Future site of Tommy Tucker Jeans and Leathür

This September Tommy Tucker is “crossing the tracks” and moving to San Diego’s Mission Hills neighborhood! Leathür boutique will now be in the new Jonathan Segal building “The Charmer” at 3625 India St near the western foot of Washington and next door to GP Motorcycles.

I just got back from the Project Accessory casting in LA. It was held at the swanky Sofitel Hotel across from the Beverly Center. Upon arrival I witnessed a virtual fashion show and unbelievable exhibition of automobile sound systems at the foot of the hotel and lobby as the BET awards are happening in LA this weekend.

Surprisingly, a bellhop  opened the door to my underdressed t-shirt ‘n’ jeans ensemble, then directed me to a Project Accessory representative who told me where to go and added “you might get lucky” with getting seen. Now at the second floor, I saw roughly 60 designers staged in various situations in and around 3 different rooms. Amongst the total confusion and perceived lack of order, my wide eyes were spotted. I was instructed to the back of the line, where I scooted clockwise from chair to chair for 5-6 hours before moving to a standing-on-foot line in the huge hall corridor. There I waited just a half-hour before I finally unleashed my leather to the first panel of interviewers. A woman there was seemingly overwhelmed by my fashions and presentation! She was really excited and told me that I was exactly what they were looking for, most likely a definite to get on the show and that I had a REALLY good chance!

fellow designer with his models waiting in line

I was sent to the couch to wait for the next phase: screen tested interview with my product/portfolio presentation. Another person came and looked over my leather as I waited. 10 long minutes. Now I was asked to stand and come toward the door. This was the room I saw with the lights and cameras as the door was cracked during lunchtime. Now I was nervous! The “fluffer” (as I was told) gave me instructions as the sound technician got me wired and mic’d up. Finally, they were ready for me. The door was opened and I was walked in.

All eyes on me, scrutinizing, as my cowboy boots floated me into the room, and to my staging position marked by tape on the floor. A large panel of judges sat at a table before me and another group of, what seemed like, producers and studio executives sat back a ways 90 degrees to my right. I stood under the lights as I tried to acknowledge everyone in room. No stares broke as I looked from face to face, the seriousness was almost laughable. In this moment, my nerves left me. I was truly enjoying this bizarre situation!

A bold greeting and strong personality came up at me as the alpha female quickly identified herself. She sat at the center of the judging table and began to ask direct, rapid-fire questions, making it clear that she was in charge. She asked for my portfolio, and to everyone’s surprise, I flung out a four foot long laminate with nearly 100 images of my work and a big Tommy Tucker at the top. As all at the table pored over my poster campaign, I think they liked it because a man asked that someone hold it up next to me for camera work.

Next, they asked to see my product. I overturned a bag on the table and all-at-once the pieces were snatched and passed from person to person. It was all smiles after that. There were many questions and specific compliments. One woman requested I take off my watch so that they could see it and was asked if I had made the belts I was wearing. Oh yeah girl. I was asked to describe my design philosophy and point of view. After some silent deliberation the woman told me I had a clear point of view, a great design aesthetic and they could see where my work was going. I received no negative feedback:)

The alpha took a deep breath, put her hands together and asked, “So what else do you have?”  I pulled out more leather from my other bag. “No. What else? Do you make handbags? Jewelry, shoes?” “No,” I replied, and I kind of knew it right there.. they needed someone who could do it all.

The woman proceeded to tell me in so many words that if I couldn’t show her at least one more type of accessory, namely shoes in my case, I might have to try for season 2. I fought back and told her how I could stitch as good as anybody and that I could construct anything, with any materials.

After all this I was told that there COULD be a spot for me on the show. That they would have to deliberate/think about me for season 1, but if I were to bring my footwear designs next time, I would be a shoo-in for season 2.

Lastly, as I began to collect my wares, the woman looked at me and admitted, “You did really well! Usually we’re pretty mean.” I stated, “oh, you can’t be mean to me…” The woman looked stunned and asked “Why not?” I leaned in and replied… “because I’ll be meaner back.”

t