"As long as it’s cute and in good condition, it
doesn’t matter who the maker is or the era the garment is from." Such is
the philosophy of Our Lady in Pink, owner Anna Lange, which
has lead to the Pretty Parlor’s raucous reputation as the place "Where
Audrey Hepburn Meets Judy Jetson." And no sir, though it’s
awash is rosy hues, the Pretty Parlor is not just a pretty face. We’ve
got a super selection for the discriminating gentleman entitled "MANLAND",
including vintage suits, cowboy boots and shirts John Wayne would kill for.
Lest you think the younger set has been neglected, we also offer a mini-coloring
table featuring Fashion Plates. Alongside the vintage
marvels and distinctive couture, you’ll also find fabulous fashions
and accessories by our talented, beloved Indie Designers (scroll
down :)
by
Anna Lange
Pretty Parlor’s own fully sustainable label, House of Pretty Parlor,
was founded in 2005 by owner Anna Lange, better known as Anna Banana. Anna was
recently a featured artist on Verve
hosted by Nancy
Guppy on the Seattle Channel. Watch
Anna Banana on youtube! Along side her talented tailor mother Barb, the
duo re-furbish and re-fashion vintage garments to give them new life. Using
recycled retro fabrics and patterns, Anna and Barb create adorable and wearable
works of art that flatter the female form and attract constant compliments.
Our inspirations include fashion from the 1960’s and 1970’s, Pucci-style
colors and patterns, Audrey Hepburn and Doris Day movies, Betsey Johnson, Brady
Bunch, British Vogue, Harijuko girls, ribbons, lace, fabulous fabric and grandma’s
closet.
“Since I was a child, I always had nightmares about where garbage and
unwanted stuff goes,” passionately remarks Anna. “It’s very
important to me, and to the environment, that we re-use and re-invent old garments
instead of producing more and more. I am thankful this economy slump has encouraged
others to think like me and take action.”
After graduating with a design degree from Montana State in 1996, Anna traveled
through Western Europe, drove across the United States, lived in New York City
and became an Art Director for Nordstrom in downtown Seattle before venturing
out on her own to start Pretty Parlor in 2001. She feels so fortunate to finally
be living out her dream seven years later!
by
Angela Holstrom
Angela Holstrom is the designer and creator of Frankie Four, formerly Angel
Eyes Designs. When you enter her Seattle home sewing studio, her love for all
things vintage and colorful is obvious. Unique stretch fabrics, 60's-70's muumuus
and vintage-inspired tie fabrics are strewn about, to be picked for one of her
hand-sewn designs. Frankie Four has expanded from neckties into a growing line
of vintage-inspired women's shirts, dresses and men's and women's bathing suits.
For her women's line, Angela re-purposes vintage stretch fabrics to create flattering,
retro swimsuits and feminine dresses and tops. It's important to her that people
feel confident in her clothing, which is why she is always willing to modify
her designs to fit every lady. Angela continues to make new designs, each more
refined and original than the last.
Frankie Four Ties represent the future of casual to semi-formal
neckties. Whether at a show, club or office, Angel Eyes ties have stunning one-of-a-kind
bold designs never seen before around the neck or around town. In February 2011,
Angela introduced men's bathing suit trunks into her line. From men's ties to
dresses, tops, and bathing suits Frankie Four has something unique for everyone.

by Gunlis Alainentalo
My name is Gunlis Alainentalo and I have a passion for vintage slips. My fascination
and curiosity with slips started at a very young age. I remember my mother's
delicate slips as something very feminine and beautiful. My love and admiration
for my mother as a child and the longing to wear those glamorous garments gave
me the inspiration to create my own unique palette of slips.
I grew up in Sweden. Shopping for vintage 40's and 50's clothing was one of
my passions back then. The old part of the Stockholm had quaint boutiques with
everything a girl could want. I remember looking at all the unique garments
which left a lasting impression in my mind. I wondered who had owned and cared
for these beautiful slips. In my imagination they must have been loved and treasured
by the most beautiful women through the years.
by Jamie Stratton
My name is Jamie Stratton and I am a performer, costumer, fashion designer
and stylist. People know me as Lucky Penny, Honey D. Luxe, and my former design
name, Agent - X. I create a variety of items, hand bags, aprons, vintage inspired
dresses, skirts, tops, silk-screened tees and tote bags. These items are one-of-a-kind,
and choices changes frequently. I'm a big fan of vintage flight attendant fashion
and lifestyle. I've made quite a few inspired uniforms, a few of which have
been worn on flights. It surely makes for entertaining travel!
