Announcing Skirsch Designs

Today marks the official launch of skirsch desgins. It's my zero-waste, thrifted, upcycled, and hand-printed fashion brand.

This is a pretty crazy moment for me. Growing up I was super creative, always drawing, building, and making things. I also had some interesting style…thankfully eventually I learned and put into practice Chanel's famous quote, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.”

I'm pretty sure I own like ALL the Klutz crafting books. I at least begged for them each year at the Scholastic Book Fair at school. I have binders full of sketches of dresses I designed when I was little. In middle school I got into making jewelry and I think that's the first time I referred to what I made as "skirsch designs".

In high school, I transitioned to some recycled jewelry crafting. I also was in a specialized program at my high school that focused on fashion. During those four years, I learned a ton about fashion and merchandising and got pretty good at sewing.

It was when I was applying for colleges and trying to figure out career paths that I realized I could combine my passions for sustainability and fashion/creativity. From that moment on, I have had my heart set on doing social responsibility for a fashion company.

Well, let's fast forward a bit. A TON of info has come out in the past five years regarding sustainability and the fashion industry. It's a mess. I studied Fiber Science & Apparel Design Management in college and thanks to that education, have a pretty holistic understanding of textiles and the fashion industry from seed to store.

After graduation, I moved to San Francisco to be a part of Gap Inc.'s Rotational Management Program. I had the chance to be a part of this giant apparel manufacturer that has the power to influence the industry to be better. And even though there are absolutely wonderful people there pushing Gap Inc. to be better, at the end of the day, Gap Inc. is pushing out soooooo much apparel that the world frankly does not need. It's true for most all brands.

There is PLENTY of clothing already made. I moved to Portland in August and, I don't know, there are probably like fifteen thrift stores within walking distance of my apartment. I had this hamsa stamp I designed and carved in a workshop last year and figured I might as well print some more stuff with it. So I started checking thrift stores for items made of all-natural fibers I could print on, because in general I've been avoiding bringing any more synthetic and plastic fibers into my wardrobe. 

And thus skirsch designs was born.

My mission with skirsch designs is to keep these items in use longer to avoid them going to landfill. In addition, I want to inspire others to shop secondhand, learn to choose better and higher quality products with natural fibers, and introduce people to upcycling. I print items with my carved hamsa, but also with beets, carrots, apples, okra, corn, and more! Got a stain on your favorite shirt? Grab some veggies and some fabric paint and cover it up with a cute polka dot or funky flower shape.

I'm very excited to introduce all of you to skirsch designs. I hope you like it and I would love if you could follow us on Instagram and share us with your friends. Right now we're selling on Etsy, but we may expand to Poshmark and Depop if there's demand…let us know!

Also, please reach out if there are sizes you would like to see represented! I always try and shop the whole thrift store for sizes and styles, but can be more targeted if you let me know :)

OH and if you're in Portland, reach out to me if you want to collab. I'm always looking for models and opportunities to share skirsch designs. And if you're local and want to pick up product, reach out and we can work out something!