About Elise
I am a designer and maker based in Charlottesville, VA, and have been sewing my own clothes since I was a teenager. Rarely able to find ready-to-wear clothing in my size or my style, I took it upon myself to create my own wardrobe. Though there were many questionable choices early on, my design philosophy remains the same: I sew what makes me happy, and what I want to wear.
After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BA in printmaking, I moved to Brooklyn, New York and attended Parsons School of Design, where I received an Associates of Applied Science in Fashion Design and honed my skills in design and patternmaking.
I spent two years managing production for a sustainable womenswear brand in Brooklyn, where I cemented my love for working with a female team, explored ethical and sustainable production standards, and constantly worked towards size inclusivity.
The onset of Covid-19 in early 2020 brought me back to Virginia where I am currently working as a fabric buyer at EWE Fibers. Becoming re-engaged in the online and in-person maker community has inspired me to finally work on releasing my own sewing patterns later this year. Stay tuned!