I make lots of costumes. LOTS. I've been honored to have performed on some of
Seattle's finest stages, as well as delighting audiences in China, Portugal,
Ireland, and Germany both as a soloist and as one of The Atomic Bombshells.
I'm fortunate that everything I do for a living is also what I enjoy most in
my life. I'm very grateful for that.
by
Angelica Gehm
My name is Angelica Gehm and I’ve been designing clothing for the past
seven years. I studied at the Art Institute of Seattle in the Apparel Design
program. I fell in love with all the independent boutiques here and knew I wanted
to be a part of the DIY scene right away. I aim to create clothing that is unique,
comfortable, and beautiful. Inspiring to me are amazing vintage fashions, gothic
art, and the shape of a REAL woman. I also work here at the Pretty Parlor with
Anna Banana!
A lot of my line incorporates recycled fabrics, however I am open to using newer
fabrics as well. I'm especially excited about the sweatshirts I'm re-making
with wool hoods and cuffs. The hats a make from scratch have a short brim and
a hint of sophisticated jazz. My sexy pencil skirts are adorned with little
birds and screen prints.
by Malia Yuk Eng
My name is Malia and I am originally a language nerd. After years of study,
I became fluent in Mandarin Chinese. I reasoned that if my brain could learn
Chinese, it could certainly learn how to sew! It has been a few years now, and
I am as happy as a clam running all aspects of my line, Lady Konnyaku.
I have found that stylish, Japanese street clothing available over the internet
is only available in mini-tiny sizes and is of poor quality. My mission is to
make eye catching, well-fitting, solid-quality clothing available to ladies
who not only wear size S, but also M, L and XL. There is also something to be
said about super cool vintage fabric, and I love a unique print or use of color.
I design my patterns to maximize the preservation of worthy finds, as many are
found only once and in small yardage. The majority of my designs are one-of-a-kind
for this reason. I make all of my patterns from scratch, sew every stitch, and
cut every yard of fabric. My inspiration draws mostly from crazy Japanese street
fashion, Mod fashions, vintage fabrics, humor, children's clothing, old-lady
clothes, Hawaii, Kung-fu movies, Takuya Angel, video games, little big girls,
reggae, skaters, haute couture, punk, dnb, ravers, Beijing, san-x and psychedelia.
by Tara Smith
My name is Tara Smith and I am the one-person show that is Revival Ink. I have
a Bachelor's degree in graphic design from Cornish College of the Arts, and
I have been a practicing designer in the Seattle area for over four years. My
design background gives me a unique perspective on fashion, and has born my
desire to share my ideas with the world, in the form of wearable art. My basement
is the magical place where my creations are born of sweat and ink. I strongly
believe in making clothing that leaves the smallest footprint on the environment
as possible. That is why I use a hand–powered screen press, all natural
solvents, and non-toxic, water-based inks in my printing process.
Revival Ink's mission is to provide unique, hand-printed apparel, crafted in
a sustainable manner. Revival Ink exists as a refreshing alternative to the
everyday items found at the shopping mall. Our clothing features bamboo and
organic cotton fabrics that are so soft, you can’t stop touching them.
Original illustrations highlight the shape and cut of each garment, including
prints on the hood, sleeves, and pockets: to surprise and intrigue. Each print
is pulled by hand, and no two are alike. Support local artists, love our earth,
and look very stylish while doing it. Let the revival begin!
by Ruthie Nicklaus
My name is Ruthie Nicklaus and I am a fashion designer and artist. I’ve
been observing my surroundings and making creations out of combined materials
for almost as long as I’ve been in the world. I began working with fabric
as an artistic medium when I was in school, making interactive “rooms”
with fabric walls and softly stitched interiors. I worked at a tailoring shop
after graduating to really hone my sewing skills, and fell even more in love
with textiles and making clothing. I realized that designing and creating clothing
and costumes satisfied my desire for my work to be practical, personal, part
performance, and completely interactive and collaborative.
