Editor’s Note: Please help The Daily Catwalk in welcoming Paula Nelson of Stevie Madrone Design! It’s been our pleasure to host her as this week’s Guest Interview. Enjoy.
Meet Paula Nelson of Stevie Madrone Design
(Center Back)
Q. Where are you from?
I’m from Port Angeles, Washington, which is a beautiful Port Community where the sea and the mountains meet and where the lights of Victoria, Canada can be seen shining bright across the Straits.
Q. What’s your educational background?
I was deeply exposed and influenced by many art mediums growing up. My immediate and extended family are Artists. My father and mother were exceptionally talented and influential! My Father is a Painter (who uses oils, pastels and watercolors), Wood Carver, precious metals and gems Jewelry Designer and Lapidary enthusiast.
My mother is a Seamstress with a specific talent for designing mesmerizing Victorian lamp shades and bridal gowns.
Canvases, paints, wood, fabric and other textiles were a common living room scene and I LOVED it! With that being said I have no formal schooling. However, I believe I received the best training one could ask for from two professionals 24/7.
Q. What type of products do you design?
I design one of a kind statement Jewelry and Hair Fascinators as well as Up cycle beautiful vintage clothing.
Q. What are your general professional and non-professional interests?
I am a National Makeup Artist by profession. I studied under NARS International MUA Uzo. Fantastic experience! Makeup products are just another art medium for me.
My non-professional interests are my two teens and husband of 19 yrs! My husband and I started our family at a young age and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Both my Freshman and Junior children are artists and musicians as well so we keep very busy. They attend Tacoma School of the Arts. Our home is not a typical looking home, it’s more like a large artist studio. Really. I’m not kidding. 🙂
Q. What are some of your favorite fashion media to read?
V Magazine, Italian Vogue and British Vogue are where I gather the most inspiration from. InStyle, Teen Vogue, etc. are also seen around my house also from time to time. I read the Watchtower and Awake articles.
The book I’m involved in now is “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brene’ Brown, Ph.D., L.M.S.W.
Q. What are some of your favorite places to shop?
Goodwill, Estate Sales are my main interest but of course walking the mall or browsing Target with my daughter, Mercedes, is a favorite of mine as well.
Q. What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion to me is not based on the present “norm” or trend and shouldn’t be a burden or constant budget breaker. It shouldn’t add stress financially or emotionally, it should be enjoyable and easy. It’s a lifestyle that’s reasonable.
Q. How would you define your personal style?
Eclectic. Ive been know to enjoy the style reflected in most eras: Mainly 20’s to current.
Q. How would you define your city’s fashion?
Open. There is a good amount of variety here in Downtown Tacoma.
Q. When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?
I knew I wanted to be involved in the Industry from an early age, however its just been in the past 7 years or so that I’ve been recognized as a Designer.
Q. How long have you worked or studied as a designer?
It’s been about 7 years for Clothing and Accessory Design and over 15 years for Painting, Interior Design and Makeup Artistry.
Q. What are some of your accomplishments as a designer?
First and foremost, instilling into my children a love for the Arts and that being creative and unique is a blast! I would also say being a featured designer here and there for the runways in Seattle, and having my designs admired and purchased from many fans over seas, particularly in the UK.
Q. Do you consider yourself an artist?
Without a doubt! In fact I think most are..they just haven’t discovered it yet!
Q. What matters to you most as a fashion designer?
The way my designs make others feel and being unique; Knowing that my customers are confident that they’ve invested in a real piece of Art.
Q. What are some of your fashion goals?
Of course I want to continue to promote my brand and get our name out there. The Tacoma and Seattle Fashion scene has been very supportive! The fashion events Stevie Madrone Design have been a part of have been wonderful experiences and lovely connections have been made.
We are just now dabbling in the Home Decor medium. Our goal is to reach out to other Interior Designers and mesh our two worlds to create unique items for the home.
Q. Where do you get your inspiration?
Nature! All of the color schemes and shapes used in creating and designing have already been displayed and created in our beautiful earth. Its fun and inspiring trying to immolate this.
