We've shared our love for the
Edelweiss by Sarah line before, and it only gets stronger as we see the new lines and collections. Today we had the chance to talk to Brooklyn based designer Sarah Seilbach herself and she is nothing short of inspiring. Seilbach studied at The Savannah College of Art and Design, but began sewing long before that under the tutelage of her mother. Like most with raw talent, her passion for design started before she even realized when she sketched out and made her 9th grade graduation dress. Fast forward to the present and Sarah is a full-time designer churning out amazing and wearable dresses each season.
What made you want to be a designer full-time?
This is what I am good at and I love doing it. I have an image in my head about what clothing should look like and I love being able to create it.
What inspirations go into each season, do you have a whole look in mind and then pick textiles, or the other way around?
My main inspiration is always the 1940s as the ground work and then I go from there. It depends really, sometimes the fabric comes first but then sometimes its the design. I am constantly inspired by things around me so my ideas are always changing and evolving.
What kind of woman are you designing for?
The woman I design for is classic and sophisticated. She enjoys life and feels good and confident in what she wears. There is a timelessness about her.
Are their any celebrities you're dying to dress?
I would love to dress Michelle Williams or Carey Mulligan. They are both so adorable.
What is a typical day like for you?
I get up, workout to get my head in the right place then begin with emails and blogging and then either straight to working on patterns etc or into the garment district to get trims/ fabric or do factory runs. My days are hardly ever the same.
What music do you like to create to?
I love to listen to music while I am working but I would say that depending on my mood, will depend on what I listen to. Some days, world music like Latin or French and other times I will bring out the oldies like Cake or Violent Femmes. I will even get into the Glen Miller Orchestra. I love all different kinds of music and I love changing it up.
What is the most inspiring look or trend to you this season?
I love that skirts and dresses are getting longer! Finally!
What is a trend that has to go?
I would have to say the trend that would have to go is the cut off denim shorts (the super short kind.) I think there is an overload of them here in the city. Too many people where them that shouldn't wear them.
Do you have a cultural icon that inspires you?
I love old movies with Sandra Dee or James Stewart in them. They are great and I am always inspired by them.
What is it like working with your spouse?
It has its pros and cons. I love that he is so good with web design and graphics. He also helps me weed out what isn't working in the collection. I value his opinion but don't always take it :)
What are your goals for you line in the next year, 5 years, 10 years?
To grow and expand. I would love for everyone to know and come to love Edelweiss. I would like to also get into men's wear and children's wear.
Do you have a ritual, or practice to help you if you get in a creative rut?
Go back to the drawing board and get it right. I find that some of my best ideas come when the collection is almost finished and I have to quickly put my idea together.
What is the most stressful part of being a designer?
The pressure of designing something that people will like and that is a part of you. Rejection is hard. The business part of it is even more stressful. Getting everything to work and to happen it not as easy as one would think. It takes a constant effort to push yourself harder and harder. To keep going when you hit a rough patch.
What advice would you give an up and coming designer?
Be passionate about what you love and know that it is hard to get moving. Learn to accept criticism and learn and grow from it.
What can we expect from your upcoming line?
More black mixed with an elegant motor girl.
Your studio is in Brooklyn, where are your "spots" to eat, shop, and be inspired?
I love the East river park that looks over to Manhattan. The summers are great there. I also love to eat at Egg and Sweetwater. Those are probably my favorite neighborhood restaurants. I also run in the morning. I go over the Williamsburg bridge back into Manhattan. This is a very inspiring run for me. To look over at the city and then be a part of it, in the thick of it.
Many thanks to Sarah for a look into her life, we can't wait to see more and watch as her line explodes!
For the Edelweiss by Sarah line click
here.
Jan '11
