We’ve been known to let things go to our heads, so you can see why we’d be interested in local designer Natalie Wohlstadter’s new line of headbands and hair pieces. Made with mixed materials from feathers to buttons and floral embellishments, each one-of-a-kind creation has a character all its own.
We ran into Wohlstadter earlier this month as she was pounding the pavement and showing her wares to local stores and had to know more. Her hoofing it has paid off: you can now find her headbands in Mission stores Bianca Starr, Wonderland, Arkay Workshop and Afterlife. You’ll also spot them – and Wohlstadter herself – at this weekend’s Indie Mart.
Read on for more about this local designer’s work.
What materials do you work with most often?
I am exploring many different mediums including photography, video, fashion, sculpture, and painting, but recently I have been focusing on acrylic painting on panel and wearable art.
Why headbands? What drew you to make them instead of another kind of accessory?
In the past years, I have been making handbags out of the tops of denim jeans, as well as collaged journals, which I sold at the summer art market in Union Square, New York. I am just starting to make headbands because I am interested in working with mixed materials to create miniature fashion sculptures that embrace an individual’s personal creative style. My next projects will include earring, barrettes, and tote bags with images of my paintings and drawings.
How much do the headbands retail for at the moment?
Right now I am selling my accessories for $20-$30.
How long have you been making them?
I just started making these particular pieces about a month ago, but I have been working on other similar crafts since high school.
Do you live in San Francisco?
I grew up in Sherman Oaks…a true valley girl, although I prefer to just say I am from Los Angeles. I studied at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York two years ago, but decided to transfer last year to the San Francisco Art Institute, where I am working towards my BFA in painting.
What else do you do besides make the headbands? You’re also an artist?
Headbands are definitely a small step towards what I want to eventually become my own line of wearable art. When I am not working on accessories, I am spending time painting in the studios of SFAI…so you could definitely say art is my life and love.
Photography courtesy of Natalie Wohlstadter. Models are Liliana Ishida, Anya Rossa-Quade and Susan Wu.
