Companies / Jessica Louise

Name; Jessica Louise
Origin; USA
Owner; Jessica Louise
Website/s; Official Site
- Myspace
Shop; Official Shop
Scenequeens that have modelled for this company; Audrey Kiching, Hanna Beth, Raquel Reed, Anita K, Ashlee Lauren

WHAT'S YOUR FIRST FASHION MEMORY?
Hmm Perhaps my first fashion memory would be going to my god mothers studio. She had a clothing company called Mata Hari. I remember thinking how amazing it was that you could actually make a living making clothing. Also she has the most amazing fashion sense i have to say she has been my biggest inspiration in so many ways to doing my own line and in life in general.
HOW DID YOU START DESIGNING CLOTHING?
I started designing clothing out of the frustration of not being able to find what items i had in my head actually out in a shop somewhere. So i just started making clothing. And it eventually evolved into a little side business.Which has now become my full time job.
WHERE DO YOU PULL YOUR INSPIRATION?
I am inspired by the people around me. I have alot of really amazing friends musically and artistically . its nice to have a creative energy around me. For instance my friend Natalia Fabia is the most incredible painter and makes gorgeous Jewelry its nice to have friends that inspire you. And just having people in your life that encourage you as well. My mother is an art professor / artist and has always given me tools to express myself and supported all my decisions. Also Japanese fashion is always interesting i have always looked to the land of the rising sun for inspiration as well. They have no rules for fashion at all its just all over the place.
IS FORMAL TRAINING REALLY NECESSARY TO BECOME A DESIGNER? DO TELL.
i think it could be really helpful to have formal training. You skip alot of steps maybe that way. But i wouldn't know since I'm a self taught designer. I have formal training in fine arts but not in any fashion related way. I like learning from experience it makes things more interesting.
HOW WOULD YOU EXPLAIN YOUR OPERATION? HOW EXACTLY ARE THE CLOTHES PRODUCED?
My little operation is definitely hands on . I do everything myself including alot of the production. I have become an amazing sewer in the last few years for sure because of this. Most of my Internet orders are cut to order but i do put stuff into production when i get bigger orders of course, as much as i love my job and working so much i do not want to actually live in my office.
WHAT DO THE CLOTHES SAY ABOUT THE PERSON WEARING THEM?
Well i say never judge a book by its cover but you can kind of tell if someone is a creative person by the way they express themselves through their fashion sense. Creative people dress more colorfully. I tend to tell people when I'm out if i think they look amazing. That goes for little old ladies to cute sassy girls.
DO YOU EVER ENCOUNTER A CREATIVE BLOCK? IF SO, HOW DO YOU OVERCOME IT?
But of course don't we all at times? If i have a really bad block where i am just overworked and feeling a bit blank that usually means i need to take a day off. And usually ill do another project like sit down and work on a painting or do some over due clerical stuff and usually that helps. I also have to give myself deadlines so i don't slack off or get sidetracked.
WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE WHEN YOU SEE SOMEONE WEARING YOUR CLOTHES?
Super excited!! It makes me feel really happy and grateful that girls love my garments. I used to do trunk shows at one of my shops in San Francisco and i think that was one of the first times i really saw girls wearing my stuff. Every girl was wearing my items it was amazing. Also all the emails and messages i get telling me how lovely my clothing is, makes it all worth wile. The fashion industry is a silly thing it shouldn't be so serious because what does it contribute to the greater good of the world? except maybe visual beauty . If i can make one girl feel good about herself and feeling extra cute the days she is wearing my clothing now that means something.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR JESSICA LOUISE?
Ahh there are so many things i want to do. Some of which i have accomplished a bit at a time. I am just now being able to have knits made and that was one goal of mine. I would like to get into more accessories and some shoes perhaps. I did a couple shoes on a freelance job for Draven and now i need to do my own haha.That's one thing about being an indie designer you don't have huge financial backing so each step takes a little longer and has to be more calculated. However I intend on getting anything done i set my mind to so I'm not worried.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE TO SOMEONE WHO'S THINKING ABOUT STARTING A CLOTHING COMPANY? ANY PARTICULAR DO'S OR DONT'S?
Be prepared to work a lot of side jobs while you are trying to do your line. And be prepared to work really hard and make no money for a while. Anything worth doing takes lots of hard work and perseverance. Running your own business is a lot of trial and error i have found and even through my bad experiences i have gained so much insight. The most important thing to remember (for me any way ) is to try not to get to frustrated. There is no instant gratification with this business with rare exception. Sometimes it takes years to get anywhere so if you are serious about your artistic endeavors just remember that. Its all worth wile being able to support yourself doing what your passion is in life. That was my goal and i am so lucky to be a working artist it was worth all the struggle.
Interview by Leslie Simon
Alternative Press August 2006 Issue DIY Special