At a mere 19 years of age, Jazmin Whitley, designer of the fashion line Li Cari, has designed six collections and revealed her Spring Summer 2008 Collection as the youngest designer to ever show in NY Fashion Week.

What makes her extraordinary is not merely her age, but also her social consciousness. Whitley uses the limelight for her label to raise awareness about the dark underside of how clothing is typically made. Her line, in contrast, is only made in countries that enforce child labour laws.

The Houston, Texas native has just finished shooting the pilot to Catwalk, set to air next season. She recently showed at the Catwalk for Charity alongside Valentino, Missoni, Pucci, and Blumarine.

The Li Cari Label was on the Spring-Summer 2007 fashion tour that showed in venues across the US. Whitley has been featured in American Superstar Magazine, Portrait Magazine, San Diego Life & Fashion Magazine, Global Women Magazine, Relate Magazine, Westlake Magazine, Imperfekshun Magazine, US Weekly Magazine, LA Direct Magazine, 944 Magazine, Sense Magazine, Wired Magazine, and Ubansuite… to name a few of many others.

The Li Cari line can be found at exclusive boutiques and is inspired by classic beauty, with modern wearable comfort. As the fashion world continues to speed up and hasten through trends, Li Cari lingers on timeless and classic looks that are eternally appealing, with a contemporary touch influenced by youthful and innovative personality.

She spoke with Savvy about her designs…

Savvy: When did you first notice you had an eye for design?
Whitley: When I first began designing, I would wear my outfits. People loved them and started asking me to create pieces for them. They would ask me at parties, charity events, galas, and benefits as well as on Melrose and Robertson Boulevard.
 
Savvy: Did you study fashion photographs?
Whitley: Yes! As a child I always flipped through fashion magazines every day! And in high school I took a photography class. I love old Hollywood glamour and classic timeless beauty. That definitely inspires me.
 
Savvy: How did you position yourself to become a professional designer when most girls your age are just finishing up high school?
Whitley: I wanted to become a fashion designer now rather than later on, and I knew it would just be a dream unless I worked towards it. So I was creating my first collection in high school while other kids were hanging out. 

Savvy: Why do you feel so passionate about fashion?
Whitley: I’m passionate about fashion because it gives me the power to create not only a garment, but also a lifestyle.
 
Savvy: Where do your ideas come from?
Whitley: Travelling really broadens my view on fashion and teaches me about different cultures and what is important in fashion to them. My ideas come from all around me, but I’m very inspired from my trips to different countries and music. 

Savvy: What’s the key to taking a fabric and creating a story?
Whitley: You have to know how the fabric flows or moves with the style and cut of the design.

Savvy: What is distinct about the Li Cari label?
Whitley: I think my age brings a fresh element to my designs. The Li Cari label is really feminine and has intricate detail. It really sets it apart from other clothing.
 
Savvy: Were you intimidated at any point when you became the youngest designer to ever show in New York fashion week? Is there a certain amount of pressure now to prove you’re here to stay?
Whitley: YES! Being a young designer, people expect more from me. They analyze my work, comparing it to older designers and every collection I make needs to be better then the last. That’s stressful!
 
Savvy: You just finished shooting the pilot to Catwalk. How did that go?
Whitley: Catwalk is a show for anyone who likes fashion. It follows my career and my growth as a designer. Everything in it is real. It is not scripted, but it’s not considered a reality show. It is more of a documentary-slash-lifestyle series.
 
Savvy: Is it true you did an eco-friendly show for LA Fashion week?
Whitley: My show for LA fashion week was held at DOM in Beverly Hills, which is an eco-friendly venue. That is where I showed my Spring 2008 Collection for the West Coast buyers, editors, celebrities, and the media. It was a fun and exciting show.
 
Savvy: You’ve attracted clients like Blu Cantrell, Sara Carter, Victoria Justice, Aimee Teegarden, Brie Larson, Monet Monico, Shudney Ross, and Alex M, just to name a few. How important is it for a designer to have celebrities wear your designs on the red carpet?
Whitley: It is amazing to know that the celebrity picked to wear my design rather then another designer’s. Celebrities always look so glamorous on the red carpet so I love to see my designs on them, but I am also honoured to see my designs on others who are not celebrities as well. I just love to know that people are wearing my designs.
 
Savvy: You’re using the attention on yourself to educate the public and other designers about your advocacy against child labour. Do you see that problem growing as more and more retailers look for ways to cut their production costs and increase their profit margins?
Whitley: Most designers take their production overseas because it is way cheaper, but most people don’t even know what it means to purchase a product from a country that doesn’t have child labour laws. By buying something in a country that supports child labor, you are supporting child slavery. Children are working 15-hour days in horrible conditions so that a company can make more money. The company is already making money -- they just want MORE money!! I challenge other designers to care more about the children than the money, and I challenge Americans to learn about what they are supporting every time they make a purchase.
 
Savvy: Is there anything more you would like to get across to our readers?
Whitley: I feel very blessed to be where I am at the age of 19. I hope to be a good role model for young people around the world. Sometimes I just can’t believe that I did a show for London Fashion Week in February and then Milan, and Paris. It feels fake. I want to tell people out there that if they have a dream, don’t give up, if it doesn’t happen right away, keep trying.

On the Web: www.mylicari.com