Of course a few Fashion magazines over a hot cup of coffee helps with inspiration as well. Lots of good energy goes into my designs–If I don’t feel it, you wont either!
Q. Who are some of your favorite designers?
Rodarte for sure! Givenchy, Anna Sui, Betsey Johnson, the list goes on and on. I’m a sucker for Irregular Choice footwear! I also appreciate the more classic lines of Calvin Klein and Nine West footwear.
Q. How would you define the style your line exemplifies?
Oh this is hard to say. I use many, many mediums and ingredient’s in my designs.
I do tend to create more Bohemian or Egyptian Revival Designs. Lots of metal spikes, textiles (love tapestry or vintage brocade), feathers, metallic leathers, acrylics and precious metals and gems. Up-cycling is important with most materials used.
Q. How long does it usually take you to construct a piece?
It depends. If its a hand-painted gown or custom studded jacket or swing/opera coat, the process from start to finish can take about 6 weeks. If it’s a simple embellishing of a lovely piece of vintage it can run from 4-10 days. Jewelry statement pieces and hair fascinators take from 1-4 days.
Q. Describe the general process you go through to design and realize a piece of clothing or an accessory.
The process usually starts by browsing vintage or second-hand stores or markets. Once I find a piece that I cannot put down, the process of making the piece unique and Stevie Madrone Design-worthy begins.
Q. What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing or accessory?
The materials used and the way they are constructed on the piece.
Q. Where do you buy your fabrics and other materials?
Vintage markets, second hand stores and estate sales. I’m always on the hunt! Of course Joann’s and Michael’s Craft Store can help too.
Q. What’s your favorite part about conceptualizing a design?
Envisioning the end result being unique and one of a kind.
Q. Do you prefer sketching designs or actually constructing them?
Even though I love to draw and sketch, I prefer to go forward with the actual construction of the piece.
Q. What do you like best about designing clothes and accessories?
Of course seeing the end result. Also seeing the potential of a discarded article of clothing. It’s pretty gratifying to take a vintage piece that no longer has any use or value to it’s previous owner and then make something so divine and luscious that others cant wait to try on and wear it. That’s what I love best.
Q. What do you dislike about designing clothes or accessories?
When I spill paint all over a design that is almost complete…
Q. What other experience do you have in the fashion industry?
I have had the pleasure of styling fashion shows and events with my jewelry and accessory line. I am a National Makeup Artist. I studied under NARS International’s MUA Uzo.
When I’m working I tend to be a creative control freak because I have experience in styling makeup, photography and design. I see the vision almost instantly and am eager to make that vision or concept come to fruition.
Q. What are your favorite colors to work with and why?
I adore the whole color palette! However I am simply mad over rich berries, purples and metallics.
Q. What are your favorite fabrics to work with and why?
Highly textured damasks, tapestry and brocades as well as vibrant vivids and leathers.
Q. What are your favorite prints to work with?
I used to really love working with animal print however lately I’ve been working with saturated floral prints.
Q. What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers?
There is a reason why you’ve shown an interest in design. Be Unique! If you have a fiery passion, others will feel that threw your designs. Let your work show the essence of what you find beautiful, what YOU want to offer the world.
Never base the value of your work on another person’s opinion and never underestimate the impact your designs can have on the buyer. Don’t give up!
Q. Where can readers find out more about you and your work?
Q. Where can readers buy your clothing and accessories?
The Stevie Madrone Design Website and on Etsy .
Custom requests are always welcomed! Drop me a line via email: steviemadronedesign@hotmail.com
The Daily Catwalk 
Great article, thanks for posting! Just so you know, the Website and Etsy links don’t work.
You’re welcome. The links have been fixed. Apparently WP was having “issues”. Should be fine now. 😉
Loved the article. People like her inspire all of us inner artist to come out and shine! I have seen her one of a kind art firsthand and have become a huge fan!! Keep on inspiring us all and anxiously await your future creations.
Thanks! Yes she is very inspiring. Thanks for being a fan and following her here to comment. 🙂