MEET OUR DESIGNERS!
Earth
Emma Anderson, Anderson Designs
Born in London, raised in America and the oldest daughter to two Peruvian parents. Emma Anderson grew up in an openly cultural household, which gave her a different and individual perspective of what she saw in the world. At first, she thought she could apply this view in the world of politics, but after two years of studying International Relations, she realized it was a career she could not dedicate her life to doing. And after a brave decision, she transferred into the Fashion Design department at Mount Ida, and used her love of designing and creating fashion as a medium to express her global and diverse perspective. She believes that other cultures, art and history are powerful inspirations to her creations, as well as looking inward of herself. She hopes to start her own ready to wear brand that is eclectic and distinctive for both men and women, primarily in New York, London and Lima, Peru where her own background has been of great influence in her work.
Air
Martha Jackson, Restored by Design
Raised in Canada, my childhood was always filled with art, music, and creativity. Visits to my grandfather’s studio—Charles Comfort, a well-known Canadian artist—fascinated me at an early age. My grandmother’s unique fashion style, and my parents’ pioneering in green, eco-consciousness living played a big role in creating my foundation. After learning how to sew in grade school (with my mother's help), I was off and running, creating my own wardrobe, dreaming of the day when I could open my own business.
Appreciating beauty, and creating has always been important to me. Now I dedicate my journey to sustainability,"Saving the World" in my own little way, giving new purpose to fashion style!
I studied Goldsmithing and Textiles at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, with a semester in London, England. I loved all the old-world history and tradition. I was shopping at flea markets in the 70’s! I fell in love after graduating and moved to Providence, Rhode Island. ..then beginning my successful career in fashion jewelry, working with some of the finest companies such as Trifari, Swarovski, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Chico's, just to name a few. I moved through Designer, Color and Fashion Trend Forecaster, Creative Director, Design Director, Consultant, and Business Entrepreneur. I raised a family of 2 talented children who are now adults pursuing their own careers.
With my dream to open my own business, I established 'Restored by Design', a green artisan company, in May 2010, while working full time. July 2012, I dedicated my attention full time to my unique one of a kind designs in jewelry and accessories. July 2013, I opened my brick and mortar RETAIL STUDIO, in Providence, and expanded to offer collectables, rare finds, repurposed clothing, and custom design. Now an inspiring and unique boutique to showcase my designs. January 2014, I created my first apparel collection to debut on the runway at StyleWeek Northeast Fashion Week. And my journey continues, establishing my own successful Eco fashion brand!
Restored by Design creates unique, one of a kind, and limited edition jewelry and apparel following my inspirations from flowers and lace! Fashion style is reclaimed and reinvented from preloved found bits, collected treasures, natural materials, bygone parts, industry excesses, hints of vintage, touches of new! Local made, handmade for you to love again!
Water
Valentina Opezzo, Installa
Valentina Opezzo is an Italian fashion designer living in the Boston area. After studying cinema and theater during college, and experimenting with visual arts (painting, drawing, photography), she started her carrier as fashion photographer, that eventually inspired her to go back to school to learn fashion designing, at the School of Fashion Design of Boston. She's vegetarian, so she doesn't use in her clothes and accessories any animal fiber (no fur, leather, silk, feathers), for a cruelty-free fashion. Her designs are also eco-friendly, and incorporate sustainable fabrics (organic cotton, hemp, soy, wild nettle and much more) together with recycled materials. She is the recipient of the "Avant-garde award" at Trashion 2013 (MIT) and finalist of SEED, January 2013 (Styleweek Northeast, Providence RI).
Maryanne Meservey
Maryanne Meservey grew up on the beaches of Chatham, Cape Cod. It was here that she developed her love for the sun, the sand and her oversized family. The last for years she has studied fashion design and business at Mount Ida College. She has explored many niches with in the fashion industry, including bridal, lingerie, eveningwear, tailoring, ready to wear, childrenswear and costume. Although she would like to continue making lingerie, after developing her lingerie collection in 2013. She is passionate about becoming a sustainable designer and believes this is the future of fashion design and would like to make this the core of her business practices.
http://meserveymaryanne.wix.com/designermissmaryanne
Fire
U-Meleni, Urban Thriftologee
As a global citizen, world traveler, and multitalented artist U-Meleni brings a global eclectic sensibility and holistic approach to the art of personal styling. Her artistic sensibility brings a creative knack for thinking outside the box and crafting something beautiful. As a global citizen, she learned how to do much with very little and as such wants to ensure that her clients look and feel great without breaking the bank. U-Meleni’s goal as a stylist is to create a personalized and unique look that brings out your inner confidence.
U-Meleni’s style mantra is “Always be yourself and wear what you love so that way you are always in style!”
U-Meleni’s work has been featured in The Boston Globe, The Weekly Dig, What’s Up Magazine, The Zimbabwean, Boston Baystate Banner and other publications.
