Tell us, who are you? where are you from?

My name is Lauren  Payton and I'm the designer and creator of "N" by Payton.  I'm currently living in Minnesota but I was born and raised on the southside of Chicago.

What made you take fashion more seriously and make a career out of it?
Growing up I always had a very unique style from everyone else in my neighborhood, but I  always thought I was going to be this great comic illustrator. It wasn't until I attended high school at Dunbar Vocational Career Academy that I even thought about fashion as a career option but it wasn't until attending College for media arts did I realize that I was in school for the wrong career and fashion was my true calling.

Are you self-taught or did you study fashion design?

Yes and no. No I'm not self taught because I did go to school for fashion design and I learned so many skills and techniques but I also feel That I can say that I'm self taught too because every day I'm challenging myself to use techniques that I learned in unique and unexpected ways.

How has your work evolved since you began your own label?

I believe my work has become more of me. When I first started I feel I was trying to fall into a specific category trying to fit into one specific mold but now I design for me for my vision for my mood. I feel it's made my collections stronger and more cohesive.

Are there any types of clothing that you avoid wearing?
I don't believe I avoid wearing anything.I choose my clothing the same way I choose fabric, I pick whatever matches my mood that day. If I feel powerful I might wear bold colors if I feel chill that day it may be neutrals it just dependson what speaks to me.

Does your approach differ when designing menswear compared to womenswear?

Not really. I often find myself designing pieces that anyone could wear or it starts out as a women's piece and ends up being a men's piece. The design process is organic and ever changing so I don't fight against it.

What advice would you give to young designers?

My advice to young designers would be always be yourself no matter how odd and off the wall because that's what makes you who you are.

Are you working on anything currently?

I'm currently  working on a new menswear  capsule collection for winter and spring. Which will also be available for pulls through my PR Team in Los Angeles, Parker & Reid. 

Instagram | @NByPayton

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/N-By-Payton-538182729596169/