New Studio
The biggest thing that happened in 2018, was that I built my dream studio in my backyard! I had been working out of the spare bedroom in my house (and the kitchen, and my room) and had outgrown that space. It took the entire year to build, but in November, I was able to move my studio out there and get to work! It gets incredible daylight. There are lots of windows, and I chose a bright, natural white paint so I can really see what I'm working on. The bathroom is a bubblegum pink that cheers me right up. My studio has a screened door, so I've been able to work with the doors open when the weather's nice. The change of scenery has been inspiring and helped me focus on creating. Getting out of the house, even if it's just to the back yard, removes the distraction of housework, which can really get in the way.
Greeting From Nashville
For the month of October, I participated in a pop-up shop in Brooklyn, at The Wythe Hotel, curated by The Callaway. They brought together a very cool group of Nashville-based designers and brands, and it was an honor to be a part of it. So many of my faves: Third Man Records, Black By Maria Silver, Isle of Printing, Blevins Ceramics, Portmanteau, Yoyo Botanics, and so many others I love too. The pop-up shop was written about in WWD and Vogue! Dream come true.
Hats for Fauxgerty
I worked with St. Louis-based brand, Fauxgerty, to make straw hats and berets for their line using their signature cruelty-free faux suede for interchangeable hat bands. The photo below is from their super-fun Nashville launch party at The Shay! I love their brand. I wear a top of theirs all the time, so it was especially thrilling to be asked to collaborate on a hat collection with them. And the beret was a fun challenge that gave me an excuse to jump back into the world of flat pattern drafting.
Hats for Goodwin
Goodwin is another brand I love, so I was very excited when Elise wanted some Fanny & June hats for her pop-up shop in Germantown this summer. Then in November, she opened the Goodwin Flagship in the Buchanan Arts neighborhood. She has an incredible eye for design. The colors I make for her are exclusive to Goodwin. So, if you want The Painter in brown, you'll have to go there, but you should go anyway, because it's great!
NFA Honors
I was nominated as Best Women's Accessories Designer of 2018 by the Nashville Fashion Alliance. It really means a lot to be recognized by my peers. When you work alone, it can be hard to tell if your work is resonating. Hearing the applause when my name was called that night among the nominees meant everything. I love the creative enclave that is the Nashville Fashion community.
<3 Anna