The future is closer than we thought - Amy Winter interview

Dresses that change color become reality. The imagination of one designer changes the world of fashion forever. London-based designer Amy Winters made revolutionary items of fashion, from the Rainforest dress, to the Thunderstorm. Amy ‘Rainbow’ Winters is a textile and fashion designer working with interactive materials and excited by their use in performance and entertainment. 

But how did Amy get to design such interesting pieces?

How did you and fashion meet?

I trained originally as a set and costume designer at Central Saint Martins and graduated in 2006. I also had a love for Avant garde fashion and fairytale couture opera. After graduation I was able to dabble in fashion working at fashion shows and developing materials and clothes with a college friend. Experiments back in 2008 included holographic leather and LEDs implemented into clothing.

Is there someone artistic in your family?

My whole family is artistic in their own subversive way from writing to story-telling. My grandmother was an artist.

What are your studies?

I trained in theater design and I am currently working on a PhD in future textiles.

Where does your idea come from?

Ideas are inspired by the mechanisms of nature and it’s wild beauty, the energy of thunderstorms to the morning dew, which drips from a bright green leaf. The more playful elements link in to my childhood, fun toys and dressing up in fancy-dress.

How did you start your label?

I set up Rainbow Winters back in 2010 and wanted to develop some of my concept pieces such as the ‘Thunderstorm’ dress into more commercial wearable pieces. The name was apt as it is my middle name ‘Rainbow’ and surname ‘Winters’. I also love the juxtaposition of the two words which are both elemental but together create something beautiful.

No one picked the idea sooner. How do you think that happened?

Oh lots of people have! It’s a great ‘zeitgeist’ movement of people coming together to start innovating. When I first started back in 2007 there were only a few but now there are so many exciting, interactive developments.  

How do your dresses function?

The Thunderstorm dress (sound-reactive): is made with bespoke holographic leather and sound-reactive, animated electroluminescent panels, as the volume rises, the dress illuminates to create ‘visual music’.

The ‘Rainforest’ showpiece changes colour on reaction to sunlight and water, morphing from a black and white world into living colour and is hand-printed with water-reactive ink.

 

Petal Dress (sun-reactive) is  screen- printed with sun-reactive ink. The print transforms from clear to blue or purple under sunlight. 

Do you collaborate with different specialists from other domains such as technology for creating the outfits?

I collaborate with many different laboratories creating new materials. 

What is people’s reaction so far? Is it how you expected to be?

People are intrigued which is great so I am receiving interest. 

Is there a huge demand in buying the dresses?

My business has developed in the last couple of years and we now work heavily on the research side developing new materials and experimental prototypes rather than ready-to-wear.

Is there a piece that attracts people more?

The sunlight reactive petal dress was a definite best seller. The Thunderstorm dress and Picasso Explosion pieces receive the most attention.

How do people buy the outfits?

Some classics can be bought online through our online store: http://www.rainbowwinters.bigcartel.com

What other projects do you have for the future?

I just released at CES Vegas new fibre-optic prototypes. I am working on a secret new material and other projects, which will be released throughout 2014. 

To see all the Rainbow Winter dresses take a peek on the official site www.rainbowwinters.com.

Simple story, big ideas - Interview Farm to Front Porch

“I am a wife, christian, momma to Rufus the Siberian husky, travel enthusiast, event director by day and craft junkie by night” – This beeng said I present you Domique, the owner of Farm to Front Porch.

Dominique comes with ingenious products made of burlap. Her designs bring you the cosy atmosphere into your home. The online business she has on Etsy is just a hobby, but she puts everything she has to make rich high quality products. You can choose from various items such as jars, burlap wreaths, burlap bows, burlap banners, wedding décor and home décor. 

I talked to Dominique to see where does this burlap passion come from.

Who is the person behind Farm to Front Porch?

Dominique

I am a New Jersey native that migrated to North Carolina for college. I fell in love with the state and made it my permanent home. I have always been in love with DIY & crafting, several art pieces in our home have been painted/created by me! I currently work as the Director of Membership & Events for a state Association. I love animals, cooking, crafting, and traveling!. Our most recent trip included a journey to Greece, Italy, & Turkey! I love immersing myself in other cultures.

Where did you get the idea for your business and when did you get started?

Dominique with her father-in-law

My father-in-law is a farmer in Eastern NC. On a farm tour he mentioned to me that they use tobacco sheets (aka burlap bags) for some of their crops. My mind immediately went to Pinterest and all the things I could create if I could get my hands on one! He got one for me, I took it home and made a wreath. I loved working with burlap, and told my husband I wanted to keep making wreaths. He was supportive but commented that we only have so many doors in our house – so I came up with the idea to open an Etsy shop! The idea came to me in October of 2013, and my shop was up and running January 2014.

How did you come up with your brand name?

Farm to Front Porch just came to me after creating the wreath – I got the burlap bag from the farm, and I was putting the wreath on my front porch! Seems way too simple I know, but that’s how it happened!

How did you start this passion?

I have been crafting since I was a kid – but Pinterest definitely opened my mind to all new ideas, and made it so easy! I planned my wedding 3 years ago and realized how hard it was to find what I was looking for, and not go broke buying the things I did like. I wanted to have a shop that was custom and unique, without breaking the bank.

What goes into making such interesting items?

Burlap is tricky to work with because it frays so easily, so you have to be careful when handling it. To make my banners I cut strips of burlap, hand paint with stencils, let dry, seal the edges to protect from fraying edges, and glue the jute to the back. The whole process takes roughly 40 minutes. Distressed mason jars are a little more time consuming, mainly because you have to let the paint completely dry before adding another coat or it will rub off. Wreaths take the most time – I use wire wreath forms and loop burlap through, careful not to harm the material. Creating a wreath can take up to 1 ½ hours.

What is your favorite thing to make?

My favorite thing to make would have to be the mason jars – I love that you can make them look as distressed or neat as you want, and no 2 look the same.

Which one is your best seller?

I am still relatively new, but so far my best seller would be the “One” first birthday banner. I love the idea that the banner is being used to celebrate a baby’s first birthday, gives me warm fuzzies J

How do people get in touch with you? Where do you sell? Do you have a site or blog?

 I use social media (Twitter, Facebook, & Pinterest), and I sell on Etsy (www.etsy.com/shop/FarmToFrontPorch). @FarmFrontPorch

Do you run your business full-time?

I do not run my business full time – I currently have a full time job as the Director of Membership & Events for a state Association. My Etsy shop is my passion and I would love to dedicate more time to it eventually!

I see a lot of people starting their handmade business. What do you think makes you stand out from the crowd?

My quality & customer service is second to none. I always respond within 1-2 hours of receiving a message, I can custom create anything – just ask! I am meticulous with my work, you will always get a one of a kind handmade item.

Dominique with her husband and dog Rufus