Elizabeth and Carol Ai, the sisters behind AI for AI, create stimulating design wear. The Los Angeles natives bring a cool sensibility to their pieces, while coupling a complexity and ease that make their garments both unique and wearable.

The sisters approach their work with an enthusiasm that can be largely attributed to their mother and grandmother who were both seamstresses. Raised in an environment that promoted creativity, the duo nurture their creations with an attentiveness that is clearly pronounced in each piece. Their love for the arts, whether it is visual or auditory, can be seen in their apparel as well. From a medium of unpredictable patterns and geometric prints, to billowy and streamlined silhouettes, the AI for AI gals are marking their territory in the fashion world.

Evil Monito recently had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Carol of AI for AI and this is what she had to share…

EM: Please tell me a bit about your background and how you were introduced to fashion?

I grew up with fashion around me, shopping with my mom and my grandmother, selling clothes when I was younger so I knew early on this is what I wanted to do.

EM: What type of clothing did they design or tailor-traditional, contemporary, etc?

My grandmother altered her clothing to hone in on her own style and fit. Their style varied.

EM: You were raised in Los Angeles.  Were you influenced by the city’s make-up and culture?

Yes, I feel like I always went with different trends. It gave me the opportunity to be well-rounded and experience a blend of cultures.

EM: So, is your line representative of this diversity?

Most definitely- the line mirrors the demographic of Los Angeles and the California gal. It is also comparable to Los Angeles weather-wearable and loose fitting. Our first season was spring/summer so it was a nice way to launch the line.

EM: How was AI for AI conceived and how did your design concept develop?

It’s funny how life works itself out. I actually got laid off from work and it gave me the opportunity to work on the line, gather inspirations and really make it happen. My sister said…what better time than now.

We are very much into simplicity, geometric shapes and trying to change classic cuts so we went those ideas.

EM: Who are a few of your fashion or music icons?

There are so many inspirational people it would be hard to narrow it down. I feel like I am influenced by artists and musicians from season to season. My friends are very inspiring- the way they dress, their artistic endeavors and their achievements as well.

EM: As a young, contemporary designer, how does your line differ from other lines?

AI for AI is set apart from other brands mainly because of the cuts and the way we try to have the garments form the body. We stick with classics, but are trying to modernize the classic form with shapes.

EM: If there were three words you would use to describe AI for AI, what would they be?

I would say for fall season, we were inspired the vampire craze, “True Blood,” and that overall dark, vampy look. But it is not representative of our overall design aesthetic. It is ever-changing, ever-evolving so it is difficult to sum up our line in 3 words. We hope to develop through the years.

But I would say… all of our pieces are not too loud, and individually, they each make a statement.

EM: You started your line in 2009. Within a year, what have you learned as a designer?

As far as the business aspect goes, I have learned that you have to think logically, as well as fashionably. I want to make pieces that can be worn on the daily- pieces that are interchangeable and that can be played with from day to night.

EM: As a designer, what day-to-day challenges do you have to go through?

We are constantly coming up with different looks, and it involves pattern making, draping, and a lot of foot work. The design process can constantly change, so at the end of the day, we have to come to a happy medium and stick with it.

EM:  How do you make a collection  cohesive and stick with a certain vision?

All in all, my sister and I make sure we agree on each piece. Our collaboration process is the most important. Once we reach an agreement, we’ve learned how to just move on.

EM: Is there a specific individual or boutique you would like to see in your clothes?

Barneys Co-Op for sure!

EM: If you were to open an AI for AI fortune cookie, what would it read?

“AI for AI will expand into accessories and perhaps, a men’s line (and of course, a fashion show).”

AI for AI will be showcasing their spring/summer 2011 collection today at E.P.I.C. Boutique in Echo Park. Come join in on the fun and preview their latest work. Musical selectors Boom Bip, Bobby Evans and The Pastries will be providing the tunes, while shoppers can admire an art installation by Owen Schmit.

Event Info:

E.P.I.C. Boutique
1712 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA

7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Reservations are required to attend. Please go here to rsvp.

In addition…AI for AI will participate in a runway presentation, hosted by Directives West.