Jessica Marks is the hot up and coming designer behind the JLMarks Los Angeles boutique and clothing line. She's dressed Paris Hilton among other young Hollywood elite, who love her fun, form-fitting styles. We chatted with her to find out more about what inspires her work.

What inspires your work? Traveling always inspires me because of different cultural trends and styles; swap meets and flea markets always inspire me because of vintage clothes and fabrics as well as colors. I read every fashion magazine that exists and just going out to restaurants, bars, lounges, etc. is important to see what young Hollywood is really wearing.

For example, I recently went to the new hip spot and saw most girls in way too tight and way too short bandage dresses where they were tugging at the bottom all night. Also, the dresses were just tight and in my opinion had no style. I immediately created my own take on the bandage dress with a 90's flavor and added two inches and a band around the bottom so girls won't have to tug at their dresses all night. This way they will look more original and feel better. I will not make anything that I wouldn't want to wear.

Who are your favorite designers? My favorite designers are Mathew Williamson, Betsey Johnson, and Dolce and Gabbana.

What are your top fashion and beauty must-haves? Top beauty and fashion must-haves are a great pair of skinny jeans, sexy and comfy black and nude pumps, a classic black clutch, fitted black blazer, eyelash extensions, lipgloss and of course JLMarks mini dress!

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? My advice to aspiring designers is gain as much experience in industry as you can whether it is internships or jobs. Talk to designers who inspire you to see how they got where they are and most importantly create and stick to your own style. You will only make it if you are original.

Where can people find your work? You can find my line at Shopflick.com and the JLMarks boutique (8238 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles).


We love all of the amazing independent designers out there and we wanted to find out more about what makes these creative types tick. If you do too, check out more of our Indie Designer Interviews.