Up Close with Fashion Designer Kelly Eident
Friday, June 25, 2010
Kelly Eident is the designer behind I’m Your Present, a line of playful, whimsical apparel and accessories. All of Kelly’s unique designs are handmade right here in Providence, where she crafts, models, and ships each piece with the help of two assistants and an intern. Catch her this weekend in person, at her Trunk Show this Saturday at 7pm at Queen of Hearts boutique in Downcity.
I started making my own clothing in high school, but I didn't know how to sew very well (and sometimes just liked to take the easy route) so I used a hot glue gun a lot. Don't worry... I swear I don't do this anymore!
When did the I'm Your Present Line begin to take shape?
After I graduated from the Apparel Design department at RISD in 2006. I was half-heartedly looking for a design job in NYC but couldn't find anything I really loved. I started selling on Etsy and was lucky enough to have it work.
How would you describe your style?
My style is girly and playful, like a Rock and Roll Barbie. I love party decorations: balloons, party hats, elaborately decorated cakes. I love holidays and dressing up for things and I think my line reflects that because I make fun and original clothing you wouldn't be able to find just anywhere. I love kitschy things, pastel colors and black and white prints.
I love to reconstruct things I find at Savers, like sweaters from the ‘80s or slips. Lately I've been turning tons of vintage t-shirts into dresses. Other than that I love velvet, fur, lace, pearls, rhinestones, pompoms and stuffed animal heads.
You've established an incredibly successful apparel line at such a young age! What advice would you offer to someone who is interested in entering the field of fashion design?
The most important thing is to just be passionate about it and to work hard... although if you have the first the second comes naturally. It's important to follow current fashion and blogs so you are aware of what other people are doing, but to also have your own style and vision. I've watched other people start lines around the same times as mine but the ones that have lasted and thrived always have a clear vision and their own style. If you make things because you think they're in trend right now, or you think that they'll sell, it might go well for a while but usually doesn't last.
I’m Your Present clothing and accessories can be found at Queen of Hearts Providence (222 Westminster St) and Second Time Around (294 Thayer St). You can also find Kelly’s designs online at her Etsy store, and through Waste Not Want Not. For more information, check out I’m Your Present’s Facebook page.
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