1. Biggest indulgence…was celebrating my birthday with an extra, extra large strawberry a la crème cake and enjoying it all by myself.

2. What is your advice for a woman seeking to define her own individual style?
She has to identify WHO she is as a woman; what story she wants to tell with her second skin and who she is seducing because inevitably we are sending a message to the world with what we wear.

 3. You’ve dressed countless celebrities like Hayden Panettiere, Paula Abdul, Natalie Cole, Katy Perry, Felicity Huffman, Gwen Stefani, if given the opportunity who would you like to design a dress for? And whom would you consider a muse?
I would love to dress Charlize Theron because she embodies femininity with strength, glamour with confidence, sophistication with discretion and most of all subtlety.  I have several muses that represent the many goddesses that inspire me when I am designing.  Strength of character and boldness in expression as a personal brand are what I am attracted to the most in a muse.

4. Elegance is…truly understanding that less is more.

5. What are your fashion obsessions? And what’s the last item you bought that truly makes you happy?
My last purchase was a dozen bespoke dress shirts from London with French cuffs to showcase my vintage cufflink collection.  I am obsessed with those little touches that say so much about who you are and how you feel about yourself.

6. I’ve been told you are quite the gourmet cook. What is your favorite meal to prepare for guests and who receives an invite? And what restaurants in LA (and beyond) do you enjoy for fine food?
Anything with a touch of caviar.  I love to experiment and add my personal touch to the food I prepare.  My favorite hors d’oeuvre is Bouchees a la Reine, the favorite of Louis IVX – it’s very couture and a pleasure to see as well as taste. I enjoy making small bites for a group of 5 people including myself, anything more than this is too high maintenance.  And when L’Orangerie closed last year I resigned myself to good sashimi bars like Ketana.

7. You design sophisticated, coveted couture dresses, ready to wear suits, knitwear, and accessories that include leather bags that surely last so long in one’s wardrobe that a granddaughter will end up wanting to carry it—so what’s next for the House of Lloyd Klein?
One of my dreams is to design Lloyd Klein Hotels de Luxe that would be found at the four corners of the world.  Modern tributes to old world luxury with couture details that would make them destinations like my Castle in Los Angeles.

A few of the celebrities who love to wear Lloyd Klein:

 Kate Beckinsale                                   Eva Longoria

 Toni Collette                                          Marissa Miller

 

Initially trained in architecture, Lloyd Klein ventured into the world of fashion design after becoming mesmerized by a Givenchy haute couture runway show.  Using his extreme interest and self-taught knowledge, Klein's talent as a dormant designer erupted in 1994 when he presented his first runway collection in Paris. After just two seasons he became the appointed head designer for the legendary Maison Mme. Grès.  Upon the successful completion of his contract with Grès, the designer went on to showcase his own signature label.  In 1999, after his first of many New York Fashion Week runway appearances, Klein made a solid imprint in fashion by creating his base of couture operations in the United States.
Reflecting on his training in architectural detail; Lloyd Klein's designs are unexpectedly classic and contemporary all at once. Each piece differs, but remains consistent with his technique as they preserve a bold balance of broad masculinity and edgy femininity.  His mastery of drapery shows in many of his pieces as delicate fabrics flow on the female form, adhering to the most flattering curvaceous hot spots with meticulous precision.  His mixing and matching of a variety of textural fabrics creates fine garments that foresee the direction of the industry. Constrictive, yet flattering corset-like bodices provide a modernized classical look while flowy gowns wisp through the air with elegance.  Precision tailored suiting with waist flattering proportion, however, is his strength and is what his customer seeks.
The charismatic designer travels between his home in Paris and his business in Los Angeles.  He has been featured on numerous popular television shows including appearances on America’s Next Top Model, the Ali G. Show, as well as cameo appearances on several other televised programs.  In addition to developing an outstanding celebrity following, his collections have been featured on numerous films and television properties including the standout fashion hit “Ugly Betty”.   A Documentary style reality series about the “House of Couture” is in the development that will offer a glimpse into what goes on in that beloved Fashion Castle that sits between the Hollywood sign and Rodeo Drive….stay tuned!

The Lloyd Klein Flagship
Lloyd Klein’s two-story Flagship located in one of LA’s most charming shopping neighborhoods, serves as a creative workshop and retail space for both his ready to wear and couture clientele.  The historic landmark building, which locals refer to as, “the Castle”, is replete with a gothic turret.  The 1928 “petit chateau” features a wildlife pond and wood planked “moat” entry-way leading into the mesmerizing 7,700 square foot space.
 
The interior, designed by Lloyd Klein, has an elegant ambience that reflects his overall lifestyle vision and has the feeling of a true old-world Parisian Salon.  The layout includes a private VIP consultation lounge and fitting room for his couture clients; editorial and sales showroom; conference room; and chic retail space to showcase a full range of Lloyd Klein products including accessories, jewelry, handbags and ready-to-wear.  The space also includes an archive library featuring over 4,000 runway sample garments that chronicle the history of his work.

 

1. Happy I bought…
My poodle Sebastian

2. My treasured possession is…
My grandfather’s monogrammed silver belt buckle

3. I’m carrying with me on every journey or design job…
Leather encased tape measurer

4. My top shops…
Mecox Gardens, Anthony Todd, Holly Hock, Bergdorf Goodman

5. Your company bid on the design for the incoming Obamas in the White House; had you been chosen what ideas would you have wished to implement?
I would pick and choose from the warehouse the best examples of furniture and textiles that showcase America through each time period. Upholstery would be All-American or inspired prints. The Obama’s china would be from Target and definitely Low VOC paints and implement green design.  

6. What inspires you? And how would you describe you design aesthetic?
Nature, the organic, shadows on trees. My design aesthetic is tailored, curated, classic, with an undercurrent of modernity. Mix of the contemporary and true-and-tried.

7. You’re included annually in the House Beautiful “Top 100” issue, you have the Cohler fabric collection, Visual Comfort carries your lighting design plus you design furniture and carpeting plus are top of mind for many design magazines. What’s your next pursuit?
Tabletop (dishes, glassware, etc.), Paint, Host TV Show of Interior Design’s Do’s and Don’ts.
 

Kips Bay 2007                                     East 66th Model Apartment         

 

Eric's residence

 

 

To see more of Eric's designs log onto ericcohler.com