Riley Suchanek
“Hi I’m Riley Suchanek and I make Yay for You!”
“I make really cute baby clothes that are for people that want more special clothes for their baby. I design them and they’re made in LA.”
Was there a moment that you knew you were going to pursue your talent as your career?
“Since I was little I wanted to be a fashion designer because of the obvious project runway craze then. So I always did want to pursue fashion design. I think working a regular fashion day job made me want to pursue my actual passion which is making what I want to make.”
If you could tell yourself a secret at the very beginning of your journey, what would it be?
“Don’t go to fashion school (laughs) maybe go to more of an art school. I think when you’re young, you want to get your foot in the door so fast. Maybe just like take a step back and think about what jobs you actually want to take. I feel like I had so many small jobs. Which obviously bring experience but looking back I would want more of a clear stream of career choices. I think obviously you take things because you have to make money but I’m very impulsive as a person. I’m learning to be less impulsive so I feel like that would be my biggest advice to my younger self. Don’t be so impulsive.”
How has fashion connected to your artistry which happens to be, Fashion? lol..
“Fashion’s cool cause it can be whatever you want it to be. The way I dress everyday it’s not very colorful. My whole closet is black & white so it’s interesting when I design things and they’re like bright or vibrant. For a kids line its so fun to play with color. Fashion doesn’t necessarily mean however you dress that that’s your fashion sense. It’s whatever you’re comfortable in.”
What’s your favorite item in your closet and why?
“I’m trying to get out of this phase but I just love a classic band tee. I feel like they just go with everything. Most of them are vintage so the feel of the fabric is really nice. A lot of my band tee’s are my favorite. But also it’s like I’m not a teenager anymore but I feel like a teenager when I have them on. But outside of that I have a really pretty long black dress that I like but most days I have to run around too much, I Don’t wanna wear this so it’s kind of a balance of what functions more.”
Do you have a special piece or jewelry that you like to wear while creating?
“I don’t really have a piece that inspires me to make something. I’m more of like a grown up tom boy type person so I don’t wear a lot of jewelry. Oh wait I wear this ring everyday of my life. My dad got it for me years and years ago and I wear it everyday.”
How do you feel once you’ve finished or completed a creation?
“It’s like the most exciting part of the whole process. I remember when I first made my first samples, I was so excited to show everyone. It wasn’t exactly right but I didn’t care because that’s what samples are for. I was really excited to see something you think about a lot and then it’s made really nice.”
How do you feel when you’re wearing your favorite band tee’s?
“I just feel really comfortable. I feel like when I try to dress outside of my comfort zone, I’m really self-conscious all day and I don’t think it’s necessary. It’s like a type of comfort or security blanket.”
What was the last song that you put on?
“I’ve been listening to a ton of Khruangbin. I think everyone could benefit from listening to them more. It’s very soothing.”
