populuxe

I discovered this incredible designer named Andy Davis from Hollywood Florida. Her Fashion Tramp fashions were featured in the Sarong-o-Rama fashion show at Hukilau 2007. A particluar design of hers really caught my eye. It was a gorgeous black skirt with a tiki face handsewn on the front. I decided to investigate further.

Andy was so kind to answer a few questions for Retro Info.

Tell us a little about Fashion Tramp Clothing.

I could not satisfy my love of fashionable and stylish clothes in my size with what was available in the stores. I grabbed my trusty Singer out of the closet and starting making clothes for myself. Other ladies noticed how cute my clothes were and began to ask for clothes too. Every gal, regardless of size, has some part of her that does not fit into department store sizes.

And, I love the femininity and detail of vintage clothes, especially from the 1940's and 1950's. I use both vintage and new patterns and any fabric I can find, all with a nod to the past. I combat one of the the pitfalls every vintage fashion lover faces, every piece is made with new thread. No more 50 year old thread breaking when you hit the dance floor. And I pre-wash all the fabrics, so there are no funky smells.

more interview with Andy after the jump

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Where do you get your inspiration?

Primarily from books, other fashions, vintage sewing patterns, and things I collect. As a compulsive fabric collector I find the fabric itself most inspiring, many times the fabric will dictate what the final piece should be. I am, however, a firm believer in simple cut, simple lines, fantastic fabric equals a great dress. Beyond that, it can be anything from a runway show to my backyard.

Are all pieces handmade by you?

Yes. I work from new and vintage sewing patterns as well as draft my own. Me and and my trusty Singer from the 1970's do it all. Sometimes the older machines work longer and harder.

What sizes do you carry?

Most of my fashions are size 14 to 26. Curvy gals have a more difficult time finding stylish clothes, especially vintage or retro.

Do you make custom pieces?

I have made custom pieces for specific people or special occasions. It is a fine line to walk between a designer and a seamstress. If a client picks the pattern, fit, color and fabric, it is no longer my design, it's hers.

How long does it take to make a garment?

A new design takes longer to perfect than a 'tried and true'. I usually spend between two and four hours per dress from the cutting board to out-the-door.

Tell us about your skills, are you self taught or did you go to design school?

One summer break when I was 12, my mom taught me to sew. We used her Singer sewing machine, which has since been handed down to me. A few years ago I also attended the Fashion Design program at Cañada College in San Mateo California. I did not complete the program because I moved to Hollywood, Florida with my husband.

What are your favorite pieces you have made?

I made a three dimensional tiki mug skirt, inspired by the 3D face corsets I saw in a Jean Paul Gaultier couture runway show a few years ago. It is, to date, a one of a kind. Although I am thinking about a line of tiki mug skirts. How about a Mr. Bali Hai mug skirt?

Where can we buy fashion tramp clothing?

http://www.myspace.com/fashion_tramp

What was it like having your clothing featured in the Hukilau Sarong-o-rama?

It was my very first fashion show and was very exciting. Bre-elle and Sandra are two fantastic ladies, and along with the tiki community, were so supportive.

What else would like to share with Retro Info?

Many men ask me about a dress for their wives. Some men have curvy wives and want to see them in pretty dresses instead of sweats. I think it is so endearing to have a husband ask me about a pretty dress for his wife.

Thanks to Andy for a delightful interview. I am glad I can spread the word about this creative new designer. If you think you might be a Fashion Tramp, head on over to Andy's Myspace page for her fabulous retro fashions.