Interview: Pilar Scratch: Making her Way to the Top; One Stitch at a Time

Posted December 14, 2011 by Yolanda Danae' in Lifestyle

As I sat in that coffee shop downtown Newark,NJ with Pilar, I not only got to know the Fashion Designer, or just Busta Rhymes’ Image Consultant, but I got the chance to know Pilar, the individual, the mother, daughter, and friend. Without further or due, I’d like to introduce, Miss Pilar Scratch of #Scratch Designs.

Tell our readers a little about yourself

I’m a fashion designer, CEO of Scratch Designs, and I’m Busta Rhymes’ assistant stylist.

Where did the name scratch come from?

I make all my clothes from scratch. Originally, I use to make them from bed sheets or curtains *laughs* but now I make them from different fabrics. But originally it came from different garments around the house that I would make my clothes from scratch with.

You learned how to sew at the age of seven, was becoming a designer something you’ve wanted to do since then?

It was probably earlier because my grandmother was a seamstress. She use to make me and my twin sisters’ pageant gowns. I used to wear all of her clothes so I was inspired by my grandmother to be a designer.

When was it that you got your first big break into the industry? Who was it that discovered you?

Well, my aunt is Rah Digga so I had networking since I was a little kid. You know, I would go to the studio with her. I met Busta Rhymes when I was younger when she first got signed with him. But a year ago I signed with Flippmode and it became Young Money. So I would say a year ago I started broadcasting my designs. I started doing radio shows, magazines and a bunch of different stuff.

So how is it working with celebrities? Do you like it?

Sometimes; it has its ups and downs. When they’re nice, yeah. But other times, no.

Since then, you’ve moved on to bigger things. Not only do you have your own clothing line, but Kim Kardashian was recently spotted in one of your designs, I think in November. How was that for you?

I was excited! And I think I started crying *laughs*. But it was an honor because she’s a fashionista and she’s a known socialite, so it was an honor for her to wear my garment.

Describe the creative process when making a new design.

I’ll just go home and start sketching.

So it’s not like a crazy thing where you need to have mineral water or something first? You know how come creators can be.

No, *laughs*, I just need a Red Bull to keep my energy up. But I’ll just start sketching and grab some fabric and just start making a dress.

What are the ranges in size for your designs?

They actually vary, it’s like one size fits all. Since I had my son, my weight lingers. Before I had him I was really small, but now I’m like a size…*laughs* but you know, it varies. One size fits all. And that’s before I even had my child. I just want to make every woman feel comfortable enough to wear garments. So something that’ll fit someone that’s really petite would look good on someone who’s not.

That’s something that I can say that the clothing industry is lacking now. You can go into a boutique a find something really nice, but it’ll only be in, let’s say, a size 2. So I’m glad you have different rages in sizes of your clothes.

There’s different ranges in sizes of women! Women have curves!

Would you say that your designs are a reflection of your own style?

It is because my style is so eccentric! In High School I was just very fashion forward. My style is really funky so my clothes are a reflection of how I dress.

Where can readers purchase their own #Scratch designs?

In February they’ll be in Dash in NYC and I’m looking into some online boutiques and some stores and boutiques in Manhattan.

Aside from that, you are also Busta Rhymes’ Assistant/Image Consultant. Did you apply for the position, or did his people reach out to you?

No, my Auntie helped me out a lot. So, I want to say his people contacted me because she is his people.

What other celebrities have you worked with?

A lot of them! Lil Wayne, Chris Brown; I actually did the “Look at me Now” video. I’ve worked with Niecy Nash, DJ Kahlad, Tyler James Williams, and I’ve actually met Tyra Banks. But yeah, it’s a lot of them.

What was your best and worst experience when working with a celebrity? You don’t have to name names if you don’t want to.

One celebrity, I didn’t know who he was at the time and he got really nasty with me. He’s like “oh you don’t know who I am?” So I’m like, I’m sorry, but no. Then he got really nasty and said “Well then you need to get out of here, get off this plane.” Another celebrity took my cell phone and said “Well I’ll buy the whole phone company!” So I just said, “Well buy it!” They just can get really big headed.

How do you keep your cool when they’re being nasty like that?

*laughs* I don’t keep my cool, you have to give it right back to them!

Any celebrities in particular you had to give it to?

Tyler James Williams! He knows I love him now, but yeah, he’s a sweetheart, don’t get me wrong, but we’ve had our differences.

So aside from celebrities and their craziness, it seems to me that you’re living the life right now; you have a beautiful son and you’ve recently gotten engaged.

My son is my everything, I love him! And I just got engaged about a month ago. It’s good, I just love being a Mom!

Has your job interfered with being a mother?

No it hasn’t , it actually has helped out a lot! Financially, it’s amazing! My son has a casting call for Gap to be a Gap Kid so if I wasn’t Scratch, he wouldn’t have gotten that opportunity. It kinda weighs out.

Where would you like to see yourself in the next five years?

I’m going to be EVERYWHERE! I’m going to have boutiques in every state and in every mall.

Would you like to make any shoutouts?

To my Son, my Fiancé, and my Twin Sister. Especially to all my fans that have supported me, you guys are amazing!

Final thoughts?

Follow your dreams, stay motivated, and keep your head up!

And there you have it, another wonderful interview with another young and talented individual. For more information on Pilar and her #Scratch designs, make sure you follow her on twitter @PilarScratch and check out her website www.scratchdesigns.webs.com. Stay posted…