Indie Designer Interviews: Holly Stalder of Seaplane

Filed under: Fashion, News, Best of the Season

Holly StalderWe love all of the amazing independent designers out there. In order to find out more about just what makes all of these creative types tick, we present to you an ongoing segment called Indie Designer Interviews.

Today's interview is with Holly Stalder, who owns the Portland, Oregon indie boutique Seaplane and also designs gorgeous one of a kind pieces with feminine detailing and antique fabrics which are available online at her Etsy shop.

Tell us a little about yourself and your company. I work as a clothing designer selling at the store that I own, Seaplane, and on etsy - as well as a few other clothing stores in Seattle and LA. I specialize in one of a kind dresses and gowns and do small production of the more causal pieces. I try and use antique fabric when I can because I love the detailing and "worn in" look of the old fabrics. I love to use old lace and I end up dying a lot of the fabric that I find so I can achieve the really soft palette of grays that I love to work with. I recently moved into a studio outside of my house where I can meet clients for fittings and have people help me sew which has been a great step. I do wedding dresses and like working one on one with clients.

How did you get started as a designer? I started 8 years ago, I had gone to collage for art and worked for different craftspeople during school. I was working in a vintage store with my best friend and it went out of business and we took over the lease and it became Seaplane. Our friends started bringing in clothes that they were making and it just sort of took off.

Holly StalderAny advice you would give to aspiring designers? Work for someone who owns their own business and you will learn a lot about the business end of the things. And second, attention to the details will really set yourself apart from others, like tags and labels, a lookbook with good photos, things like that. Etsy is a good place to start and test the waters for product and a little less scary than bringing it into a store.

What inspires your work? The materials that I find. If I find an amazing piece of lace I might make a dress to go with it. I'm also inspired by photography and old movies, and new techniques that I learn.

Who are your favorite designers? I am a sucker for Marc Jacobs and Chloe. I like Lanvin and Hermes too. For indie- I love my business partner's work, www.katetowers.com and other local Portland designers.

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? I love vintage shoes, good bangs and eyebrows. Lately I am been obsessed with vintage scarves.

Where can people find your work? At seaplane, www.e-seaplane.com, on etsy: www.hollystalder.etsy.com