This is an exciting and still a hard post to write. I have these dreams inside of me. Dreams I feel were instilled by God- things I know were given to me as a passion. Things that are not yet created.
Every step along the way has been planned. There are amazing things that have come through the journey. I’ve met amazing people, I’ve learned new skill sets. I have found out so much information that could not have been instilled by a college degree, but had to be learned in real life and not in the school room or learned by word of mouth. I’ve had failures, successes, disappointments. I’ve had fun, I’ve had times I didn’t know if I could continue or thought I’d have to give up. But I KNOW now that all were at their good and perfect time- every rock along the path was planned out for me. Every thing I thought might have been a stumbling block, an unplanned trail, or things I’v just pain failed at have been used as learning tools to create a better me and define my vision and purpose.
There are some people who were given a passion since they were young. I was very lucky to be one of those people. I always knew I wanted to be a designer. As far back as I can remember, I’ve wanted to make clothes inspired by the past. I designed for my dolls. I designed for my cousins. I designed for myself. I moved beyond scotch tape and staples to real needle and thread, and then to real sewing machine.
My passions led me to study Fashion Design, where I obtained my degree in hopes of doing costume design or vintage inspired clothing. And now, as you all know, I have a sewing pattern line inspired by vintage originals.
I’ve studied vintage fashion since I was 14 years old. My mom would drop me off at a community college, where I’d research off of old microfilm all the original periodicals of the New York Times, and pour over reference books- making sketches and taking notes. I started collecting vintage clothing around this time, too. I’m thirty three at present- making it nearly twenty years since I found my passion.
Along the way I’ve done custom design work. I’ve worked doing independent film as a stylist or designer. I’ve worked in costume shops for theaters like the La Jolla Playhouse and the San Diego Opera as a stitcher and First Hand. I’ve applied my school training and my personal study to home sewing patterns, making it so new people can discover old styles for themselves.
But my real passion is, and always has been, to be a designer.
That is why, after five years of making Wearing History Patterns, that I’ve felt like my combined experience from all the avenues I’ve walked along to get to this point, are pointing me towards finally trying to fulfill my true dream- to launch my own line of ready to wear clothing inspired by original historical fashions, especially of the 1930s through 1950s.
I have been waiting- like a caterpillar morphing into a butterfly. It has been so hard to be patient. But I truly feel like all things are pointing towards my ultimate goal- that God has really given me a passion and purpose and the talent and desire for a reason. I feel like this is what my future is supposed to be.
Have you ever poured over old catalogs and wished you could buy the clothing in them? Have you scoured for the original vintage clothing in those styles, only to find them either damaged, delicate, or in the wrong size? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if they could make a comeback?
I think by now you all know my aesthetic and fashion and what to expect from me and my work- I adore original period fashions. But my heart is taking those fashions and sourcing the fabric trims, and fit to make them unique and new but still true to the era in which they originated.
My dream is to make vintage inspired clothing that can be worn every day. Clothing you don’t have to save for a “special occasion.” Clothing that makes you happy, and blends in to everyday life, but still reminds us that there’s no reason that “people had to dress better back then”. We can embrace it now!
I am so passionate, it’s hard to put this into words- I wish I could just hand you what I feel and know in a little bottle, so you could understand more clearly. But that is what I really hope to do in the future, in term of clothing delivered to you, designed by me.
I’m passionate about the garment industry’s revival here in the United States. For that reason, I have sourced and spoken to and toured a local place here that is family owned and creates job in my local community. I have toured the facility, talked at length with them about my vision and shown them examples of my work. They are as excited as I am. I am excited about supporting a true local industry that is living up to all requirements and regulations here in our country. I want to do this right, and I want to make sure what I give to you is something I ethically believe in, because I believe in production in the United States.
