Twilight & Filigree
Meet Elizabeth Robinson, designer of TWILIGHT & FILIGREE, a collection of laser cut leather necklaces, earrings, and accessories. We caught up with Elizabeth to get the deets and inspiration for her colorful line, a combination of high quality acrylic leather paint, vegetable tanned leather, and sterling silver. Read more…
Define yourself with Gisele
MEET MADISON BUYER DESIGNER: GISELE’S 
What inspired you to jump into fashion?
I had four children all in a row, they are now ages 21,22,23,24. At the time I coud not afford to buy them any clothes, but I could make them. It all started 24 years ago with my oldest, and it evolved into sewing for others.
What makes your collection different from other collections?
I always go shopping with my kids, yet we always come home empty handed. I want to provide my customers with cute yet simple clothing you can’t find anywhere else.
As a designer, what are your most difficult challenges?
As the designer, manufacturer, and business head it can get tough handling everything on my own, but I love what I do and wouldn’t change it for the world.
What do you find most rewarding?
I find it most rewarding when people buy my clothes and write back to me on how much they love their clothes. That’s what keeps me going, the positive feedback from my customers. 
Who is your primary target audience?
My primary target audience is a working woman from the ages of 20-45
What’s in store for your customers in the near future?
Not limiting myself to be only online, but I have ventured out into boutiques in Michigan
Check her out on Etsy
The Color and Texture Junkie
MEET MADISON BUYER DESIGNER: Celeste – Crickets Creations
What inspired you to jump into fashion?
My muse, inspiration & support is my husband, Nicky. I made my very first scarf for him (see him modeling that first design here ). He loved it so much that he said, “You could sell these and people would love ‘em!” He was right and it’s been fun and crazy ever since!
What makes Crickets Creations different than other collections?
I’m a color and texture junkie! My designs reflect my passion and my pieces include up to 50+ different yarns in various thicknesses, shades and textures for a distinctive style. I use a special, open and elastic stitch in my work and my pieces are created for usability and versatility (softness and strength required). I’m a detail freak and I will ONLY debut lines that are fresh and new.
As a designer, what are your most difficult challenges?
My reputation is built on offering only unique, first-out creations that aren’t available elsewhere. It can take some of the joy out of launching a new design when my style is promptly imitated.
What do you find most rewarding?
I thrive on working closely with my clients and building a personal relationship through our communications. I am honored when my customers trust me enough to ask me to design a piece for them that’s inspired by their life and loves. I receive special orders on a near-daily basis and some of my favorite requests are to match an outfit or business logo…or to create a design to remind them of their favorite outdoor setting, animal or fictional character. I even got to design a Fringe-O-Rama scarf that was worn at the Olympics by the family and friends of hockey player Jack Johnson! And it’s so fun to receive photos of my work being worn in the “real world!”
Who is your primary target audience?
For my fashion accessory scarves, my primary audience is women who appreciate the “indie” handmade scene. They love color and are attracted to quality textiles. They’re looking for something out of the ordinary to express their one of a kind style and personality.
What’s in store for Crickets Creations customers in the near future?
I’m so excited to have just launched my home accessory fringed throw blankets for interior design! They’re dripping in fabulous yarns (I often include 20+ different novelty yarns in EACH fringe tassel) and really add that *POP* to living areas.
Find Crickets Creations:
Sora Designs
Meet Yueh-Wen Chang, owner and designer of Sora Designs. Sora means “sky” in Japanese and “Possibilities are as open as the sky” is Wen’s motto. While earning her Ph.D. in early intervention from UC Berkeley, Wen designed jewelry as a creative outlet and in the fall of 2008 Sora Designs was launched.
Wen is based out of San Francisco and draws inspiration from flora, fauna, and bold colors. Her jewelry is unique, functional and stunning, yet affordable. She uses recycled or environmentally friendly materials and favors vintage buttons, artifacts, Lucite beads, pendants, and colorful semiprecious stones and fabrics.
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