Not Your Typical Designer
Erin Taylor is dedicated to her craft. She once ventured to Philadelphia for a show, only to have her car impounded a few short hours after arriving. Taylor has moved on to bigger and better things (that don't include paying $60 to reclaim her car). Her clothing will be featured at an upcoming trunk show at Quirk Gallery .
While she still likes to venture outside of Richmond city limits, the 24-year-old clothing and handbag designer says that she is happy being a local favorite.
"I'm quite happy just being just known enough," Taylor said from her at-home studio located on Park Street.
Taylor, who graduated from VCU school of arts in 2005, sells her clothing, handbags and aprons at local boutiques. With her trunk show, and her recent "initiation" into Richmond's craft mafia, Taylor is poised to become a go-to name for clothing that is unique, timeless and low maintenance.
Her spring 2008 collection features a pre-washed jersey that drapes beautifully along curves. Featured as is, or paired with warm multi-colored madras, her pieces have a composed and womanly backdrop with subtle girlishness.
"I'm not your typical fashion designer," Taylor said.
Feeling tired of the over-use of J Crew-style Madras, Taylor cut the fabric on a bias and used it as a trim. She also used a unique reverse appliqué fabric from India to create a strapless dress, with a fine silhouette done in an easily worn fabric.
Taylor wanted to venture out and challenge herself with her spring line of tops, dresses and skirts while still giving the pieces a low-maintenance feel. And for those of you who think that means jean skirts and heavy cotton, Taylor's designs will certainly come as a surprise. The appeal of her spring line is increased by the fact that all her pieces can be thrown into the washing machine along with yesterday's socks and the napkins from the kitchen.
"I don't need to be the next Donna Karan," she said.
Taylor runs a self-sustaining business and hopes to open a boutique that will feature both her designs and the designs of other Richmond artists. As far as prices go, her current line sells from $50 to $225.
Her advertising "campaign" consists largely of sending her sister and best friend to campus and to restaurants wearing her designs.
"That's the best advertising," Taylor said.
w To order or get a preview of Taylor's spring 2008 collection, come to her trunk show at Quirk Gallery from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26. Quirk is located at 311 W. Broad St.
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