chef's special: Ellaina Boutique

for clothes that are handmade with care and thought about how they’ll fit and look and last, check out Ellaina Boutique.  the designer, Sue, has been sewing since she was a teenager.  she currently sells clothes and accessories for women and has just started making baby clothes, inspired by her new baby.  check out my q&a with her!

How did you get started creating clothes?

My mother let me loose in her fabric scraps with a needle and thread when I was a little girl. Growing up in rural North Dakota, I had very few options when it came to clothes shopping, so if I wanted something different I had to make it myself. My parents always encouraged me to be creative and even helped me become an enteprenuer at 16, by opening my very first boutique. Although it wasn’t much, it was an outlet for me to express my creativity and it led to my acceptance at the Massachusetts College of Art, where I received a BFA in Fashion Design. With a handful of fashion related jobs and the continued support of my family, I have been sewing every day since and have learned a lot along the way.

What three words would you use to describe your current collection?

Sweet, Simple, Practical

What do you think makes your designs different?

My designs are very simple, but I think my attention to construction detail sets them apart. I take a lot of care to make a durable, washable and lasting garment.

What do you see in the future for your collection?

I will continue developing my ready to wear collection, but would like to start introducing more complicated one-of-a-kind pieces.

Why should people buy clothes from an independent designer instead of a mass-market store?

Simply put, when a person buys from an independent designer they are directly supporting the designer. I have at one point, and know many fellow designers that have had to work at mass-market jobs just to support their own independent designs. It is a great feeling to buy directly from independent designers or the local boutiques that carry indie designs, knowing that you may be enabling them to break out and quit their day jobs to pursue their own dreams.