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The dynamic duo that brought us the creative powerhouse that is Hellz-Bellz, just dropped their ss10 line, and let me be the first to tell you it simply kicks ass. I’ll save my raving reviews about the collection and let designer/owner Lanie Alabanza-Barcena tell you everything you need to know about Hellz’s latest line, what the future has in store for Hellz and her life-long passion for punk rock.

Q: What was your inspiration behind the collection? Did you have a certain person (muse) or consumer in mind when designing?
A: The inspiration behind the Spring Delivery One ‘Obsessed With You’ Collection initially came from the song of the same title by on of my favorite English punk bands, X-Ray Spex and later translated into my obsession of modern fashion. When designing this particular collection the woman I had in mind was definitely lead singer Poly Styrene. I’ve always been very drawn to her unique, rebellious, yet fun style.

Q:  How do you think this collection will play into 2010 trends?

A: To be completely honest, I don’t design to fit or play into any trends. If anything, I aim to create designs that stand on their own.
Q: What is your favorite piece in the collection?
A: The ‘Damaged’ cardigan. A lot of love and details was put into that piece. It’s made with a beautiful distressed knit fabrication that we developed with exposed zipper details and faux suspender straps at the back. It’s the perfect piece for any occasion and can be worn as a layering piece, cardigan or even a dress.

Q: Tell me about your personal style. What parts of your personal style work its way into your designs?
A: I have somewhat of a tomboy chic style. I like playing on the juxtaposition of hard & soft, edgy yet femme. For instance, I’ll wear a chiffon dress but throw on a motorcycle jacket and a pair of Docs. You’ll definitely see that in every collection that I design. There’s always masculine elements with hard lines & detailing but toned down with drapey and/or soft fabrics.

Q: What designers do you admire most? Who/what inspires you as a designer?
A: I really admire Vivienne Westwood and the role that she’s played in the progression of the fashion industry. She pushed boundaries and created movements. Along with Westwood, I’m also inspired by music, whether it be early punk & hip hop to electro and R&B. Music drives my mood, which effects how and what I design.

Q: If you could make an outfit for one person, living or dead, who would it be and what would the outfit look like?
A: I’d like to make an outfit for Joan Jett circa The Runaways era. She had this badass, I don’t give a fuck attitude and it definitely reflected in her style of dress, similar to myself and the way I design. I’d love to design something similar to what she’s worn in the past. Maybe a leather jumpsuit but I’d modernize and add the Hellz twist to it adding zipper and quilt stitch details and have her rock it with some thigh high stiletto boots.

Q: Where do you see Hellz in the next 5 years? Is there a certain direction you see the label going?
A: I remember being asked this question 5 years ago when I first started the collection and so far everything I hoped for has come to fruition. We’ve grown the line to a full cut & sew collection with accessories and the business has grown gradually even during these crazy economic times. My only hope for the next 5 years, is for Hellz to continue to grow at a steady pace and stay true to what Hellz has always been about, yet evolve in design as I grow as a designer. I’d also love to not only design for women, but to also create sub-brands for mens, kids and pets. Is it too much to hope that one day everyone will be rockin’ Hellz?!

Q: If you weren’t a designer, what other profession do you think you would of gone into?
A: I would still be in the creative field. Possibly working as a makeup artist (my obsession for makeup is a whole other story) or a stylist. I love being able to put together looks that create a story and mood… although I’m not quite sure if I’m as good a makeup artist or stylist as I am a designer so thank goodness I don’t have to give up my day job, huh?

Q: In your about me section you say that you and Bam design for the anti-damsel in distress. What inspired your balls-to-the-wall approach to design?
A: When I first started designing as a graphic designer, my talent was often underestimated because I was a female, because at the time, most graphic designers in the field were men. I fought hard to prove that I roll with the best of them and pushing myself not only as a designer but as a strong woman.

Q: Tell me about your work ethic. How do you and Bam work as a team? Do you assign certain tasks, or is it completely a collaborative approach to your designs?
A: We’re never NOT working… which is perfectly fine because we’re doing what we love. We’re very passionate about the business we’ve grown together as not only business partners but as husband and wife, as well. Most people are shocked to hear that we’re together literally 24/7 but we work really well together, believe it or not. We’ve got each others back and understand each other better than anybody else does… we’re almost at that mental telepathy level now where we can just give each other a look and know what we’re thinking. Luckily there’s no ego battles (just kidding, there are sometimes) and we do work best when we have a collaborative approach. I’ll work on something and he’ll add his twist and vice versa.

Images via Hellz-Bellz