May 22, 2012

Makers Mark: How Danielle Pettee is Re-Inventing The Word Fur

Dressmaker Danielle Pettee holds Friday tight, close to her up-cycled rabbit fur collar just before he jumps out and barks at me. Friday is a the dog and cute little black pup belonging to Shotwell co-owner Michael Weaver. Incidentally it also happens to be a Friday and we are sitting in the sun outside of The Stable Cafe on Folsom. It’s been quite a year for Danielle,  who has been making dresses and auctioning off Rompers to support local charities like Kiva. Today, she’s excited to talk all about her fall line, her new sewing machine and why she’s just so happy, “a gust of wind led her to San Francisco.”  Sitting across from her big green eyes, I can see why Friday was all over her, and why San Francisco just can’t get enough of her hand made work.

Modelina Michelle: What Are you wearing right now?


Danielle Pettee: I’m wearing Rabbit Fur donated to me.

MM: What do you love about being a clothing designer?

DP: I’m an artist. I like to build things and I just love clothing. I can put into my garment, my painting, my constructive skills, and my creativity all in one place. And that’s what I love most about designing.

MM: What’s up next for you this Fall?

DP: I want  to do custom pieces, I want to make jackets and I want to work with leather and fur. Leather is my most favorite textile. I’m gearing towards a more vintage fur, leather feel. A very sophisticated vintage feel with a modern twist.  I keep finding lots of leather.

MM: You recently auctioned off a Romper at last months’ Fashion Show benefitting Kiva, can you tell me about that?

DP: Everything I’ve done has been for charity. It (the romper) was the second highest item auctioned off for Kiva. I’m very proud of that event. It sold for $700.

MM: Who taught you how to sew?

DP: My mom. I’ve learned a lot through other people but mostly I taught myself. I’ve been sewing since I was 16.

MM: What is this new sewing machine that you got for your birthday?

DP: I can do anything with that machine, it sews through every fabric. It’s totally vintage and adorable.  It has all metal parts. I’m very excited about it and what I can do with it.

New sewing machine or not, Danielle Pettee has proven her self to be an un stop-able young designer, unwilling to compromise her self, sell out or give up all while staying close to the city she calls home.


Photos courtesy of Herm Pugay Photography; Moja Ma’at Photography

This article was originally published on Modelina Michelle

Snap Judgment: Heathen OLH Leather Jacket

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Our very-visual, (almost) chatter-free snap judgment of the day: OLH leather jacket, $752, by Heathen, available at Shotwell. Intrigued? Check out our interview with the designers behind San Francisco-based Heathen.

Bayne of Our Existence: A Chat with Zana

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Fashion blogger, stylist and designer Zana Bayne of Garbage Dress brings her latest accessories to her native San Francisco tomorrow night for a trunk show – the 21-year-old designer’s first ever – at Shotwell in Union Square. Leather harnesses like the one seen here on Bayne will be among the edgy items up for grabs.

We caught up with Bayne for a quick chat about New York fashion, the intrigue of a good harness and her love of the color black.

So you used to hail from SF, and now you live in Brooklyn, right? What do you love about your new city, in terms of fashion? What do you miss about San Francisco fashion?

I’m completely smitten with New York. I love the energy, the business, the constant movement. I’m much more focused here. There’s better access to a wider range of designers here, so it’s always exciting to see those looks worn out on the street. At the same time, there are so many young designers here who wear their own creations and I LOVE that.

I enjoy San Francisco’s craftiness and cheap vintage. There is really nothing like shopping secondhand in California!

What kind of accessories will you be showing at Shotwell on Monday?

I will be showing leather harnesses and shoulderpieces. Expect drama, danger, mixed materials and extreme proportions!

What is it that intrigues you about the harness – what do you hope the wearer feels when he or she is donning it?

I think of the harnesses and shoulderpieces as a way to enhance a pre-owned wardrobe. I think there is something inherently sexy about wearing a leather harness as a day look, and I love adding sculptured shoulders to a bare neckline or draped dress at night! I love to see how people wear the harnesses and integrate them into their own style.

We were laughing (with you, of course) about your mention of the Real Housewives on your blog. You wrote, “We ended our night with the couch, burritos, prosecco, and the real housewives of Atlanta reunion pt2. You see, we really are human underneath all of the black drapery.” Do you find that just because you love wearing black that people often assume that you’re a dark, moody person, like off reading Satre all the time and embroiled in an existential crisis or something?

I think that the image that I project of myself in passing or online can be slightly severe. My photo face is not too smiley, although I’m constantly grinning in conversation! I think it’s important to acknowledge that I’m aware of my outward appearance, and at the same time poke fun at it. I’m a very happy person, I just love wearing black.

What projects are you working on these days?

I try to get my hands in as much as possible. I have consecutive retail jobs, my blog, harness business, collaborations, editorial styling and photography.

What really excites you in fashion right now?

Every week it’s something different. Recently, I’ve been looking into more structured silhouettes in opposition to my normal love for oversized shapes. I’m always inspired by headpieces and would love to make some.

You’ve turned 21 since your last time in SF. What joints are planning to hit up to exercise your legal status?

Oh, I don’t even know where to begin. “Death Guild” at the Glas Kat on Monday nights is always a jolly good time. You’ll probably see me at Edinburgh Castle or Hemlock Tavern. Maybe I’ll go on a proper beer crawl? Yeah, that might be nice.

ZanaBayneTrunkShow

Black Out: You, One Hue and Shotwell

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Wear black (like you weren’t going to be wearing at least something in that hue already…even if it’s your cell phone…or the bottom of your shoe…or…or…eyeliner!) for 10 percent off tonight at Shotwell. Also, $3 drinks. Also, DJs. Also photos by Micah Weiss and a free after party nearby at 800 Larkin.

You might say it’s the rare party where complete black outs would be most welcome….

More upcoming fashion-y fun….

Change is Good (Especially When It’s An Altered Barbie)

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Once upon a time, we embarked upon a mission to treat our oldest Barbie to a nice, skin-firming face lift and settled upon the microwave as the best readily available household appliance for the job.* We soon learned that microwaves and Barbie do not play nicely together.

While changing Barbie didn’t work out so well for us, you’ll find plenty of successes in that arena during the Altered Barbie Show opening later this week at Shotwell 50 Studios. Each year, the event showcases the work of artists and Barbie enthusiasts adept at transforming the blond bombshell and her plastic cohorts into new, different and unexpected creations involving everything from butcher knives to Gene Simmons.

Find more upcoming fashion events….

*True story. And, in time, the other Barbies learned to accept their melted-face friend. At least she still had a nice rack.