, directly, I think what is most important to just try to be the best person I can be to do my part in the world-chain. I never forget just how connected we all really are.
Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite Whom You Know column and what do you like about it?
Love the time when you wrote about Anna Wintour. That was pretty neat. She demands excellence no matter what.
Have you drank The Peachy Deegan yet and if not, why not?
No I have not drank the Peachy D. I only have had a taste for one thing and have not changed in six years since my daughter was born. Now I am pregnant again, and perhaps after this baby is born, a Peachy Deegan might be good for a celebratory toast!
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I am complex but not complicated.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
Please send an email.
