Self-proclaimed Briantologist on facebook, designer Brian Lichtenberg of holographic legging fame (think MIA, Santogold and Beyonce) recently presented his Fall/Winter 09 collection for CoLA Fashion Week. The new collection was heavy on the blingin’ 80s, including the requisite banker metallics. Keeping it youthful, the designer also used Gizmo from The Gremlins on some of the pieces. FABRIC caught up with Lichtenberg post-show for a debrief on his look for Fall.

Fabric Magazine: What is the inspiration of the Fall 09 line?

Brian Lichtenberg: It started out with my love of all things furry from my childhood that I loved, such as Gizmo from the movie [The] Gremlins. I also worked in Ewok and Chewbacca and a bit of ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ too.

FM: Did you have a story or concept in mind then?

BL: In my head I just pictured this fierce woman, donning fur roaming around an icy mountainous landscape, her outfit a fractal collection of patchwork in shiny and fuzzy fabrics.

FM: You had a great crowd at the show. Who’s your usual customer?

BL: It’s mostly artists, students, musicians, my friends etc. Whoever is down to wear my stuff really.  I can’t complain [laughs].

FM: How did MIA and Santigold end up wearing your leggings on stage? That must have been a huge moment.

BL: I gave M.I.A a pair when she performed here in L.A during her Kala tour and then she requested more and more. Now I think she has over a dozen pairs now, including bodysuits, hoodies and tanks. The same with Santigold with my tank tops, she told me that my tanks were her uniform last summer.

FM: How long have you been designing and how did it all start?

BL: For 9 years now, I started out in the summer of 2000 just making one-of-a-kind pieces and selling my clothes at my friends store in Hollywood. I worked up my confidence and clientele and started selling my line to other local boutiques.

FM: What’s up next on your calendar?

BL: I’m always working and collaborating with musicians and artists such as Yelle, Peaches and Sam Sparro, expanding my brand, collaborations with local brands such as Android Homme on clothes and shoes and more to come from Blood is The New Black.

Brian Lichtenberg is available for purchase online at welcomehuntersla.com (where he and assistant AJ also model for other designers), karmaloop.com, newhighmart.com and brianlichtenberg.com

Brian Lichtenberg Photo by Elias Tahan