Moving from Wisconsin to Miami and from designing kick-ass geometric jewelry to industrially chic clothes, Emily Peters just launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund her debut fashion collection.
With hints of 60s mod and plenty of play with lines and industrial design, Peters' aesthetic melds the best in old and new style tropes. Watch the video above.
The designer, who's own look channels Swedish pop star Marie Fredriksson of 80s band Roxette, is also dedicated to creating a collection that's eco-friendly and uses fair labor.
For her jewelry collection, formerly titled Piaz Jewelry, Peters used reclaimed metals to fashion bold shapes and industrial forms with attitude. See a selection of her pieces in the below slideshow.
The same vibes can be traced in her clothing line, The Atelier E, which is set to debut later this month.
HuffPost Miami spoke with Peters about her David Bowie dreams, how she colors her textiles by hand, and how MiMo has inspired her industrial chic aesthetic.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. What's your background?
I grew up in La Crosse, Wisconsin and I hold a Bachelor of Science in Clothing Design from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (Minneapolis & St. Paul). Although I spent most of my formative years singing and dancing, I was also constantly creating, drawing, painting or sculpting something. My environment was very free and I was encouraged from every angle to pursue my passions. And I’ve always had a very healthy ambition fueling my fires.
What is the Reflection Collection and when does it launch?
The Reflection Collection is the first clothing collection from my clothing label, E. I’ve been planning and preparing for this launch for years and it’s finally here. I plan to launch mid to late May.
Is there one piece in the collection that you think symbolizes your design philosophy?
Yes! The Reflect Playsuit could easily represent my entire body of art and design. On the surface it appears to be minimal and effortless. And it is -- but there are also underlying intricacies and details like -- the asymmetrical collar, the original ‘E’ Frequency print, and the 12-foot belt -- that draw you in and intrigue you.
If your collection had a soundtrack -- what would it be?
This collection would jam to an eclectic mix of The Hundred in the Hands, Kode 9 & the Space Ape, Little Dragon, Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def), Dengue Fever, Erykah Badu, and Sly & the Family Stone.
How will The Atelier E be eco-friendly?
The fabrics are all organic and sustainably produced. When they arrive in my studio, I dye them by hand using cold process dyes and print them with non-toxic screen printing inks. Every step in the process is carried out with our earth and our health in mind.
What inspires your aesthetic? Are there any local architectural tropes or flora/fauna that inspire your designs?
I love the Modern era of design, and I especially love the very beginning of the Modern aesthetic, when it was still a little bit gritty and rough around its sleek and minimalist edges. The MiMo district embodies this Cold War feel – the colors and textures are quirky and delicious and the angles are surprising. I also adore the repetitious aesthetic of palms and spiky plants like cacti. However, most of my inspiration is actually auditory. I like to translate the rhythms and feelings of music into physical things – like clothes and jewelry.
Do you dye and print the fabric yourself? What process do you use?
Yes, I use cold process dyes to minimize my company’s energy use and overall eco-footprint. I also create original prints with non-toxic and eco-friendly screen printing inks. For the Reflection Collection I designed the Frequency and Cracked prints and Jacqueline Soir - my friend, cohort and local artist - designed the Scattered print. I printed all the fabrics by hand using the block printing technique.
How do you think Miami style is different than in cities?
Miami loves color. There are few cities in the U.S. that are as fearless with color as Miami.
Are there other local designers that you admire?
I adore Kayce Armstrong; her approach to design is incredible and her execution is impeccable. And I absolutely love her enthusiasm for recycling and re-using!
Can you briefly talk about your process and inspiration for your jewelry collection?
I draw a lot of inspiration from music and metal really resonates most strongly for me as a medium. It has the deepest ability to echo the weight, warmth, coldness, and texture of sound, vibration, and beat. I create my jewelry pieces with re-claimed sterling silver and 14K filled gold sheet metals that have been produced at 99% eco-friendly standards. I cut and form each piece by hand.
Which celebrity would you love to dress?
David Bowie, circa 1972! But seriously, Abbey Lee Kershaw, model and ‘Our Mountain’ band member is gorgeous and I would love it if she wore my clothes and accessories.
Any favorite Miami shops or fabric stores?
The Alessandra Gold Concept Store, Haus Fashion, Lo Nomada and the nameless, pink thrift shop on North Miami Avenue. For local fabric sources, I prefer antique dealers and vintage fabric hoarders.
Where can people buy your designs?
My jewelry is available online at The Atelier E, and at IHLET. In New York, you can find my jewelry at The Dressing Room Boutique & Bar in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. In Miami my jewelry can be purchased at The Alessandra Gold Concept Store in Midtown and at Haus Fashion in Wynwood. My clothes will be available soon for pre-launch orders on my website.
Click below for images of Peters' workspace and designs as well as video of her explaining her process and designs:
