Summer is just about to bid us an official farewell, but before it does we have one more Designer Interview from the SS'10 season. Despite only launching Quail a few years ago, designer Michelle Nguyen Williams now finds herself with a much-loved label that is sold all over the world, including a specially designed collection for Urban Outfitters.

Paper-Doll: How did you get into fashion design?
Michelle Nguyen Williams – Designer for Quail: I was about to graduate from college with a degree in public relations and ended up getting an internship with a southern California based retailer. I helped develop a men’s line for the owner and realized that this was what I wanted to do.

What is the first thing you designed (personally or professionally)?
In high school, I bought an oversized moo-moo tunic and turned it into a dress, skirt, and cropped jacket with some elastic, needle and thread, and lots of love.

When did you launch Quail?
I launched my own label in Fall 2007.

What inspires you / your work?
I am most inspired by my friends. There is a real energy to the people I am surrounded by. Everyone is in different stages of their life, some have jobs, some have babies, and others are traveling the world. I like to think that in knowing all these wonderful people whether it be personally or in passing, I have always considered the “live your life to the fullest” women when I design a collection

Did you have a personal soundtrack or a favourite album that you listened to while working on SS’10?
Miike Snow's self-titled album "Miike Snow".

What area of your work do you enjoy the most?
Developing a new collection is by far, what I enjoy most about my job. Being able to style and conceptualize a collection is why I do what I do. Being able to further tell the Quail story is wonderful.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Making sure every style, before it hits stores, is perfect!

What is the most surprising thing that has happened to you as a designer?
Being able to develop a unique collection for major retailer, Urban Outfitters.

If you could collaborate with any designer / artist / musician / etc. on a single project, who would it be and what would you do?
My current obsession is ApartmentTherapy.com. I would love to collaborate with them to re-design our offices. They specialize is taking a small living or work environment, and bringing out the most creative potential. I would love to develop a unique and practical workspace for our design studio with their team.

If you could design a wardrobe for any one person (past/present/real/fictional), who would it be?
I just re-watched “The Talented Mr. Ripley” and loved Marge Sherwood (Gwyneth Paltrow ) and Meredith Logue (Cate Blanchett ) as wealthy American women in the fifties living and vacationing in Italy. I would love to revamp “Meredith’s” character with more color. She was an eccentric woman and I would have loved to have styled her with more unique quirks: Crazier hats and elaborate jewelry.

How would you describe your own personal style?
No matter what I am wearing, you will likely find me in 4” wedges. I am 5’3 and need a little height to give every outfit that feminine touch. As far as my clothes go, you will find that I switch from feminine to masculine from one day to the next. Floral summer dress one day to baggy jeans and an oversized worn t-shirt the next. Lastly, I can’t leave the house without lipstick.

What is your favorite item in your personal wardrobe?
My vintage cropped boy’s leather jacket.

Where do you shop for clothes when you're not wearing your own?
Long Beach has a row of vintage clothing and furniture stores off 4th Street. It is an untapped haven for all things vintage.

What is on your current fashion wishlist?
Wedge tennis shoes, 501 jeans, chunky silver jewelry from Mexico, leather skirts in every color of the rainbow.

What is the one item that every woman should have in her closet?
I found a cropped leather jacket in the boys section of a thrift store in college and can’t live without it. I recommend EVERYONE should have a leather or faux leather jacket. It adds that perfect amount of “rebel” I love so much.

What is your favorite thing about the city you live in?
(Los Angeles) I have about 50 friends who live within a 2-miles radius. Also, I love Number Nine Vietnamese Restaurant for some Pho and beer.

If you couldn’t be a fashion designer, what other area of interest would you like to explore?
I would love to pursue musical theatre. I danced for 12 years of my life and I miss it very much.

What is next for your label?
We just launched the Fall '10 Collection and we opened an online store earlier this season.

Visit: Quail