Here’s when it comes down to brass tacks- I am currently getting my garment credentials to pursue this in my state (which has regulations that many states in the US do not have). I want to make sure this is done RIGHT. In the upcoming month or two, expect to see a lot of questions from me, as well as updates of this process. I have passion and vision, but it’s ultimately up to you, my blog readers, friends, and customers, to make this work and survive. I’m putting my dream out there, I’m putting my talents to where I feel they were meant to be, but ultimately if it’s not what YOU want or need, it’s not going to happen.
When I’ve got my collection finalized, I’ll be linking to my campaign on Kickstarter. All the details are yet to be configured on details of that- but our community will decide if this is a viable dream- if you believe in it, it will happen.
I am so blessed by all of you. I hope you know how much I appreciate all the love and support I’ve gotten from you over the years. I am so excited for this new chapter, and I hope you are, too!
Lots of love,
Lauren
Comments
109 responses to “Fulfilling Dreams- A New Direction for Wearing History”
How exciting, Lauren!! I will be praying for your endeavors. Keep up the good work!
All the best,
Katrina
Thank you, Katrina! That means a lot to me!
Cheering! I love hearing about dreams. Having those moments with God, when you entrust Him with your precious jewels-of-the-heart. YES! I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Thanks so much, hearthie!
Exciting! Thank you for having them made here in the US. Can’t wait to see what happens. :) I am sure you will inspire others too.
Thank you, Dianne! Made in the USA is something really important to me, so I’m thankful for your support!
Yay, yay, yay, yay! We are so excited for you & you can count on our support!!! :) You can do it! God Bless!
Thanks, Addi! You’re awesome!
Whoooohooooo!!! Yes! I am so excited for you!! Let us rejoice! I will be praying for you during your process of getting this passion up and flying!! Best wishes to you lovely lady and many, many blessings!!
Gina
Thank you so much, Gina! I really appreciate your prayers!
I can’t begin to express how exciting this is! Congratulations and best wishes as you forge your new venture!
Yay! Thanks, Gracie!
This is WONDERFUL to hear Lauren. I’m certain with your talent and passion your designer line will be AWESOME! I sincerely hope your Wearing History pattern line will continue as well because I’d be terrible sad to see such a valuable resource as your meticulously executed patterns are to the home sewer fall to the wayside. Wishing you the very best in your endeavors. McKenna (way down in Australia)
Thanks so much! I don’t plan on taking down the patterns I have on my website. :) I’m very flattered by your compliments on them!
Lauren, you inspire. Look what wonderful glowing things you’ve accomplished! Thank you so much for sharing your journey, and giving me a little hope for dreams of my own.
Thanks so much, Ashley! Keep on at it, I know we’re given dreams for a reason :)
Yahoo. My period favorite. I am short and fat. Think of me when you size the patterns. Love the idea.
Thanks so much, Susan!
I am so excited to hear about your new endeavor; I hope it takes you exactly where you want to go!
this is wonderful news! you surely are talented,and i for one (among many i’m sure) are eagerly awaiting your new line. kudos,to you,too,for keeping the process local. i think that’s wonderful ,nice to keep our workers busy here.good for you, for setting your goals,&sticking to your vision,look where it has led you!.thanku for sharing this exciting development,waiting for what’s next,sincerely,hummingbee7
Thank you, Linda!
Thanks so much!
You are an inspiration. I am so happy you are living your dream. I’m excited to see what you do.
Thanks so much, Bre!
How exciting! Best wishes to you!
Thanks, Melissa!
What an exciting journal to continue. I hope that in your designing you will remember that some of us “older” ladies like modest clothing (no backless, strapless, sleeveless styles) and include some for us too. You do marvelous work and I look forward to your success.
Thanks, Rozy! One of the things I like about vintage style is how versatile they are for all different age groups :)
It is so glorious to hear your passion come through in this blog post. How wonderful to see your inspiration come through on Kickstarter. I wish you great success with this endeavor. I know I’d buy one of your ready to wear creations!
Thanks so much, Joanna! That means a lot!
Congrats! And if you haven’t already found the amazing resource, check out Fashion-Incubator.com and Kathleen’s great book and the wonderful forum. (I apologize if you are already on there, I have been absent for most of the last year myself as things took a detour!) Keep the dream alive, and keep working until you achieve your dream!
