FACTION V10 now on the web for your enjoyment.

Open publication - Free publishing - More carman stalker

Inspiration from a Costume Designer

Some may wonder what it takes, and specifically how one gets successfully involved in the fashion industry? Faction Magazine recently had the pleasure of interviewing Erica Sword, the costume designer for Quixotic Fusion, who led us through her journey of experiences in fashion. Initially, Erica had the full intention of becoming a fiber artist after graduating from the Kansas City Art Institute with her BFA, but over time her work evolved into costume. Her next step was graduate school at UMKC in the theater department; after earning her masters she started teaching at the University of Central Missouri. While at UCM she met Daniel Parks, which led to her involvement with Quixotic Fusion. The pairing was a fantastic fit for both parties involved. Erica's interest in costuming for a circus complemented Quixotic's penchant for brilliant costume. Most individuals that work in costuming generally go the direction of television, opera, or theater. However, Erica always had the desire to "run away with the circus", which probably started when she had a summer experience with Feld Entertainment, the parent company to Ringling Brothers.

Erica's design inspiration comes mainly from nature, fashion history, and architecture. Continuing her career, Erica hopes to cement her affiliation as the resident costume designer for Quixotic into a full partnership. Expanding into the circus arts community is a huge opportunity to make fabulously beautiful costumes. Erica explains, "Many people might say I’m lucky to earn a living doing what I love to do and working in the arts, the truth is, in order to be truly successful you must be disciplined and work everyday to refine your chosen craft". She couldn't have said it any better!

Written by Amanda Fenimore

V6 Party and Holiday Market

Faction Magazine Volume 6 Release Party
Holiday Shopping Market Featuring Local Artists & Harvesters Food Drive

Wednesday December 15th from 6pm-9pm

Terrace on Grand, 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO 64108

Fashion Shows styled by Concrete Catwalk
6:30 ATC Clothing
7:30 We Are Tribe
8:30 Donna's Dress Shop

WearHaus Holiday Market Vendors:
APTRICKPHOTO
ATC Clothing
Bag & Baggage
Eclectic Niche
Fashion Group International
Inside Out
Last Tangle Salon
Laura Sterchi Design
Lusterbunny
Pilot Valve
Popgun Clothing
See{k} Design
SIKENOMICS Clothing
The Life Imagined
We Are Tribe
WM Couture

All Ages / Free Faction Magazine w/$5 Entry / Live Music/DJ

Donations & Raffles Benefiting Harvesters so Bring a Canned Food Item to Fight Hunger

A Chat with Susan Mayer of 74 Harley Street

Bio: Susan is a Kansas City based jewelry designer and busy mother to four boys. She repurposes beautiful or very unique (but old-fashioned or even partially damaged) vintage jewelry into modern, wearable pieces with a nostalgic soul. Her company, 74 Harley Street, was named for the address of her flat when she lived in London. Susan also does custom jewelry, updating family heirlooms, thrift-shop finds or creating personal pieces for brides. Her jewelry was featured in Faction Magazine Volume 5 in the editorial “Luxe Camping.” More information can be found at www.74harleystreet.com

Two of Susan's Vintage Skeleton Key necklaces, with sparkles and pearls, $65 each and a Rhinestone and Gold Flower hair clip, $16. From Faction Magazine Volume 5.

Faction Magazine: You have 4 boys, how do you even have time for a jewelry business?

Susan Mayer: Obviously, my days are too busy to sit and work, but when the house is quiet, usually after bedtime, I get out all of my goodies and get to work. It usually takes me a couple of hours of piddling around until the creative juices flow. I love it, so I enjoy the time (aka, the late nights) I spend on it.

FM: What are your inspirations for making your pieces?

SM: I get inspiration everywhere, especially out when I'm shopping for pieces. I see a piece and I either know right away what I want to do with it, or I hold onto it for months before it hits me. My mom's got a great eye and we collaborate a lot.

FM: Have you always had a passion for found objects/vintage pieces?

SM: I've always been sentimental about stuff in general; anything my family gave me, I kept and cherished. It's like these things have soul. And that's how I feel about these vintage jewelry pieces. They have a story, a history. They have soul and their wear shows it. I've always had a passion for jewelry, love the classic and statement pieces, but I try to stay outside of the trendy. The two (passions) have finally crossed paths, it's great!

FM: What area of work were you in before starting 74 Harley Street?

SM: My professional background was in marketing. It's what took me abroad to London. Since then, it's kids - 4 boys keep me very busy!

FM: I know you used to live in London, what did you do there?

SM: What didn't I do there? Jewelry...boy, if I did then what I do now, just imagine the goodies I could've picked up! I was living in Chicago and working at a marketing agency. I transferred to the London office. Lived at 74 Harley Street. After several years, I had my first son there and realized I wanted to be a full-time mom and move closer to family

FM: When did start 74 Harley Street and what goals do you have for your business?

SM: 74 Harley Street started several years ago as a creative endeavor on a different level. And then I took a break to be a mom. I felt like I had a point of view I could translate into jewelry and I love creating something that I can wear and enjoy! I've gotten a great response and that feeds my creativity. I'm currently in several boutiques in KC and I hope to continue to grow the business and expand regionally. Stay tuned!

FM: How would you describe your work to someone who has never seen it?

SM: I design jewelry with vintage pieces - I love to add my own voice to these gorgeous old pieces, most of which aren't necessarily fashionable now the way they were intended to be worn. I give them new life and make them fun to wear. Plus, my stuff works day to night...great with a tee and jeans or dressed up for a party or gala. So fun!

AND NOW THE CONTENT.

JUST A SAMPLE OF WHAT WENT DOWN. I CANT GIVE IT ALL AWAY. TO THOSE WHO BOUGHT A COPY, KEEP IT IN A SAFE PLACE.