By Jackie Thomas

I watch a lot of television. I love watching anything that has to do with fashion. Right now I’m really enjoying Project Runway All Stars, probably because I personally know several of the competing designers. I also love this great new show on the ABC Family Channel called “Jane By Design.” It’s about a teenage girl who works for a fictitious high profile fashion house with a “Devil Wears Prada” type boss, all the while she’s still in high school; and of course no one knows that little tidbit.

Well I recently started working with a teenage designer as well, her name is Aaliyah Fisher, whom I became aware of when she participated as an emerging designer in an event that my company produces in Memphis, Tn., called MidSouth Fashion Week. Her designs were featured under the brand name of “Grafetti Couture”. Everyone in attendance was very impressed with her as well as her fashions. She has already been featured in several fashion shows in and around her home town and the state of Arkansas and will soon showcase her talents in the city where fashion shines the brightest, Fashion Week in NYC!

I recently spoke with her and her mom, who is your “momager” and asked her a few questions that I’d like to share with you:

Q. What is the inspiration behind Aaliyah starting your own line?
A. The inspiration behind my line is my great-grandmother she was a seamstress and I have always wanted to sew. Also I want to show the world that classy people come from Arkansas in the fashion industry.

Q. Did you as her mom have any reservations about allowing your daughter to start her own fashion line or participate in fashion shows?
A. No actually I didn’t. She has been sketching out her own designs since she was in the 2nd grade, and sewing since she was 11. I always encourage my children to do there best in whatever they do. I am proud to say that my daughter is a teenage role model.

Q. Aaliyah just commented to doing a show for NY Fashion Week, is that going to be a lot of pressure for her cause NY Fashion Week is the number city for fashion and shows?
A. Actually no, this has been Aaliyah’s dream since she started designing to do New York Fashion Week. This is such a major accomplishment for her. I am thankful that she got the opportunity.

Q. What designers inspire her and why? Have you/she met any celebrity designers?
A. I am inspired by Ralph Lauren, he has been around for a long time because his designs are everyday wear and classy. He started off small just selling neckties and built his way up. I want to be like him but the girl version.

Q. What fashion school would you like to attend in the future? Why?
A. Actually I’ve been accepted into the Jameilah Kamran fashion institute in Little Rock Arkansas; she is very strict and pushes me to do my best

Q. What’s the name of the line and is it sold anywhere, online, boutiques, etc?
A. The Name of my line is Grafetti Couture and it’s sold only on my website right now but hopefully in boutiques soon.

Q. Have you ever styled or dressed any celebrities, if so, which one(s)?
A. No not yet, but I plan to hopefully in the near future.

Q. What kind of designer would you like to be: Couture, sportswear, men, women, girls, etc.?
A. I would like to be a couture designer and everyday wear, and also do a men’s line

For more information on “Jane By Design,” check out www.abcfamily.com. For more information about Grafetti Couture, visit her website at www.http://grafetti03.com

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