Q+A: Designer Charlotte Ronson

Charlotte Ronson, left, with Liz Sells. Photograph by Lisa Richov

Liz Sells, of Winchester-based Sells & Co., teamed up with New York fashion designer Charlotte Ronson Monday night for an evening of fashion, food, and music at Red Lantern Restaurant in the Back Bay.

Boston-based models were decked out in Ronson’s latest spring looks from her namesake line, which incorporated diverse textures from white lace to patchwork denim to earthy suede. Overall, the pieces were feminine and subdued and seem like the perfect pieces for transitioning into a sticky East Coast summer.

Showing her support and tag-teaming the fashion show was twin sister and DJ Samantha Ronson, who performed a live set to guests at the Lolita after-party and provided attendees with a runway mixtape to take home.

But before the event started, we snagged a quick chat with Ronson about her experience working in fashion, the new line, and the one thing Ronson has no interest in designing.

What originally inspired you to get into fashion?

I think I was always interested in fashion. Growing up, my mother was always stylish, and I think being a twin, at some point you don’t have your own identities in some ways, and you find that [through fashion]. Even if you aren’t a twin, you end up identifying yourself in that way. And I just always loved sketching and drawing. In high school, I did internships with Harper’s Bazaar but I realized I wanted to be more hands on in design so I started getting into that. I interned for Cynthia Rowley and a few different other people and then just started designing and customizing pieces.

And how would you describe the aesthetic of your line?

It’s feminine, kind of casual, effortless, with a little twist of grunge.

Being born in London, would you say there’s a noticeable difference between British and American fashion?

I lived in London until I was five. I think London is always a little more cutting edge in some ways. They take more risks. In New York, it’s great fashion, it’s very trend-driven, and they are very ahead of the curve, but at the same time it’s a little more sophisticated, there’s a lot more black — a lot more serious sophistication. I always find when you’re walking around the streets in London, there’s a lot more energy.

What are some of the best trends that you’ve incorporated or seen for this upcoming spring?

Well a lot of the hemlines are a little bit longer. It’s more feminine. The chiffon ombre is really strong, [as are] patchwork denim, a lot of drop-waisted dresses with a ’20s feel, and higher collars with a Victorian feel, chunky crochet knits, and lace.

Did you incorporate a lot of bright colors into your line for spring?

Yeah there’s a lot of pops of color. There’s a striped floral which has a pop of coral. In the knits, the sweaters, there’s a more neutral light gray but there’s a fuchsia as well. I think people are feeling color, especially in springtime. There’s lots of blues too that are really denim friendly.

Would you ever consider designing men’s clothing?

No, I actually wouldn’t. That’s the one thing I don’t really want to do, because I wouldn’t know how. I like guys who dress more simple and clean.

Find Ronson’s line at Sells & Co., 547 Main St., Winchester, 781-721-6700, sellsandco.com.

—Ashley Wood