Fashion |
Couture Gets "Kramped"by Morgan Schimminger |
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Self-taught young designer combines custom-made options and crafy collections
Tutus should be reserved for ballerinas and five-year-olds. That’s the common adult vantage point on the ever-so-girly attire. Designer Shannon Kramp is a firm believer that tutus don’t go out of fashion at a certain age, having produced a mermaid version for a Coney Island parade and one specially designed for a quinceanera. The 22-year-old even rocks her own creations on errands to Walmart.
“They are sort of mainstream, even just the style, like the miniskirts with lots of ruffles,” explained Kramp, barely audible at points over the construction noise at the Spot on Elmwood.
Kramp has built her business stacked upon tulle. First, with the partnership Lady Love Tutus and now with her own line, Kramp Kouture. But don’t let the “kouture” fool you. Although couture conjures up images of high-end, often outlandish pieces accompanied by a surrealist price tag, Kramp’s offerings align with the edginess of couture, not the expense. The handmade designs walk the line between punk and pretty.
“It’s a mixture of DIY and couture,” she testified.
Kramp, who learned to sew from her mom around age seven, didn’t discover her love of fashion until much later. “I originally wanted to be a chef,” she admitted.
The Olcott native wound up forgoing any culinary ambitions, and studied digital media arts in college. Her designer gene kicked in at age 20, but by then she had already been shopping at vintage and thrift stores, scouting for clothes to alter by slashing and refashioning. After public inquiry from impressed witnesses to her custom clothing, Kramp began taking special orders.
“A lot of people do ask for something shorter or a different color,” she admitted. “If they want something different, that’s what I do.”
At its heart, Kramp Kouture stays true to its DIY origins. Her current “Rock Candy” collection features her signature Skeletank and Skeledress in all their shredded glory. There’s also painted jeans, hard-edged jewelry and a Rodarte-inspired mohair and feather skirt.
Her design process revolves around revelations and elaboration. “Sometimes I just think of what is cool together,” reflected Kramp. “Even if you take a boring pattern, you can amp it up with embellishments and different material.”
So, how does she describe the Kramp Kouture woman? “I’d definitely say someone who has their own personal style—someone unique that sort of lives that rock-and-roll lifestyle.”
That lifestyle extends beyond womenswear, with the brand occasionally shifting gears to produce menswear and housewares. Some of the more notable homebound creations include a shag rug of scrap T-shirts (serving as muse for a custom-ordered toilet seat cover) and light fixtures adorned with colored rocks.
This renaissance woman also models and organizes local fashion shows. Every role Kramp takes on serves as a vessel to push her line.
“Right now, I’m just showing my book, and hoping to get my stuff picked up at different boutiques,” she said.
Potential customers don’t have to wait until then. Kramp’s fashions are available online at Krampkouture.com and through her Etsy store.
Reader Comments
Jessica 10 Jan 2010, 10:13
How is this considered handmade when your taking a preexisting design and
modifying it??
Frank Petronio 10 Jan 2010, 23:51
I may be a little biased, but the majority of her collection is built from
scratch, all of the skirts, dresses, tutus, bottoms. If you saw her
embellished and reconstructed items you would appreciate their
craftsmanship and detailing. Frankly, what is the point of making a $8
t-shirt from scratch when you're going to be slashing it up?
Tara 11 Jan 2010, 06:51
I'm all for the adult tutu. In fact I shall be sporting one around town
this Spring.
julie wolcott 13 Jan 2010, 10:06
shannon's fashion designs ARE both edgey and stylish.very hot.shannon was
born talented and she's expressing that very natural talent in all of her
designs.LOVE IT xoxo
Judy Maybell 21 Jan 2010, 03:35
I agree with Jessica. How can you call this design? It's reconstuction at
best. But not designing. She is useing store bought items, and adding
zippers and buttons? While she has wounderful taste in designers, I don't
think she should call herself a master of Couture!
Karyn Oh 22 Jan 2010, 00:30
Look at her site, she's got talent and you're obviously just a jealous
stale twat.
Shana
22 Jan 2010, 03:33
Hurray!! Shannon!!
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