Star of MTV Reality Series Turns Fashion Designer: Whitney Port

Interview by Katrina Caspelich

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Watch the video, read the interview, buy Whitney Port’s favorite picks

We recently sat down with Whitney Port, star of MTV reality series The City. She is now taking the fashion industry by storm with her clothing line, Whitney Eve. With her great sense of style and model-like looks, Whitney has created a brand that reflects her—edgy yet chic.

Katrina Caspelich: When did you first discover your love for fashion?
Whitney Port: I have loved fashion since I was a little girl. I always worked behind the scenes in my dad’s [men’s clothing] warehouse, ticketing garments, folding sweatshirts. I began my career in fashion interning at Women’s Wear Daily.

KC: When did you realize you wanted to be a designer?
WP: After working for Kelly Cutrone [fashion PR guru and star of reality show, Kell On Earth] for a little while, I realized that my passion was more creative than business.

KC: What inspires you when you design?
WP: I draw all of my design inspiration from my life. I try to keep the easy and casual California girl in me, mixed with a New York City girl. So, effortless, vibrant, and empowering.

KC: How does it feel to join the ranks of fashion’s most sought-after brands?
WP: It is an amazing feeling. I look up to so many talented designers, and to have been able to launch my collection during Fashion Week with world-renowned designers really was a dream come true.

KC: As a celebrity, do you feel you have to prove something to critics?
WP: When I first launched my collection and showed at Fashion Week with the cameras rolling, it was definitely difficult. I also was very nervous and did feel the need to prove something to my critics. However, as I gain more experience and my skin gets a bit thicker, I really want to prove something to myself and my fans and the people that support me.

KC: Where are you based?
WP: I am mostly based in L.A., but when I am shooting The City, I live in New York City.

KC: Who would you love to see wearing your clothing?
WP: Ashley Olsen, Kate Bosworth, Rihanna, Keira Knightley—they are so ahead of the trends, willing to take chances and rock everything they put on.

KC: Who are your favorite designers?
WP: Zac Posen, Valentino, Alexander Wang.

KC: Who are you most inspired by in the fashion industry?
WP: I am incredibly inspired by Diane von Furstenberg. Her design ability, mixed with the effort to empower women and give back, makes me strive to speak to all women through my designing.

KC: What is your favorite thing to wear?
WP: A t-shirt, jean shorts, and Converse.

KC: What is your must-have fashion item for this coming fall/winter season?
WP: Isabel Marant jackets.

KC: What clothes should everyone own?
WP: The figure-flattering little black dress, a leather motorcycle jacket, and that perfect pair of figure-flattering dark jeans.

KC: When you shop, what are your guilty pleasures?
WP: For lingerie—Belabumbum bras, Hanky Panky underwear. Also, beauty products.

KC: If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
WP: It would have to be something in fashion; perhaps I’d open my own store or be a buyer.

KC: What are your hobbies?
WP: Drawing, traveling, looking for design inspiration and great vintage pieces.

KC: What do you do for fun?
WP: Hike, cook with my family, go to concerts.

KC: TV star, clothing designer, book author. What next?
WP: Continuing to design and develop my clothing line.

KC: What is a fun fact no one knows about you?
WP: I was actually an art major in college before switching to gender studies.

KC: What is your favorite piece from the Whitney Eve fall 2010 collection?
WP: I love the Cyd shorts—you can totally dress them up or down.

Buy Whitney’s Favorite Picks
Isabel Marant Keni Leather Biker Jacket
Belabumbum Copacabana Lace Bra
Hanky Panky 5-Pack Lowrise Thongs
Whitney Eve Cyd Shorts
Fresh High Noon Freshface Glow
Fresh Body Lotion
Enjoy Sulfate Free Shampoo
Enjoy Conditioner

Have a fashion or lifestyle question? Tweet @PageDaily or post it on the PageDaily Facebook page. Get more fashion and lifestyle tips, tricks, and product picks—read Up-and-Coming Designers Katie Gallagher and Amanda Eufer.