Meet Jamie Lyon | Fashion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamie Lyon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk-taking is essential for both personal and professional growth. I am a firm believer in stepping outside of your comfort zone and embracing change, challenges and never losing faith. I took a risk after graduating from fashion school by moving to New York without a job and living with roommates I had met through Craiglist. I knew I needed to move there in order to have opportunities in the fashion industry, so I took the leap! The two years I spent in NY was inspiring, rewarding, challenging, and overall transformational. I was able to start out working retail, then work my way up to being an intern, then getting hired on as a technical designer for a fashion company in Brooklyn. I also had the experience of playing guitar and singing in subway stations, aka “Busking”, and meeting other musicians at open mic nights. The arts and music culture was so inspiring, and I was so glad that I took this risk because it has made me a stronger and more humble person.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I view my art as a personal expression, a part of me that comes to life and evolves through the process and shines “passion” through the final product. I feel like my designs are unique because there is usually a deeper inspiration/meaning than what the viewer may see when they look at my creations. I translate song lyrics, concepts, line, shape, texture, etc. into wearable pieces that are bold and artistic. I am most proud of just being myself and sharing my creativity while connecting with other passionate individuals who I have met along the journey! The experiences and fun memories are most important to me. The journey began sewing by hand and playing guitar when I was 16 years old and has grown into “Electric Lyon”, a brand I created for The Rock Stars At Heart! I have been blessed to have participated in 10 fashion shows and designed a few pieces for local music artists as well. One lesson I learned was to never lose the passion, even when things aren’t easy, and when I am tired of sewing days straight to prepare a collection to show. Enjoy the struggles along the way because it makes me grow stronger and become the best version of myself. I want the world to know that Electric Lyon may be a clothing brand, but the main reason I create is to inspire others to pursue their passions, and to believe in themselves always!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of my favorite places in Downtown Phoenix are music Venues. Valley Bar is an underground, dim light, bar/restaurant that has some awesome bands and a game room too, so it’s always a fun time to hang there. I even participated in a fashion show there years ago, which is when I first discovered the place! It reminds me of New York venues that I went to while I lived there. Another place I would hang with friends is Crescent Ballroom. They have some tasty quesadillas and burritos and also awesome bands that come through. Art galleries are pretty amazing too, so I would recommend checking out Unexpected Gallery on Polk St in Phoenix and Twelfth House, a non-profit Arts and Cultural space that sometimes has live painting and fashion show events. Grand Avenue Festival has many smaller gallery spaces, local shops, and entertainment, and I also love Matsuri which is the local Japanese Festival. As far as food, I love RA sushi, Chop Shop, and Grimaldi’s Pizza.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Mom is my superhero! Ever since I was a child she was always encouraging and supporting my creative endeavors. I was born to create! Everything from music, art, dance, and clothing. I believe that we all are born with gifts and that we should share them with others to inspire one another to be passionate and follow our dreams! I am thankful for the local arts/fashion community who has also been very welcoming, supportive, and inspiring as I share my art forms. I have met some amazing photographers, models, hair/make-up artists, and other designers while participating in fashion shows. I love the collaborative culture, friendships built, and the value we share for our unique forms of expression. Finally, I would like to show my appreciation for Music, as it is truly the main source of my inspiration. I feel music and dance, I feel music and design, I feel the music and evolve and grow!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electriclyonfashion/@electriclyonfashion
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Electric-Lyon-Fashion-281825378596841

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Creative Visual Images (Scott Hall) Photos with the logo “CVI” in lower left corner- IG creative_visual_images Photo Credit (2 photos): Rob Boudon IG@robboudon