Unadulterated because we just transcribed the thing below. This was the scene: after prodding (clearly to a ton of media outlets) to do backstage interviews with LC prior to the show, us print/online journalists (FWD was there, California Apparel News, Life & Style, and a whole smash of others) waited and waited and waited while cameras followed The Hills star around. There were many handlers and what seemed like fans getting their picture taken with her. Finally, after we'd waited long enough that you wait some more because you don't want to have completely wasted your time, we did one quick interview en masse. She was queried with hard-hitting questions, such as why she loves Function drinks and the color peach to how the reality series effects expectations of her as a designer (our question). No diva behavior to report—in fact, she was much more pleasant in person than what we've seen on the show:
What’s different about this collection from your last season?
It’s a little different. It’s springtime so it’s girlier. It’s a little more fun, we did a floral theme so we did large flower headpieces and there’s a floral print. There’s a few more fabrics we introduced so there’s a little bit more variety and we had fun with it.
I’ve seen you drinking Function drinks everywhere around town. Tell me about that: is it keeping you rejuvenated through all this fashion craziness?
They have a really good drink called Light Weight, which is like five calories. I love it and it gives you energy so I like live on that.
What’s your favorite article of clothing in your closet?
My favorite article of clothing, that’s a good one. It’s actually my high-waisted skirt I have in like every color that I did for fall.
How have you evolved as a designer?
I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned from mistakes. This day has been a lot less hectic back here because I learned from the first show we did and I’m learning to expand and the brand’s kind of growing with me.
Who do you look to for inspiration—other designers, artists?
I love people that pay a lot of attention to the female figure. I think that’s really important. I love Diane von Furstenberg, she’s one of my favorites. I love people that do kind of smaller accents to make a piece more special, like Phillip Lim is one of my favorites.
How do you think The Hills effects people's expectations of you as a designer?
Um (laughs uncomfortably), I think it kind of lowers them and raises them. It depends on who you’re asking. I think it’s a blessing because it gave me this opportunity and I’m able to reach a wider audience because of the show, but it also holds me back a little bit because people are a little hesitant to take you seriously when you got the opportunity because of celebrity.
What’s next for you?
I hope to continue this and let the brand grow, kind of expand, look into other categories.
What new clothing stores do you like in LA?
Um, I don’t know. I haven’t really had time to find any new ones lately, but I love Bleu, it’s my favorite store in LA. And I do a lot of online shopping at Shopbop, Net-a-porter, Downtown Chic.
In terms of makeup, what kind of look are you going for with the show?
For the show, we collaborated with Mark. They made a lip gloss specifically for my show. They were really cool. I worked with my makeup artist. It was fun, it’s the first thing we’ve done like that. It’s called ‘Empowerment Peach’ because the show is sponsored by the Empowerment Campaign. We’re giving it to everyone in the front row, and they just made it for the show, so I don’t think it actually goes to sale. And we did a coral cheek and a thick, black liquid liner and lash.
Peach seems to be a big favorite of yours? Why is that?
I love that color. I think it’s kind of young and fresh and doesn’t look too overdone.
Can we ask question about the show [The Hills], or are you just answering questions about fashion show?
I think I’m just going to stick to the fashion show.
Since you’re doing the makeup line tonight, do you think you’ll do your own full-blown makeup line?
I’m actually the spokesperson for Mark, they’re sponsoring the show. For now, I’m working with them because I think they do a great job.
There won’t be a Lauren Conrad Cosmetics?
That is a no.
Can you talk more about how this collection is different from your last collection in March?
Yeah, obviously, the color palette is completely different because it’s a spring show. We accessorized it a bit more. We did a French theme for my fall show, so it was a little bit polished and serious. This time we had a bit more fun with it.
· At Smashbox: Lauren Conrad Creates Clothes for Herself [Racked]
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