with Fashion Designer Ellasia Lavissh Payne
PHOTOGRAPHER Viktorija PASHUTA @viktorija_pashuta
DESIGNER Ellasia LAVISSH PAYNE
JEWELRY Isaak KAY JEWELRY @syspr
MODELS DeMaree SCOBEY & Angelica SALEK @mavrickagency
MAKEUP & HAIR Alexander BRAUN @alexanderstylist
PHOTO ASSISTANT Patrick BASTIEN
INTERNS Greta LI & Marissa WILLIAMS
*FOR BOOKING AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT:
LAUNY RHEM (310) 294-3535 [email protected]
Scobey & Angelica Salek
@mavrickagency
@mavrickagency
Ellasia Lavissh Payne’s personality-rich clothing isn’t for those who wish to be unnoticed. Her unique collection is saturated in head-turning pieces that beam vintage couture, a style that has often been remised. However, it’s her dedication to fine details and an out-of-the-box mentality that makes this designer a true visionary. Originally from Las Vegas, NV, Payne’s calling to fashion was a natural transition. What began as a leisure pursuit quickly bloomed into a full-fledged lifestyle after her unique designs gained immense traction on social media.
“Fashion to me, is all about expression,” explained Payne. “It is how one communicates to the outside world through clothing. Fashion shows are a place where clothes talk directly to the people. From the models to the production, everything is in alignment with the message the designer is trying to portray. I consider myself a how-I-feel-is-how-I-dress kind of person. It’s about people expressing how they feel and who they are through their wardrobe. That’s what the world of fashion has always been about.”
A major obstacle in such a rapidly evolving industry is the ability to remain unprecedented in a market that continues to challenge not only the designer, but the consumer. As with most things, trends are constantly changing. However, there have been major shifts seen in street style as well as the collision of contradictory prints, vibrant colors and a hint of grandiose ball gown couture.
“I’m selling a look, not just a garment,” said Payne. “I’m providing an entire experience! My pieces will tell stories. They will take you to certain places. I once read a quote that said, ‘You can go anywhere if you’re dressed for it’. That’s what my pieces will do. I am providing statement pieces for a particular lifestyle: a Lavissh lifestyle. I am not seeing that being done in today’s fashion. It’s become very trendy. I want to influence the new and old generation with my vintage, multicultural-inspired line.”
The industry has seen many notable designers shape fashion into the expressionist society it is today. From Ralph Lauren to Karl Lagerfeld and the beloved Alexander McQueen, the world has been forever changed by innovative trends and trades. However, when it comes to the representation of minorities in the market, it goes without saying there is a niche that should be filled. Black-ish Actress, model and activist Yara Shahidi is just one of many individuals who continue to play a vital part in paving the way for those to come. The trendsetter has always been vocal about utilizing her platform to continue to open doors while discussing the importance of diversity on and off stage and in all aspects of life. Most recently, Shahidi spoke on the subject at the BET Experiences’ Genius Talks sector.“(We) really want to support each other, and those are people who will intentionally set up time and space to be of support through advice or presence,” she said. “We are constantly creating space for each other. The goal is to not put out a project, but to open doors. The goal is to say with this project we are making it easier with the next content creator.”
The power of inclusion, collaboration and representation is often underrated. “As a black woman, I’m free of feeling overlooked or underrepresented and I have the opportunity to make history,” expressed Payne. “I don’t know of any haute couture black female designers. Let’s change that!”
Maintaining originality and class, returning to the basics of fashion is her motto because no one can resist timeless, luxurious and vintage-inspired style. With aspirations to headline Paris Fashion Week, own a fashion house in Italy and become a leading designer in European fashion, Payne is certainly on the right path.
