J.W.K Style: TROUBADOUR

I'm thrilled to introduce you to Lindsey Carter, the Southern girl behind TROUBADOUR.

When I came across the Fall/Winter Collection, I was drawn to her classic, romantic designs that have a modern edge. This is the second collection for Lindsey, who was named by Women's Wear Daily "A Designer to Watch" shortly after launching TROUBADOUR in 2009. She was generous enough to answer a few questions about TROUBADOUR and her latest collection.

TROUBADOUR MOOD BOARD

JWK: Can you tell us about the Troubadour logo?

LC: Essentially, the Troubadour logo is a culmination of my inspirations and influences. The South, represented by the antlers, is really my roots- where I was born and live now. The City, meaning New York City/the skull, is where I gained all my experience. And the Sea, the anchor, is what I grew up on and where I feel grounded. In my life I've always been happiest near water.

THE MINETTA DRESS in PINK CHIFFON

JWK: How are your experiences from the South, the City, and the Sea interpreted in your designs?

LC: You can see it in details or the larger picture. For example, in season 1 there was a dress that looked like it had been dipped in water and a skirt in a watery brushstroke print. An anchor button in season 2, and again the ombre/watery look in the Maple Dress. I think about severe angular cut outs, the hardness, paired with delicate crinkle chiffon- the dichotomy of it all. Representing it all.

THE MAPLE DRESS

JWK: Who is the Troubadour girl you have in mind when designing your collections?

LC: My friends and myself. I look at trends and listen to what my friends say about their bodies when they don't think I'm listening. But she is strong and confident, yet feminine and sensitive.

THE BANK TRENCH in BLACK

JWK: What inspired the color palette for your fall collection?

LC: The color palette for the fall collection came from my mood board, which was essentially a collage of snow capped mountains, Gerard Reichert landscapes, bone animal skulls, a dew-dropped dandelion, a pink flower coming through the snow. Which is where the earthiness came in- snow, fatigue, black, and pink.

THE SANS SOUCI DRESS in PINK

JWK: What is the signature Troubadour look we can expect to see more of in the future?

LC: I think you can expect to see more of what you've seen in season 2- an expansion on that, but also more everyday pieces. For instance a boyish chambray shirt paired with a feminine crinkle chiffon. A sequined jacket paired with fatigue pants. More dichotomy-hard/soft.