I love fashion best when it’s fun, functional, comfortable and adorable.
I’m always looking and lusting for those pieces that you can wear all
year, all of the time and always feel feisty and wonderful in them. That’s
why I call my line "Ruthie’s Uniform." I strive to make clothes
that last and can be worn often. My latest collection of clothing consists of
high waisted flared skirts, little belled sleeve jackets and sweaters and hats
reminiscent of the cloche of the 1920’s and 30’s. Classic vintage,
flattering, tailored looks, old-fashioned buttons and trims, and cute, quality
fabrics always inspire me.
by Sam Trout
Sam Trout has been an active participant in and advocate of Seattle’s
emerging independent art scene for more than eight years. Originally from Anchorage,
AK, Sam’s small-town sensibilities bring a vibrant, community-oriented
personality to the welcoming Pacific Northwest.
In 2002, Sam invigorated the Seattle design, crafting and DIY scene by co-curating
I Heart Rummage, one of the country’s first urban craft and functioning
art events. The longest running of its kind, it served as inspiration for similar
community events around the country, including Crafty Wonderland in Portland,
Oregon and Stitch Austin out of Texas. Sam has produced art shows, freelance
in illustration and graphic design, and, is currently focused on clothing design
and production. His personal priority continues to be promoting a comfortable,
social atmosphere that allows artists, crafters and designers of all levels
to interact and learn from one another, as well as add a positive and proud
presence in the surrounding community.
by Annie Huntley
Annie Huntley, the artist behind Dotted Line, has been creating
her line of colorful and globally inspired jewelry for the past decade. In combining
hammered metal design with high quality semi-precious stones and found treasures
from Europe and the Middle East, she strives to create a collection that is
unique and wearable.
“I'm inspired by old carved wooden frames, and the filigree on iron gates.
I love things that have history; listening to the stories of how a pocket watch
or a ring was passed down through the generations, father to son, mother to
daughter. I love things that are hand made, with time and care.”
Paying utmost attention to color and form, her pieces often incorporate delicate
and subtle details that require a second glance. While she’s not out traveling
for materials and inspiration, Annie works from her studio in Seattle, Washington.
by Jesse
Beans
Jessie S. is the super-girl with an inexhaustible creative
energy behind Jessie Beans Handmade Accessories. Her super-power? Lovingly applying
sparkles & color into wearable art. Her slogan says it all: “Whimsy
goes with everything!”
Rewind to 'lil Beans at age 4, adorning her Barbie dolls in flowers & stickers.
Jessie quickly graduated to the world of fabrics, beads and paint - all of which
sparked her lifelong obsession with design. She loves working vintage components
into her art - each with its own unique history- giving a personal story to
each piece. Her designs have sold all over the world including fashion capitals
such as Paris & London.
Jessie also loves music! She fronts her own band, Velvet Doll, and on week-ends
she DJ's at local art events and teaches screen printing & textile painting
classes at Pacific Fabrics. If that's not enough, she somehow finds time to
study business management at WSU and has a full time job working with developmentally
disabled adults. A super-girl indeed!
HANDFUL OF YES by Iva Handful & Miss Elaine Yes
We are Iva Handfull and Miss Elaine Yes, two talented Seattle burlesque
artists with eleven shared years of experience performing and creating fabulous
costumes for the stage. Our natural affinity for all things sparkly prompted
us to begin making beautifully rhinestoned ties as gifts for friends two years
ago, and as a result, we frequently found ourselves surrounded by sharp-dressed
men. What could be better?
Inspired by shine, we started Haute Under the Collar, a line of dramatic neckties
for men and women alike. We start with the most attractive new and quality vintage
ties available and add our own personal touch, with the finished product being
an irresistible piece of wearable art. This "Handful of Yes" would
love to contribute some of our sparkle to your world and get you Haute Under
the Collar, too!
~~~