“People, art, movies, music and moods. I’m inspired by things that define a specific era, then I take those things and mix them together. And I’ve always had a soft spot for anything punk rock. It just doesn’t go away – black, silver jewelry, metal studs, you name it! So there is always a bit of that somewhere in my creations.”
-Vanessa Moore
I discovered Vanessa Moore’s Etsy collection by searching “black and white stripes”. Her shop is my dream come true, full of red, black, and white creations, fringe, stripes, bats, feathers and cute tops made out of comfortable looking fabrics. We started a conversation, and I am happy that she agreed to not only make me TWO of her gorgeous puff sleeve tops (one black and one black and white stripes of course) but to be interviewed as well!
Name: Vanessa Moore
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada soon to be London, UK!!!
Occupation: Designer + Artist
Why fashion?
Because I love art, and clothing is wearable art. You can dress to suit your mood or to define it.
How did the love affair begin?
When I was three years old I made a princess costume (hat included) out of construction paper. My father even has this event on tape!
I then discovered my mother’s closet. She would dress me up and take pictures. There was also my grandmother, who showed me what a sewing machine was and what could be done with it. A few years later, when I was in high school, I learned how to use a sewing machine in my home ec. classes, and THAT’s where the love really began!
Photo by Marie-Claude Hamel
Did you go to school?
I am a fashion design school dropout! I studied for one semester and decided that I wasn’t learning fast enough. After that I studied fine arts for three years then went back to fashion by studying sewing, pattern making, and technical drawing at an independent school in my hometown.
Is your jewelry design a different thing?
I started making jewelry when I was about thirteen or fourteen, when my dad brought me to an outdoor market during a business trip to Arizona.There I found everything necessary to get started. From there I played around with different types of jewelry making. I then left that aside for a while and then started again when I started making clothes.
Do you love designing one more than the other?
I think I love them both equally, as long as I’m making something – anything – I’m happy! I also make sculptures and paintings, and I love taking pictures!
How long have you been selling on Etsy?
I’ve been selling on Etsy on the side for about two and a half years, but starting in September I will be selling on Etsy full-time.
Do you find it to be a useful website for designers?
Extremely useful! But you do have to work at it. I’ve been learning so much about sales and marketing since I’m on Etsy, it’s great!
Is that you modeling in all the photos? (You are gorgeous!)
Yes that’s me! Thanks, I’m blushing! It’s a bit tricky taking pictures of yourself. I think my next purchase is a remote control for my camera!
What kinds of things influence you?
People, art, movies, music, and moods. I’m inspired by things that define a specific era, then I take those things and mix them together. And I’ve always had a soft spot for anything punk rock. It just doesn’t go away – black, silver jewelry, metal studs, you name it! So there is always a bit of that somewhere in my creations.
Photo by Stéphanie Lefebvre
Do you have a favorite artist or designer?
I admire many, many artists and designers, but one of my top favorite designers would be Alexander McQueen.
If you made me a mix, what are three songs you would put on it?
These days, “Shoes” by TIGA , “Colourless Colour” by LaRoux, and “Red Eyes and Tears” by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.
Have you been able to make your line a full-time job?
Yes, my line has been a full time job since 2004 with a little help, and then completely on my own since the middle of 2007! Yay!
Any tips for others who want to make art their job?
Start small, have discipline, which is not easy. Barter when possible, talk about what you do, post pictures of what you do, take breaks, make mistakes, and when you have something that works make more and crank the stuff out!
Any favorite websites?
For inspiration I love to browse blogs like BleachBlack, Coilhouse, Kingdom of Style, Outsapop Trashion, , just to name but a few! Online shops like Pixie Market, Oak, Opening Ceremony, Seven New York, and so on.
Future plans for Vanessa Moore?
My boyfriend was offered a job in London, England. So you can imagine how excited I am to be going there with him!! There I will be able to focus on what I’ve been wanting to do for a while now, and that is focus completely on my internet sales. I want to be able to work from anywhere in the world! I also have been planning a higher end collection of eccentric but still very wearable pieces that will be available in the fall. So stay tuned!
Vanessa has agreed to giveaway one of her fabulous laser cut necklaces (the winner will be able to choose either The Teenie Tiny Mustache Necklace or The Baby Bat Necklace!) Please submit a comment here by Sunday 8/9 at Midnight and we will choose a winner at random. The winner will be notified by email!
Links:
Vanessa Moore’s Etsy
Vanessa Moore Blog
Vanessa Moore Flickr
Vanessa Moore Twitter
