Q: When did you launch the brand and what was the reason behind it?
A: I’ve been sewing since I was very young. I began mending things for shows at the local theatre my brother and I were involved with,and making things for myself to wear to concerts and things like that. I ended up showing my first 12 piece collection during Austin Fashion Week in 2015 when I was 19 years old. The collection was comprised mostly of pieces I had made throughout the years and had worn to shows or things like that. From there it kind of snowballed into a life of it’s own. I dress a lot of musicians, and my work really lends itself to stage wear or things like that.
Q: Whats your background?
A: My brother and I were homeschooled the majority of our growing up. We were born in Athens, TX, but always split our time between there and Austin. We were in theater for like 10 years at our local community theatre, and we were always writing and shooting some kind of little film with our friends. Music has always been a big part of my life. My parents booked music out where we lived, and going to concerts in Dallas or Austin was one of my favorite things. My brother won a dance contest to meet Katy Perry when he was like 11 and I was like 13, so when we got word we’d be meeting her we decided we had to make something amazing to wear. It was her candy tour, so we went to Goodwill and a discount grocery in town and glued a bunch of candy to stuff to create our looks for the night. When she walked in she said “take that dress off, I want it!”. From then on we would always dress up for shows. It was this fun little challenge to push our creativity living in a small town.
I’ve always loved creating things to wear. Film has also been a huge part of our lives. We’re involved with the Austin School of Film too and create a lot of music videos for musicians around Austin. I’m 21 now, and I’m sort of just following where the energy is leading at this point.
It’s amazing how much has changed in the last couple years, and it’s so exciting seeing where it goes.
Q: How many people are involved in the company and what are their roles?
A: I’m pretty much a one girl show at this point. My brother is an illustrator and animator, and he does all my graphic work and fonts.
He’s a wonderful creative input as well, and we’re always working together on film projects too, so we’re always bouncing ideas off each other.
My mom is a huge support too. My whole family is really, but she’s always game to help with logistics, weather it be driving all night to make it on time for a show or event, or any number of things that need taking care of before a runway show. I’m super thankful to have such an amazing support system always around me.
Q: If you could start over with the business, would you do anything differently?
A: Not at all. I’m just loving seeing where it goes.
Q: What is the hardest challenge you have faced since you started the company?
A: I have’t really faced any huge difficulties thankfully, but every day I’m learning something new about something or other. It’s always an adventure. When difficulties pop up, I just do my best to learn how to work ’em out.
Q: Tell us one fact about you that people wouldn’t know?
A: My brother and I both practice transcendental meditation. Every day when I wake up and right before I go to sleep. It really helps to calm my mind, focus my thoughts, and open my creative channels.
Q: 2017 is here, where do you plan on taking the brand?
A: Wherever the universe feels fit.
Q: To date, what has been the highlight since launching?
A: Probably just the wonderful people I’ve met along the way. I’ve been able to work with some really magical people, and with each project that’s one of the most amazing parts. Getting to collaborate with lovely people and help them express something through what they wear is really always so much fun.
Q: Which city do you feel most at home in, London, Paris or New York?
A: Well, I’ve never been to Paris or London, though they’re definitely on my dream list. I really love New York and definitely feel really at home there. Austin will probably always be home in one way or another, but I really love being on the road. I’ve begun to feel like anywhere is home if you’re with people you love. New York does have a really special spark though.
Q: Three beauty products you can’t leave the house without?
A: The only “beauty product” I actually leave the house with is my solid perfume, which is rose. Sometimes I take my eyeliner with me incase I might be in need of a touchup. I rarely leave the house without it on, haha. I love being able to express myself through makeup too. It’s just another way to tell a story and show people a bit of who I am without having to say a word.
Q: Style means….?
A: Expressing who you are in one split moment. Being able to say something, or scream something without any sound. Style means exactly whatever you dream it to mean.
Q: Best thing about London to you?
A: I’ve never been, but it seems like a pretty dreamy place. It seems like there’s a pretty great music scene there, so I would imagine that’d be one of my favorite things about it.
Q: Statement shoe or statement bag?
A: Both! Everything you wear should make a statement, even if it’s a little one.
Q: If you had to, what piece of clothing from your wardrobe would you wear everyday?
A: I have a black corduroy mini skirt that I really love a lot. I could probably wear it a thousand different ways, so maybe that?
Q: Favourite love song?
A: Sweet Dreams, TN by the Last Shadow Puppets
Q: Best place for a coffee?
A: I don’t do caffeine, but my brother does and he’s pretty obsessed with Friends and Neighbors on the east side here in Austin.
Q: Most memorable piece of advice given to you?
A: “Don’t fuck with the universe. It’ll kill your roses.” -BP Fallon
Q: Guilty pleasure?
A: Netflix. I try to stay caught up while I’m in my studio embroidering or stitching away at something.
Q: If you could spent 24 hours in anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: I’ve really been wanting to get over to Ireland recently. It seems like a really magical place. If I could time travel I’d say 24 hours in the Chelsea Hotel and Max’s Kansas City in the early 70’s. Gosh, that’d be a dream.
Q: In the future, how do you plan on expanding the company?
A: I’m open to seeing where it goes. It’d be nice to maybe build a small team to help with finish out of work, or taking care of emails and things like that. I have so many ideas, and I just have trouble physically handling everything that comes my way. I totally hustle and make it work, but it could be really nice to be able to take on more and not stress about it so much and know my team can take it on.
Find out more…
A: my website is www.thisissloane.com. I’m @thisissloane on Instagram and Twitter, and on Facebook my page is This Is Sloane as well.
Comments are closed.