The Fall 2013 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week presentations are happening from February 7th-14th at Lincoln centre in New York City. It used to seem strange to me that designers were so far ahead when it comes to putting seasonal designs out. Fashion really is the future — or at least that’s the time zone it goes by. Fall is also the big seasonal turnover in fashion because garments are usually heavier for fall and luxury is really the centre of it all. I will be attending this year and caught up with designer Jenni Kayne before her presentation in New York to ask her some questions about style.

When it comes to LA chic, Jenni Kayne has made an impression on the fashion industry. Her first collection was launched in 2003 when she was 19 years old. She went on to present in New York Fashion Week in 2005 and was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Kayne believes that sophistication doesn’t have to come at a high price and should be accessible to women. This spring, she has incorporated lots of bright colours while keeping a classic silhouette. One of my favourite looks for the season is her mix of high waisted shorts paired with a maroon shirt and jacket. Pieces that can be deconstructed are so versatile to integrate into other outfits.

Jenni Kayne on style:

Q: What do you think is the most enduring type of style through time and how do you incorporate it into your collection?

Jenni: I think classic shapes are always timeless and I incorporate them into my collection by using unexpected colour and fabrics.

Q: What are three essential items that will take a woman through every season?

Jenni: A pair of my D’Orsay flats, a Jenni Kayne button down, and one of our classic Jenni Kayne blazers.

Q: What is the most important thing to keep in mind when it comes to putting an outfit together?

Jenni: Never wear anything too fussy.

Q: It rains a lot here in Vancouver and staying in style can be really challenging. What is a rainy weather outfit that will make a statement but is also functional?

Jenni: I think keeping it simple for rainy weather is the way to go– don’t fuss with printed rainboots or a bright umbrella – keep it simple and you can’t go wrong. Jeans, a collared shirt, a solid color rain jacket will do the trick.

Jenni Kayne on everything else:

1. My most hated trend is/was: Jeggings (jean leggings)!

2. I think meggings (man leggings) are: …NO!

3. My favourite style icon is: Kate Moss

4. If I wasn’t a designer, I’d probably be: an interior designer

Amy Yew is a contributing columnist at Vancouver Courier. Tell us what you think and submit any questions you have to amyvancouvercourier@gmail.com. You can also tweet your thoughts on Twitter @AmyYew.