Indie Designer Interviews: Lori Marsha Recycled Wearable Art

| Posted Mar 25th 2008 8:10AM by Mallory Whitfield
Filed under: Casual wear, Vintage wear, Designers, Dresses and Skirts, Interviews, Under the Radar, Sustainable Style

I'm a big fan of all of the amazing independent designers out there. In an effort to get inside the mind of the indie designer and find out just what makes all of these creative types tick, I present to you an ongoing segment I call Indie Designer Interviews.

One of my favorite alternative clothing designers is Lori Marsha, who got her start designing handbags and jewelry almost ten years ago and has more recently expanded her work to include some stunning revamped and recycled wearable works of art. Her pieces aren't for everyone, but for those who aren't afraid to stand out and who are looking for a truly one-of-a-kind look, Lori Marsha's designs are absolutely inspiring.

Tell us a little about yourself and your work. I design one of a kind garments and accessories from primarily recycled components. I work from my home in Redlands, California and enjoy the solitude and joy that comes with the creative process.




How did you get started as a designer? I've been self-employed for 13 years having started with a handmade greeting card business. I transitioned into jewelry and handbags, showing my work at many wholesale shows including the Philadelphia Buyer's Market of American Craft. My work was purchased in galleries and boutiques across the country including the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery in Washington DC. I now design only one of a kind pieces and sell my work from my online Etsy store and at private studio sales.

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? I think Joseph Campbell said it best..."The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure." We have to believe in ourselves and our ability to be successful if we expect anyone else to.

What inspires your work? Color, pattern, interesting juxtapositons of texture. I also love the idea of reinventing something that someone has tossed aside.

Who are your favorite designers (mainstream or indie)?
indie: treehouse28, secretlentil, desirapesta (all on Etsy)
mainstream: Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? A great pair of jeans...shoes that are cute and comfortable...interesting eyeglass frames...Mac Retro red lipstick.

Anything else?
Wear. Smile. Repeat.


You can find more of Lori Marsha's work at Flickr, on Myspace, on her website and at Etsy.

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