Designer Discussion with Fashion X Dallas Featured Designer M.E. Shirley

Dear Pennies & Pens,

This past weekend, I was in Dallas covering Fashion X Dallas. Fashion X Dallas took place at the Fashion Industry Gallery  Thursday, November 6 – Saturday, 8, 2014. Fashion X Dallas featured runway shows and The Gallery where guests and media could view jewelry and accessories designers’ collections.

This post features my interview with Lindsey Creel, Designer of M.E. Shirley. M.E. Shirley is a small batch womenswear line based out of Austin, Tx. Designer Lindsey Creel creates and constructs each piece with the intention of making “someone’s favorite piece” every  time.

M.E. Shirley began as an ode to her great grandmother Mary Edna Shirley. M.E Shirley comes from the idea that we can all accomplish anything we dream when we feel fulfilled. With no further adieu, check out Designer Discussion with Fashion X Dallas Featured Designer M.E. Shirley.

1. Where are you originally from?

I’ve moved a lot. I’m originally from Alabama, but have spent equal time in Georgia and Florida (where I graduated high school). I moved to Austin from New York two years ago.

2. How has your heritage influenced you as a designer?

I don’t have a culturally diverse background, but my great grandmother was and still is a huge influence in my work. She gave me my first sewing machine and made a lot of her own clothes throughout her life. My grandmother was also a seamstress. They taught me about hard work, craftsmanship and how to be a strong woman, which have all wildly influenced me both as a designer and a business owner.

3. Why did you decide to start your own fashion or jewelry line?

I love my city, but there aren’t a lot of inspiring design jobs in my field here. So, after having worked in production and sales in New York for several years, I decided to branch out on my own. It was terrifying, but the best decision I have ever made. I love what I do. Lucky for me, other people are enjoying it as well.

4. There are so many fashion and accessories designers, what makes your line stand apart from the rest?

M.E. Shirley has a focus on fit, craftsmanship, and fabrics that you can dress up or down. We don’t make the most complex or avant-garde garments; we make clothes that feel great and fit flawlessly.

5. What inspires you most?

The women in my life are the most inspiring to me. I tend to surround myself with a diverse group of people. In my professional life, I strive to fill the gap in women’s wardrobes. Having a diverse group of friends helps to inspire silhouettes and color stories that could work across the board; from the professional woman to the lead waitress.

6. Tell me more about the design and creation process. How does it work? Do you sketch designs or actually create a sample to be recreated?

I sketch, but I prefer draping and patterning new designs. Typically I make prototypes, then samples and adjusting from there. The prototype is like a live sketch to see whether the design will translate into reality properly.

7. Who is your favorite designer and why?

I used to work in production at Rachel Comey and have always loved her carefree but thoughtful cool girl style. I also love Emma Fletcher, formally of Lyell. Their design aesthetics always carry through from the clothes to the girl to the photoshoots that they do. They are lifestyle brands, and I love that.

8. Do you use social media? Why or why not?

I do use social media, although honestly, I’m not great at it. Sometimes I wish I had a lively stressless twenty year old version of myself to explain the difference between a tweet and a trend… and a meme? meem? You know.

9. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

Currently, Austin. And lucky me that I live there. It’s a great place with amazingly driven young professionals. Austin is the perfect place for where I am in my life. And I love it.

10. The most stylish woman/man ever is…?

The most stylish person to me is one who walks with confidence. Those are the people you notice, and the ones you strive to understand and emulate. It doesn’t matter what they are wearing, but they wear it better than you could have. And they are fascinating.