Dress: Lil'C Couture
Shoes: The John Ashford Collection
Jewelry: StuddedSpikes by Djamee

Photographer: Daniel R. Winters
Hair: Chelsea Clark
Makeup: Ayumi

Coming all the way from Ireland, designer, Claire O'Connor of Lil'C Couture, came here to NY and did a photo shoot with ZEPHORAHmagazine. It all started five years ago, when she traveled for the first time to Harlem, New York. As she was passing through, she had a sense of appreciation for the art and the culture. So when she returned home, she immediately got to work, designing and creating her own version of what she discovered. Being a true hip hop fan she took a bad boy image and made it more chic and girlie. Her favorite fabric to work with is leather, lace and she loves a lot of detail. Her signature colors are pink, black, silver and rich grassy colors. She absolutely loves the Hip Hop culture and wants to create that same style through her fashions. The name "Lil'C Couture" is inspired by Hip Hop artist, Lil Kim. Although her home base is in Dublin, Ireland, she travels internationally to create a line of clothing. First it's New York for ideas, then heads to Paris for Premier Vision Fabric Fair, to purchase fabric and trim.

When she first expressed interest in designing clothes, she was advised not to get into design because of the challenges that come along with it. But her advice is, that if you are really passionate about what you do, do it. She learned that it is always best to be self-sufficient, able to control your business and save money. Claire is also a pattern cutter, which is one of the most expensive trades to hire in the fashion industry. She saved a lot of money being independent. She also placed her money into savings because many of the banks in Ireland have also had economic struggle.

Lil'C Couture is received well in Ireland. Check out her collection at www.lilccouture.com