Thank you, Michael! I have followed Kathleen’s blog and have her book. A long while back, I actually spoke with her on the phone of doing this line, but life had other things in store with me at this time. I’m excited I finally get to go for it!
You’ve reminded me of my favorite quote: “The moment you make a decision, the Universe moves in to assist you” -Unknown.
Sounds like its working for you.
Val
Thanks so much, Val, for the encouragement!
How exciting! Can’t wait to see what you come up with. Best, best, best of luck!!!
Thanks so much!
Bidding your dream come true! My dream would be to find Plus Size historical clothing in period correct fabrics. Also ‘historically inspired’ in Plus Size.
Thanks so much!
Wow! I’m so excited for you, Lauren! I pray that this dream will come to fruition. Best wishes to you as you embark on this wonderful journey!
Thanks so much, Melissa! I appreciate your prayers!
Such exciting new! I hope you enjoy this time because I know it can be a bit stressful as well as exhilarating. Good luck and may you be ever so successful!
Thanks so much, Ally!
How exciting! Please consider carrying sizes larger than a 12! It’s always so disappointing when a new vintage line comes out and there’s nothing that will fit me. I promise to buy if you promise to make them :)
Thanks so much! I will look into it!
This is so exciting!! I’m really looking forward to what comes from it. Good luck!
Thanks so much, Victoria!
So, so exciting!!! I’m so happy for you and wish you the best of luck!!!
Yay! Thanks, Katherine!
Congratulations are your new venture! I can’t wait to see what delightful creations you come up with. I applaud anyone who has the courage and the ability to chase their dreams. Best of wishes on your new venture.
Thank you so much, Mandy! I appreciate your support!
I am so excited to hear this! I make my own vintage clothing, but sometimes I think it would be nice to just pick something out (i.e. ready to wear) and boom! wear it.
Thanks so much, Jordan! I feel the same way! It’s fun to make clothes, but sometimes you want “instant gratification” :)
Woooooohoooooooo!!! That’s wonderful!! With you all the way! Xxx
Thank you, Hari!
Yaaaaay!!! So happy for you! Following your heart is no small thing. I’m continually inspired by you entrepreneurial vintage blogger ladies. I love my vintage wardrobe but I want beautiful, vintage styles that I can live in. I’ll be keeping my eye out for the kickstarter info.
P.S. Crossing my fingers for lots o’ thirties looks!
-Snowma
Thank you so much, Snowma! I totally hear you! I am getting scared to wear a few of my nicer vintage pieces, since I’ve had a few sad things happen to them. There’s something nice about wearing something you don’t have to worry about :)
Congratulation for the new project !
Thank you!
Absolutely wonderful! One of the things I adore about vintage styling is that it is beautiful on various age groups. I think women in this country are yearning for classy again and disgusted with the industries trashy teen-forever one look to rule them all rut. I will be watching with great anticipation.
Thank you, Josie! I agree, vintage fashions are timeless for a reason! I appreciate your support :)
Lauren,
Such an inspirational blog :-) I can feel your passion oozing out of my computer screen at me!
I wish you all the best in this adventure and I can’t wait to see it unfold and grow with your nurturing.
Tricia x
Thank you so much, Tricia!
Yay! :)
Yay, indeed! :)
What exciting news! I’m so inspired by your drive to follow your passion. You go girl!! Plus I can’t wait to see you fashions. I love vintage fashions, but tend to buy more vintage inspired clothes than true vintage, so I can’t wait to see you line. Good luck!
Thanks so much, Valerie!
After seeing what you´ve come up with so far, I believe you will succed. It´s hard work though, I designed a line in hemp jersey for XL women about four years ago, and it´s just beginning to fly (in Sweden, that is). Be sure to look closely into the marketing side, it is truly vital, and don´t give up if it takes “too long”. I´ll pray for your success! :)
Thank you so much for your comments, Yvonne! I’m lucky in that my husband does graphic design and marketing, so I’m sure I’ll be hounding him to come up with that aspect for me! Haha :)
Congrats on your line taking off!
