This is a short interview with my good friend and local fashion designer
Rachel Nichelson. I asked her a few questions while I was ironing and I
hope I'm not miss-quoting her. Side note, I also do all my sewing at her
studio.

--Christiana Shoto

Christina
Shoto: So Rachel, tell me a little about your line, your life, fashion,
trends, the future; oh, and some life advice... cool?

Rachel Nichelson: Sure!. Started my line in 2005, a year after graduating from
the University of North Texas with a BFA in Fashion Design. Over the
years my little line has grown and developed. I love designing new
collections and always aim to create better designs and fresh looks. I
am in love right now with my Spring/Summer 2011 collection.

CS: Trends you are into right now?

RN: Tights worn with Shorts. Simple, but love it! Also I really like Sperry Topsiders and would love to have a vintage pair.

CS: What can’t you live without?

RN: Cardigans and really good fitting jeans. Which is basically my uniform.

CS: What do you take from vintage?

RN:
Details and elements of a piece vs a literal copy of a garment, for
example I love the 20s and like to use the pleating details and dropped
waist lines in my designs, but I give them a modern fresh touch with
fabric and the way the garment
fit

.

CS: Your line is produced in the US. Why?

RN:
There is something to be said about knowing who is making your clothes
and the conditions they are working in...peace of mind you know? My
process is simple. I make all my patterns, samples, source all my
fabrics and trims, made my website, represent myself to buyers. You get
the Idea? I use a pattern maker for my grading(sizing of garments) and I
contract to a local cutter and garment makers for large orders.

CS: Notable quote?

RN: cool people inspire me... :) my friends.

Some of Nichelson's other inspirations:

I have been looking a lot at N.E.E.T. magazine lately. And its blog.

I also love to look at Design Sponge. I love everything, especially the recipe page... love the photos of food!

Like to read Readymade

Love this blog, for crafts to do with my little kidlin's: Growing Up Creative

My line, Madeline Wood.

I am always searching for fashion/life style/creative blogs, or websites
and discovering new places of inspiration. Movies too! Is this too
much? I could just go on and on...

"Just because someone doesn't like it doesn't mean that someone else wont love it!" - Rachel Nichelson

Styled by Christina Shoto and Rachel Nichelson
MakeUp by Cierra Geer
Hair by Christina Shoto
Models: Kirby Sandifer & Jessi James

Photographs by Stanton Stevens