Summer Nostalgic Prairie Development

Nostalgic Prairie is inspired by the prairie child of the late 1800's. The style is light, airy, detailed with small ditsy floral prints, textile manipulations, and ruffles. The collection would be created for a bohemian customer who chooses to wear more free flowing garments that embody the idea of vintage and history. My collection would then add the modern twist to the prairie style through necklines, length, and fit. In the Collection I also intend on utilizing all natural materials. This includes natural fabrics, eco-friendly fabric dyes, and wooden closures. This collection would have an emphasize of elevating a ditsy floral block print with an abstract weaving of a gingham pattern. This elements would elevate the traditional prairie style to be something eclectic and romantic. ​

The inspiration for this collection came from my hometown, childhood experiences and through the media I read, watched, and listened too while growing up. I always had a passion for nature, flowers, and the outdoors. This is largely due to my influences and lifestyle as a child. Growing up, I lived in a very historic town on Long Island. My hometown is saturated in American history, historic buildings, and great stories about America's past.

Along with my home on Long Island, I also have a house up in the Catskills Mountains. This house was built in an area where the nearest town is about 30 minutes away. Besides the house being so remote, this house also has no cellphone or telephone service, no running water, or electric. As crazy as that might be in the 21st century, it was one of my favorite places to vacation to when I was younger. In a way, the upstate house became my prairie. It was an escape from the normal cycle of life and allowed me to appreciate what I have and the resources around me.​

For a child who loves nature and the outdoors, exploring each day around the house and in the woods was always a treat. I would walk around turning stones, collecting twigs and rocks, picking berries, and collected tall grasses, ferns, and flowers. With these materials, I would make paint from the river rocks, press the flowers and ferns, or make beautiful dried out flower bouquets. ​

Another major influence to my life while I was growing up was reading and watching The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Little House On The Prairie. Growing up with these American Folk stories and influences has shaped my design identity, appreciation of nature, and the way I am today. Growing up I listen to many traditonal American Folk songs from the 1800's and still to this day, the song Shenandoah has always been a favorite of mine.