KatieGariepy

What's my story? I've been sewing since I was little, but really found passion when I was 15 years old. For my 16th birthday my mother was sick and tired of me breaking her sewing machine and she bought me my own Bernina. It was love at first sight, well, love at first sew. I went to college knowing exactly what I wanted to do with my life and I graduated with a BS in Fashion Design. I've been running my business since the age of 16, it is my life passion! Where is everything made? Each item is made in my studio in Buffalo, NY. In 2016 I will start to collaborate with the refugees of One World Threads, who have made Buffalo their home. They will be aiding me in sewing my designs. In turn they receive a fair wage and learn skills to continue sewing and provide them more jobs. I'm very excited for this collaboration and can't wait to make them a part of the team. What inspires my products? I am a lover of all things cute! I also adore animals, I would love to save every cat, a girl can dream. I am very inspired by fashion, I am always up to date on what's in season and love to keep up with it. Travel is something I can't get enough of, I have been to 11 different countries and I hope this list will grow. I am also heavily influenced by Japanese fashion and style. Have I won any awards? Yes I have! In 2015 I was award the Best of Buffalo Fashion Designer award by Artvoice. http://blogs.artvoice.com/avdaily/2015/05/18/best-of-buffalo-2015-winners-list/