The charming ladies behind coveted indie label Vena Cava -- Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock -- are known for being stylish, friendly, and above all, talented. We asked the gals about the inspirations behind their dark-and-sexy Spring 2010 collection.
You ladies are well known for doing your own prints -- this year, they look a bit darker. What were your inspirations in creating them?
Sophie: This year, we were inspired by the Ndebele, which is a South African tribe -- we were really interested in their murals and their color palette. One of our prints, which is a collage print, is literally photocopies from those books cut up and collaged.
Lisa: With, like, old newspaper clippings and magazines, and stuff.
We noticed the one that's black and perhaps neon green-looking face ... ?
Both: Oh, yes!
Lisa: That's an African mask.
Did you all get to travel at all there? We know you were in South America recently.
Lisa: We, unfortunately, were doing some work there, so unfortunately we didn't get to travel to Africa. But we did get to travel to the Public Library! We checked out a bunch of books, photo copied them, and we just took everthing with us and did it on the floor of our hotel room.
Well, I know we'll be seeing you all later at the big Bird block party for Fashion's Night Out in Williamsburg -- are you ladies you to take a nap in between?
Lisa: Yeah, I need a disco nap!