Today SeenON! got our weekly fix of all thing fashion when we spoke with our Expert Panelist, Erika Stanley of SNOB Style. Of course we had to discuss Episode 108 of The Fashion Show, but we also made time to chat about the designers that are the most influential for Erika! Find out who below…

SO!: In this week’s Harper’s Bazaar mini-challenge, the designers were quizzed on their knowledge of the fashion greats. How important do you think it is to know the complete history of fashion before trying to break into it?

ES:It is very important to know the history of fashion and to know how designers have been successful in it before. Fashion is cyclical and everything will come back around at one point, so it is important to know how  past designers worked with a particular trend for when it comes again. You can also get inspiration from iconic designers and then interpret it into your work. It makes your designs that much stronger.

SO!:  Who are those influential designers (may or may not be fashion greats) that most inspire you when putting together a look?

ES:I am a colorful  person and am known for wearing bright colors. I am a total Pucci addict.  I am also inspired by Diane von Furstenberg as somebody who has made her own nitch and created something original in the fashion industry. She is someone who I get inspiration from and is a classic designer and that will be known for years to come. She was one to watch, and is still one to watch in the future.

SO!:  Isaac applauded the entire look Johnny gave his model – praising not just the dress but the hair and the shoes. What part do you think the accessories and styling play in determining how good a runway look is?

ES:I agree that Johnny did a good job. Accessories play a very important role and you need them to complete a look from head to toe. Picture Johnny’s model wearing a Mary Jane shoe,  it  just wouldn’t work. Something like a Versace dress is very specific to it’s look and theme. The accessories and the shoes are the added pieces that finish a look look . They carry the look from the tip of your head to the tip of your toes.

SO!: Which of this week’s looks was your favorite?

ES:Johnny’s was my favorite look and he did a good job of taking the inspiration of the bondage and leather signature to Versace and made it more demure and wearable. Adding the length it really made it sellable. He didn’t make a knockoff but took the inspiration and made it into something that could be sold to a large audience.

SO!: Prediction: Who’s next to go?

ES: I think James-Paul. I am not thrilled anymore. He is just stuck in the draping mindset. I think James-Paul will leave unless Johnny has a meltdown.

Make sure to check back for more exclusive interviews and expert opinions on The Fashion Show!