Strong, bold, unapologetic and extraordinary describe the Haute Sociètè fashion line created by Dallas designer London Burton. Her fashion career began as the creative director for her husband, nationally known fashion photographer Kauwuane Burton, and has evolved into a brand that sets trends across the country.
Burton recently launched her In the Trenches collection, a military inspired line to make women feel as powerful as they are beautiful. CEOMOM caught up with this trailblazing mom of two to discuss her fashion legacy and why fashion is so important to her.
Who is London Burton?
I hate to put myself in a box because I am ultimately a creative. I love all things creative. I of course have my fashion line. I work with my husband who is a fashion photographer. I am his creative director. Before that I did music. I love creating. I am a creator at my core.
How did your career in fashion begin?
My start in fashion began with my husband. He has been in the fashion world photo wise for 12 years. Being emerged in his world brought out the fashion designer in me. I would see how clothing transformed a woman or even a man. You can put someone in makeup and amazing clothing and really transform them inside and outside. That made me want to become a designer.
Tell us about the Haute Sociètè brand? What is the inspiration behind your designs/looks?
Me. I design for myself. I feel with everything in life you have to be authentic to you. If you are authentic to you, there are millions of people who will like your point of view on something. Put your own creativity into something. I design what I think will look good on me. I design for me. I design things that I want to wear personally. I pray that when I put something out there people will love it.
Congratulations on the recent launch of your In the Trenches collection. What inspired you to create this line?
This particular line was solely based on my military service which is very different from my last 2 collections. As women, we all have 2 different sides. We have that girly and sensitive and romantic side and then the beast side. The military is my beast side. It is the hard core part of me. I wanted to create a collection that told that story and paid homage to my military service. It’s rough around the edges. It’s about bold and leather. It is totally different than what I’ve done before but still me.
I feel with everything in life you have to be authentic to you. If you are authentic to you, there are millions of people who will like your point of view on something.
How do you want women to feel when wearing the In the Trenches collection?
I want women to feel bold and comfortable. Give me my tennis shoes. I want to be classy, chic and be noticed just like anybody else. I want women to feel like they can put this collection on and be powerful and bold.
One of the looks from your In the Trenches collection was recently worn by Tyra Banks. How did that come about? Walk us through your emotions from seeing a fashion icon wear your look.
That was a God moment. All of our resources come from God. I have the privilege of knowing J Bolin. He reached out to me, “I want this red pantsuit for Tyra Banks, and I need it by Thursday.” He called me on Monday. All of my pieces are custom made but you don’t say no to J Bolin or Tyra Banks. I had to literally get on the plane the next day to go to Los Angeles and get the fabric because they weren’t going to be able to ship it to me in time to make the pantsuit. Stylist are tricky. They may pull an outfit for a client and it may not work. Some things may end up on the cutting floor. I was able to see her wear my red pantsuit at the Women that Soar Awards in Dallas. I screamed and cried and thanked Jesus.
What do you want your fashion legacy to be for your daughters?
I have two daughters, one is not into fashion and the other one is two years old. Who knows what my two year old is going to be into as she gets older. I don’t necessarily think I am building this legacy for my children. I am building a legacy of success and going after what you want that will drive them into doing whatever they want. I want them to find their own way because they see mom doing it.
To learn more about London Burton and Haute Sociètè visit https://www.wearhs.com.