Keeping with the spirit of the bridal season, we had the pleasure of interviewing Linda Asaf, who was named Austin’s Best Bridal Designer of 2009 by Austin Fashion Week. But this noted fashion designer, who runs in the same circles as fashion giants like Vera Wang, Bill Blass and Badgley Mischka, knows about more than just bridal wear. Her collection of gorgeous gowns and evening wear display her chic and edgy sense of creativity and style. And we’re not the only ones who noticed; she was also named Best Austin Designer for the past two years by Rare Magazine. With a background in business and a flourishing career in fashion, Ms. Asaf is the epitome of a real woman with real style. We can’t wait to see what she does next!

Sikara (S): Who has influenced you the most as a designer?

Linda (L): There are so many people over the years but I would have to say it was my mother. She had an amazing sense of style and grace. I still love to look at photos of her from the fifties with her gorgeous dresses, handbags, shoes and headpieces.

(S): Is there a certain element or special feature that you put into your designs that you feel makes them special?

(L): Yes, I always try to feature interesting details to make them more unique. I also seek out unique and special fabrics.

(S): What is the biggest difference between the fashion business world and the traditional business world?

(L): Business is business and you have to be focused on the bottom line. I think fashion is very alluring to many people but you have to have a good business mind to succeed in this very competitive industry.  There are a lot of people who are drawn in but don’t have what it takes to succeed unfortunately.
(S): What item in your wardrobe would you save in a fire?

(L): My mother’s black silk opera coat with turquoise lining.

(S): What do you think has contributed most to your success?

(L): Stubbornness!  It’s actually a fairly common trait in entrepreneurs. AKA perserverence, drive, etc.

(S): When your life gets really busy, what do you do to center your self and avoid getting overwhelmed?

(L): I meditate a lot in the mornings and use positive imagery. I also try to work out regularly.

(S): What is your favorite thing about being a business owner in Austin?

(L): Austinites love to support their own. I am so blessed with how much support and encouragement I receive from the community.

(S): What do you miss most about New York?

(L): Honestly, my friends whom I’ve had for twenty years. On the fashion side, it’s the everyday access to resources and the cosmopolitan and fashionable environment.

(S): Is there any advice you would give to a young woman about to start a career in fashion?

(L): I tell them to get the technical training as well as some business background. Also that everything costs more and takes longer than you think when you’re starting a business so be patient.

(S): We hear one of your passions is sailing!  Are there any skills from sports and sailing that you bring i

nto your business?

(L): I guess I’d have to say that they both involve efficiencies in time and motion. Both can be pressure/deadline driven and accuracy is extremely important in both. It helps to have that training in sailing that I can transfer over to fashion.

(S): What is the biggest different between your bridal designs and your regular collection?
(L): In one sense, they are very similar. Most brides I design for are looking for something different and fashion forward. I have desgned wedding gowns in gold, cactus green, grey, and even ginger!  I am getting more into an urban contemporary style going forward with my ready to wear collection though.

(S): What is the ugliest bridesmaid’s dress you have ever seen?

(L): Wow!  I think it would have to be a vintage one that someone brought in. It would have melted if you put a match to it.

(S): What advice would you give a bride about selecting the perfect wedding dress?
(L): I’d say to go with gut instinct. You’ll know when it feels right. Also, don’t let others interfere with what you want and don’t try to please others too much. This is your day!

(S): What is your favorite Sikara jewelry piece?

(L): There are so many!  I wear the gorgeous silver cuff all the time. It’s fabulous!