The Kids Are Alright

I just came back from the shop, and working on the kids clothes. Although they don't represent a large part of what sells, they're a large part of my life-1/2 my family. My daughters are a huge influence on what I make for kids-if they don't like it, it doesn't happen.I run ideas by them, tell them what I'm thinking about making,ask them what they would want to wear, and work it all out so it doesn't appear like we're a traveling circus. I've been making over 90% of their clothes all their lives, and I know this may change quite soon, my hope is that they will carry this into adolescence, and the rest of their adult lives. Individuality and creative, useful ideas get the mind working, thinking big thoughts, and hopefully bringing positive influence into their lives. This may seem like a lot coming out of a 15" skirt, but it's got to start somewhere. I remember making a really great dress up in my room when I was 15, to wear that night to see U2 on their 2nd US tour-yes, I'm that old-and walking downstairs to have my Mom tell me there was no way I was leaving the house in something that short. I'm sure I have that coming in spades, but I'm hoping I can say-"Can I just run off a quick pair of leggings for underneath?" and only get an eye roll, an "Oh, Mother", and an eventual yes, even if they get shoved in their purse as soon as they get to the concert.

Here Come the Brides

Despite the odds, folks are still getting hitched, and it's always an honor to be the one making the dress. Between brides, mothers of the bride and groom, flower girls, bridesmaids, and people looking for something special to wear to weddings, it seems wedding season lasts around nine months at the store, with a little time off for a honeymoon from December through February. I've just finished the last draping on a gown with a gold french lace inset at the waist, which nicely offsets the gold organza hemband. Why leave the metal only on your finger? There's also a panne silk velvet gown, a slinky sequined silvery num-bah, even a silk velvet pantsuit in case Heather has two mommies-Hey, when in Connecticut...My shows now end in an all bridal finale, as opposed to the traditional one bride representing the look of the season. Besides reducing all the "HEY! why does SHE get the be the bride?!" model infighting, it shows my idea that a bridal gown can make a big impact without looking like a walking cake, and be fun, beautiful, comfortable, and let the bride be beautiful. Other than true love, and hopefully not a lot of rain, you can't ask for more than that.

A Month of Mondays

With the Fall show at FTC officially a month from today, the workload heats up. The pieces go from thoughts to 3D objects that need to fit a person and a purpose. And...I stop sleeping. Too much to do, and never enough time, and why close your eyes when you only dream about what you haven't done yet. Which is why I end up looking like Start Me Up era Keith Richards, as opposed to Satisfaction Keith Richards come showtime. But I'd like to bring you all in on the behind the scenes goings on, since so many people ask how do you go from concept to something hanging on a rack(and hopefully in your closet). My friend videographer Doug De Mille will be popping into the shop doing video updates, we'll post shots on works in progress, model fittngs, and we'll take you backstage on the big day. Your invites are on their way, tickets go on sale for non-FTC members tomorrow, and me, I start sleeping even less