Each year, the 10 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalists participate in a Los Angeles fashion show and tea under the watchful eye of several select judges. This year’s show promises to have an extra dose of charisma thanks to Deborah Lloyd, President and Chief Creative Officer of kate spade new york, who is co-hosting Wednesday’s event with Emma Stone, Mark Holgate and Lisa Love. We sat down with Lloyd to talk about what’s in store for kate spade new york, what she loves about L.A., and words of wisdom she has for young designers.

What’s your favorite thing about the West Coast?

I love the slower pace. I love the weather. It puts me in such a good mood. And I love the people-watching!

What are some travel essentials you’re planning to pack for L.A.?

I’ll always have my iPhone with me because I love to collect pictures for inspiration wherever I am.

Do you have any tips for things to do while in LA?

I always love the vintage shopping.

The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund really tries to generate opportunity and support for up-and-coming fashion talent. What advice do you have for young designer today?

Young designers today have to be superwoman or superman. They have to do everything. It’s not just about designing. They really have to be incredible, all-around marketers. So, be confident and be yourself and let your voice shine. The point of view that you have—let that shine.

What would you say to a young designer who is just learning how to successfully lead a team of others?

You’re only as good as your team so surround yourself with the best people that you can. Surround yourself with people who aren’t good at the same things as you so that you make a really good, impactful team. I’m never frightened of having the best of the best around me.

What are some major challenges that new designers may face today that are different from what you experienced?

It’s that 360-degree world that they have to deal with. Constant social media— it’s a whole aspect to what they’re doing. You don’t have the time anymore to design a collection and show it in a traditional way. There’s so much work that you have to do to market yourself and market your collection. [You have to] be constantly up there on Twitter, Instagram, and all the different [social] platforms. And when you’re a young designer and this is your business, you have to do that as well as the job that I used to do which was just designing.

I previously read an interview you did where you said that each year kate spade has one big idea that influences the upcoming collection. What “big idea” is currently on the table for you and your team?

It’s a bit of travel and escapism. If you saw our Spring show it was all about that escape to Morocco and Marrakesh. But also, it’s bringing you back to New York City. So it’s not just about what you find over there but it’s translating it to the lifestyle that you actually live.

Can you talk a bit about developing a brand style and how brands can stay true to themselves while still evolving and staying open to opportunity?

At kate spade, we started off with a perfect black nylon handbag. And then it grew into this amazing lifestyle brand. It doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a long journey. It’s about gradually building but using that core DNA to build your brand. It’s a slow but sure process, but keep doing what you do really well and then you can gradually layer on pieces.  Eventually, we were able to layer on a lifestyle piece. But I think that only works if you’re really true to yourself and if you have an incredible, strong point of view that translates into categories.

On that note, what can you say to designers hoping to transition from a fashion brand to an overall lifestyle brand?

I’d say, take your time because there’s only one of you. This is a long-term goal, an evolution. I think you have to be experts in one field to start with and then gradually take on more. Don’t spread yourself too thinly. Don’t sign loads of licenses where you can’t control your own image. The control that you have over your image is so important because that’s what you own. You don’t want to give it away. What might seem very enticing to grow very quickly won’t always help you in the long run. [Grow] carefully, slowly, thoughtfully, and with complete control over how you want your image to be.

If you could give your younger self a line of advice, what would it be?

Smile and be nice! A smile will get you further than you think.

Do you have an ultimate style icon?

Jean Shrimpton. I love her.

Do you have any words of wisdom for this year’s CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists?

Do what you love and be true to yourself. And then the success will come.