addielore

Announcement    I’ve been designing clothes as long as I can remember. Everywhere I went, it came as naturally as breathing, to be inspired by the things people were wearing and think what I would do differently to make it my own. I have designed so many collections over the years that were just for my own self. I thought of making it my job so many times, but felt inadequate to the task. I also struggled with making things for people to buy in a world where I think that what most of us need to do is buy less.

At the end of the day I think the thing you’re meant to do is the thing you just can’t shake. I never stopped designing. Not once. Not when I was nursing babies for hours every day and felt like I’d never be free to make a meaningful contribution to the world. Not when I hated my body and was disappointed in everything I put on it. Not when I felt awash in a flood of motherhood and thought my individual identity was completely lost. In some inscrutable way this is a part of who I am.

When I had my last baby in summer 2019, I knew a page was turning on a new chapter in my life, and it was my time to stretch my wings again. Then, just like it was for so many others, 2020 was a year that I couldn’t keep ignoring the things I’d been ignoring. More than anything I have been so inspired by the other fat and gender non-conforming sewists and fashionistas on Instagram that my body need not keep my from being my whole self. I am so grateful for the sewing community, and at the same time so aware that that is not something that is accessible to everyone.

So I want to share that feeling with you. I want to give you something that helps you be your whole self, and whatever body you’re in is welcome and celebrated here. William Morris said, “I do not want art for a few; any more than education for a few; or freedom for a few.” I think that EVERY BODY deserves the dignity and empowerment to wear beautiful clothes that they love, and feel beautiful in, and that fit comfortably.