WINSOME GOODS

I HAD THE ABSOLUTE good fortune to be able to collaborate with Winsome Goods (yet another Minneapolis designer I can't get enough of!), and Kathryn was so kind to send me these beautiful overalls which are part of her latest collection. I haven't been able to stop wearing them. They've gone on birthday lunches with me, a trip to LA, apple picking in Oak Glen... and I'm sure I'll continue to wear them for a long, long time. I'm already anticipating colder weather ensembles-- which will be a long time coming here in Southern California, but I'm thinking maybe a black sleeveless turle/mock neck? Right here, I've paired the Wool Doublecloth Overalls with a beautiful dip dye dress gift from Jessica of Willow Knows. You'll be seeing a post on it soon as well!

For now though, read on to find out more insight behind Kathryn, her design process, and what's next for Winsome Goods.

How did you get started in design?
I got started in clothing design very young. I always wanted to pursue it in some shape or form, ever since I taught myself to sew when I was 10. I grew up in a family of artists. My mother is an illustrator and my father is a scientist. There are elements of both creativity and logic that I relate to, and they are sometimes at odds with one another. Design is a product of that tension between the two. It is beauty with intention and purpose.

How does living in Minneapolis influence your clothing/design aesthetic?
Minneapolis typically gets a lot of flack for being a small Midwestern city, but the saturation of art, music and culture is thick. Minneapolis is my calm, affordable home base that encourages and requires me to do a lot of traveling. Being based here helps me maintain a broad perspective, rather than getting so insulated. WINSOME shares studio space with a bunch of other artists, all of whom work in different mediums. Being in that environment keeps me constantly inspired-- the constant swirl of creative energy is so valuable, and irreplaceable. There is so much collaboration and cross-pollination in this city.

What is your mission statement for WINSOME?
WINSOME recognizes the gap between contemporary brands and fast fashion, both of which it is not. WINSOME appeals to those who appreciate supporting small businesses without having to sacrifice their taste or a small fortune, and to those who appreciate the love that goes into the products they purchase. The goods under the WINSOME label are carefully produced without a fashion calendar or strict corporate regime. Using sustainable materials and production practices, the garments are produced in small quantities and released batch by batch throughout the year. Therefore, each piece is at once fashionable and timeless, affordable and high quality. Each garment is intended to remain in the wearer’s closet for years; to be loved, to be worn, and to ensure a comfortably confident life.

What other creative outlets do you have?
I play the violin-- not many people know that about me. I also paint when I have the time. 

What's next for WINSOME?
I'm excited to say that starting with WINSOME's Spring 2015 product, I will be co-designing and operating the label with my friend and muse, Emily Bryngelson. A four-year resident of Brooklyn, Emily is one of the most creative and motivated people I know. I'm looking forward to seeing how WINSOME develops with her partnership, and I'm also glad I'll have more reasons to travel out to New York.