Concierge of Chic: An interview with Lisa Fine

I have known Lisa Fine all my life - she and my mother went to boarding school together, and to me she has always been my mother's very fabulous friend who travels the world, writes, decorates, and designs. But it is her sense of humor that I love the most (you will see hints of it in the interview). In addition to Lisa's current textiles line, she and Carolina Irving started Irving & Fine, a clothing line full of fantastic tunics, blouses, and coats with prints and embroidery.


Cannon Lewis: What is your inspiration for the Irving & Fine clothing?
Lisa Fine: Ottoman & Eastern European folk costume and old Yves Saint Laurent.

CL: What made you decide to start a clothing line?
LF: On a whim. I couldn't find what I wanted so I started making blouses for myself and so many people liked them so I made more.

CL: What is your favorite piece from the Irving & Fine collection?
LF: The Tangier Peasant Blouse.

CL: What's next for Irving & Fine?
LF: To have an e-commerce site.

CL: Name a lesson you have learned from starting your own business?
LF: Never think too hard or you will never do it.

CL: You have an apartment in Paris and in New York, and travel to India and Texas all the time. If you had to pick one place, where would you be?
LF: I don't have to pick at the moment. If it ever happens, I might not have a choice - it will probably pick me.

CL: You have traveled everywhere and seen so many ways of life. How has this shaped you as a person?
LF: It keeps me from getting bored.

CL: Where do you go to clear your head?
LF: India - because there is so much chaos going on around, that as chaotic as I might be, it is still calming.

CL: What is something you haven't done but have always wanted to do?
LF: A lot of things. These are all so politically incorrect, but I'm dying to do more trips in Central Asia. I'd like to go to Uzbekistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Cambodia, and Peru.

CL: What is a funny memory you have of my mother from high school?
LF: We were all staying at a friend's older sister's house, and your mom had a date with this guy who we thought was silly and such a goose. So after she left to go on the date, we re-configured the sprinkler system so that when they came home and he was about to kiss her at the door, we turned it on, and they both got sprayed. We chased him off.
CL: What is your favorite piece of Cannon Lewis jewelry?
LF: I love the silver baby spoon and the captivate necklaces.

To view Lisa Fine's textile line, click here. www.lisafinetextiles.com
To view Lisa Fine's clothing line, click here. www.irvingandfine.com