By Nicolle
Local designer Anne M. Cramer
We’ve already talked about it today: FASHION. And while we may wish we could be strolling Madison Ave. in NYC, we’ve got to be grateful for the amazing designers we have right here in the Twin Cities (see why we heart this place?). Read on for an interview with local designer, Anne M. Cramer.
tkTC: You originally taught sewing to kids out of your shop. What pushed you to open a boutique?
Anne Cramer: When i originally rented my own space it was for two main reasons: One was to get my sewing and designing OUT OF THE HOUSE as it had taken over a number of rooms. I knew i eventually wanted to start my own line, however I did not know what the timing looked like. So, I rented the studio and immediately started teaching classes to help off-set the rental cost doing the two things I love: sewing and working with students. Once my new space was up and running, hosting classes as well as having the space needed to design, I really started to focus on the dream of starting my own line. For the first year, the studio served as my trunk show venue and once I got picked up by a few retailers and they were able to host the trunk shows, I reorganized the studio to be a work and design space only. Now we are carried in Minnesota, Illinois, California, Colorado, Virginia, Massachusetts, Australia and IRELAND (as of this coming winter).
Where do you get your inspiration?
I often get asked this question, so I have had a lot of time to think about the answer. I find inspiration in the people I meet. In the wide range of personalities and styles I come in contact with each and every day. I find people fascinating. What makes them laugh, what intrigues, how people view themselves as well as how they wish to be “seen.”
Jail-break top
What looks are you showcasing for Fashion’s Night Out?
We are showcasing our first FULL COLLECTION. It consists of classically styled pieces with luxe fabrics. There is always a bit of the unexpected… a pocket, a full crinoline underskirt, wide, fun stripes on a traditional style silk blouse.
How did you get started in design?
My background, with respect to the clothing line, comes from being surrounded by creative people beginning at a very young age. Both my mother and my grandmother were fabulous seamstresses. I learned to sew at age eight and never stopped.
Wrap-it-up streamer, wool flynn skirt and westgate cardie
What are you most excited about for your Fall line?
I am most excited to showcase a more comprehensive line than i have in the past. I love fall, the fabrics and colors, everything about it. My favorite piece? I would have to say the silk full-legnth flynn. The legnth + silk fabric make it so very elegant, however, the wide stripes, the pockets and our chosen colors make it a bit irreverent! (tkTC note: It’s GORGEOUS!)
I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by some of the most supportive, kind and always-entertaining people without whom I would not be where I am today. I am grateful for each and every one of them.
Check out Anne’s designs online or at Melly at Galleria in Edina tonight.
