We're delighted to have scored an interview with pink-haired legend Nony Tochterman, the designer behind Petro Zillia. Her shop in West Hollywood carries the Petro Zillia line as well as other top brands, and is a fave among celebs like Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohen, Joss Stone, and Mischa Barton. (That jacket Paris wore when she was released from jail? A Petro Zillia original.) It's no wonder why so many celebrities love her style, as her fresh designs blend bold pops of color and gorgeous detailing for a retro meets modern look you're sure to love.

What inspires your work? When I'm asked this question I always say that "Life" inspires me, it could be a movie, a song, my kids, a friend or anything I'm absorbing in my everyday life ...



Who are your favorite designers? My favorite designers are the ones that never seem to disappoint me with their creativity, color mixture and texture blending: Gaultier, Anna Sui, Galliano, Lacroix, Dolce Gabbanna, McQueen ...

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? First of all a confident attitude, then comes a big smile and last comes a good sense of humor.

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? If you don't mind working really hard 24/7, if you don't mind giving your blood sweat and tears and barely making a living, if you're infected with the "fashion virus" and can't imagine doing anything else –- then this is a great career for you ... if you're not sure -- then find another job before it's too late! Haha.

Anything else? A good friend of mine once told me that designing a collection is like running full force toward a cliff and jumping –- you never know how far you're gonna fall or how you're gonna land ...

You can shop for Petro Zillia online, at Shopflick, and at the Los Angeles store: House of Petro Zillia -- 8218 West 3rd Street.

We love all of the amazing independent designers out there and we wanted to find out more about what makes these creative types tick. If you do too, check out more of our Indie Designer Interviews.