Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Orlandi
Linda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Sewing since age 11, I have designed and constructed everything from bridal & formal wear, countless Halloween costumes to community theater costumes, men’s wear, upholstery, hand beaded belly dance costumes (I used to perform) to what I love doing today, sustainable fashion. I studied fashion design, drafting and tailoring but most of my knowledge is from my 52 years of just going for it. In 2008 I relocated from Seattle to Milan, not for fashion, but to join my now husband, an Italian with 2 little ones. Together we lived in 5 countries (including India, fabric heaven, where we got married) and we traveled through many more, me scooping up as much fabric as I could along the way. I designed hats from thrifted jeans which accommodate Big Hair, I made cowboy boot stockings for Christmas, and am currently doing meticulously embellished jeans jackets using fabric & trims which I thrift, and my own handmade appliqués derived from scarves, cushion covers, tablecloths… I have a special love for funky 70’s style and anything ethnic (hence my Barbies of the World collection). Everything I’ve sold has been from my FB & IG pages, along with a few weeks of farmers’ markets (shout out to Imperal Farmer’s Market, Sugarland!) In other words, I’m too low tech and too busy sewing to have created a website yet. I am also an artist, and spent the pandemic raising money by doing portraits and drawings with an Armenian theme, my grandfather’s heritage.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
After a divorce in my 30’s, I had to scratch my small bespoke tailoring business and I went to work in restaurants for over a decade. I still took on a few jobs, including a popular flamenco dancer who performed in my dress. Living in different countries for just a year or two made it difficult to establish a business, particularly since I was also raising kids. But I’ve always maintained my creativeness. I’m very fortunate now to be able to pursue whatever projects strike my fancy and I’m never at a loss for ideas. My biggest struggle has always been the marketing end of the business because creating is so much more fun!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I grew up with two artist parents and have been artistically inclined since childhood. I spent the pandemic drawing portraits for charity fundraising. But I think my specialty has always been the ability to create exciting things from very little, fresh fashions from discarded or outdated clothing. I like saving beautiful materials from the landfill and then seeing a customer fall in love the completely reborn fashion. I tailored a Lumiére costume (Beauty and the Beast) for our community theater, made from our Indian brocade draperies and lampshades which actually lit up. My current passion is upcycling jeans into hats, handbags, and my favorite, intricately decorated jeans jackets. People talk about old souls, but I feel like a young soul in an old body, one with decades of history and experience but still open to fun, colorful new ideas.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’m so happy when my creations are loved by all ages. I adore all of my customers but for some reason, I get an extra kick when a teenager or young 20-something buys my fashions. A jacket recently sold to a strapping young man which absolutely made my day! I didn’t have a man in mind while making it, but it looked amazing on him and I was proud of his confidence. If I can help someone express their unique self, that’s the best!
Pricing:
- Hats: $55-$125
- Jackets: $125-$400
- Cotton Print Bellbottoms: $55-$65
- Handbags: $60-$145
- Cowboy Boot Stocking: $65
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms.guise?igsh=OXQ3eXp3ZHdzbHNn&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094439272614&mibextid=LQQJ4d