I have one of those husbands too, he´s a treasure in more ways than one. :)
Reading your post was like having someone explain what’s in my own heart. I love vintage and always have. I love creating beautiful things, restoring what has been damaged, and preserving the memories that people value so much. God gave me the desire to own my own shop, but designing has been a part of that journey too. I know how hard it is to put into words, but I think you did it very well! There are times I think my heart will explode from the amount of passion I have for what I do. I can tell we’re in the same boat. I am so looking forward to your future, and I know that God will bless you as you tackle this challenge!
Kris Grooms, Retro Rosie’s
Congratulations on your shop! I agree, sometimes I don’t understand why he’s given me these passions, since they’re not something really earth moving (i.e. not going to bring world peace through clothing), but I have them, so I don’t question too much!
When the time is right, He will make amazing things come, I have no doubt :)
It sounds like you totally get it. God bless!
Lauren I am so proud of you for following your heart. I believe when you do that in faith, things will fall into place. I can’t wait for updates.
Thanks, Katie!
I’m so excited for you! Best of luck.
Thank you!
YES!!! don’t forget us plus sized ladies!
Thanks, Lindsey!
How exciting! i am thrilled for you and proud to know you. I have followed and admired you and your work for years. I wish you the very best of luck! You already have the pluck and know how! Can’t wait to see what you come up with. I am so sick of the tacky clothes available now. Hugs!!
Thanks so much, Tonya! That means a lot to me!
Good luck! I hope it all goes smoothly and is a success! I’m always on the lookout for vintage inspired clothing so I can’t wait to see what you will make:) and if you include some victorian inspired clothing I would be even more thrilled.
Thanks so much, Ahuva! I would love to do some earlier stuff down the line :)
WOW!!! How cool! I can not wait to see where the Lord takes you in all this! I hope it’s a great success, and I will try to support your efforts in any way I can.
Thank you, Brigid!
I look forward to hearing all the news and will continue follow you.
Thanks, Jan!
I’m very excited for your new direction, Lauren! I know it must have been a huge challenge and somewhat scary making this decision, but know that you’ll have all of our support 100%. I love the sound of what you’re working on, and I can’t wait to hear more!
Thanks, Tasha! I was really afraid that folks wouldn’t understand. I’m so thankful that most seem supportive! Yay!
Congratulations and best of luck and blessings to you! I can’t WAIT for your dream to come to fruition, because I’ve wished someone would do this very thing. You can count on my support!
Thanks so much, Mikaela!
I’d love to see that happen! Good luck, Congratulations and go make it happen. :D
Thanks, Jen!
Congratulations! This is so exciting! I can’t wait to buy RTW from you!!!!
Thank you, Abby!
Wonderful idea! I am behind this – can’t wait to see the Kickstarter launched :)
Thanks so much, Alexa! I can’t wait, either! ;)
Yay! Congratulations! I can’t wait to see this dream fulfilled.
Thanks so much, Evangeline!
SO very excited for this!!!!! I will help back your kickstarter campaign 100% :)
Thank you! Your post really kicked my butt into gear! I was already thinking about it again, and it just felt right. So thank YOU for being an inspiration!
Gosh, how exciting!
Thanks, Jen! I’m excited!
What sizes would you have?! This sounds amazing!
I’m looking right now at sizes Small through XL (34″ bust to 40″ bust), but hope to expand in the future. That’s the size range I was trained to do, so it’s the one I feel most comfortable in making well.
I don’t know how I missed this, but how truly exciting for you. I had hopes that maybe WH would sell ready made items one day {although I still want some of your patterns as well that are in production}. Blessings to you and this venture.
Thank you so much, Sean!
I’m so excited! Can’t wait to see what you come up with :)
Thanks so much!
I am a fairly new reader of your blog, and am really impressed! I wish you many blessings and all God’s best as you move forward!
Thanks so much, Kelly!