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Lindsey Reif is a self-taught seamstress and designer living in Portland, Oregon.  She took up sewing as a hobby after migrating to Oregon from the midwest.  Her first projects were one-offs, made from tablecloths, curtains, or whatever she could find at thrift stores. Reif clothing will spend more time on shoulders and hips than in closets.

Meet Darling Lindsay Reif

Darlings: Where did you grow up, and what drew you to Portland, Oregon?
I am originally from Deadwood, South Dakota.  I moved to Portland in 2002 right after graduating from high school.  Even though growing up in the midwest is a huge part of who I am, I always knew I was meant to live in the city.  Portland is a good size city – big enough for there to be fun things to do – and small enough to not be overwhelming.  I was attracted to Portland’s natural beauty and proximity to nature.  The Oregon Coast is an hour on one side and Mt. Hood an hour on the other.

Birthday Romper, $175

Darlings: Any favorite places we shouldn’t miss when we finally get to visit?
Oh-my-gosh, so many!  I love to eat and there are so many amazing restaurants here.  Also, coffee here is unparalleled. You should check out the Ace Hotel in downtown Portland and Stumptown Coffee. There’s great shopping, too.  Frances May and Frank James are two of my favorite boutiques.  Life is good here.

Darlings: You’re self taught…when did you start sewing, and did you have any mentors along the way?
I am self taught.  I started sewing when I was 18, and I guess it just came really natural for me.  I learned by following patterns – I have a really methodical brain so I always learn things the best by following instructions.  My grandmother was a huge inspiration for me when I first started sewing.  She is a really talented seamstress – her quilts are amazing!  As far as designing clothes goes, I started by taking apart things I’d find at thrift stores and from there I figured out my point of view.  I took a pattern making class at the community college and taught myself grading.  It’s been a huge learning curve from the beginning – every collection my skills get stronger.

Obi Shawl, $90

Darlings: When did you start your own line?
I started my line in 2008 and am about to release my sixth collection for Spring ‘11.

Darlings: If you’re studio walls could talk, what would they say?
They would probably wonder where I’ve been the past week.  Ha!  They would probably say “don’t procrastinate so much.”

Johannes Tee, $72

Darlings: Portland seems like an amazing creative community to be a part of.  Where do you find the most support and resources?
Portland most definitely has an amazing creative community, and that’s where I find the most support and resources.  Through participating in local fashion shows and sales I’ve met a lot of really amazing designers who are always willing to share info and experiences.  Events like Content make me so happy to live here and be a part of the creative community.  There are so many talented designers here who are constantly blowing my mind.

Chevron Skirt, $130

Darlings: How do you market yourself and your label?
I market myself mostly on the internet. Facebook, Twitter, Etsy, etc. Blogging also helps too – people like to know that there is a real person behind the product.

Darlings: What does your average day entail? …and what is your favorite part?
My days are so sporadic because I also work part time at a coffee shop, so I don’t have a lot of full days to dedicate to my studio.  I like to spend a leisurely morning eating breakfast and drinking coffee, and I usually make it to my studio around 11 am.  Usually I’ll answer emails and procrastinate on the internet for a while, then it really depends.  Some days I’m busy doing production sewing, others pattern making and making samples.  My favorite part is making something that I’m really proud of.  There is no greater thrill for me.

Coming Soon Fall/Winter 2010, Marlene Dress

Darlings: What is your inspiration and mission for your clothing line?
I pull inspiration from so many avenues that its hard to pinpoint exactly one.  I have been an avid collector of vintage clothing my whole life, and I am really inspired by the attention to detail in vintage garments, particularly pre 1950’s, as well as the quality construction.  I want my customers to fall in love with the garment, wear it forever because it fits so well into the rest of their wardrobe, and to keep it and pass it down.  I’m trying to get away from “disposable” fashion, because if someone is going to pay a pretty penny for a designer garment, it should be able to be with them for a long time.  The worst thing for me would be to design pieces that are too trendy and just end up at resale shops the next season.

Fall/Winter 2010, Open Road Jacket, Astrid Dress

Darlings: Do you have any events/projects that you are getting ready for in the near future?
I’m planning on doing Content again in Portland, which is scheduled to happen in October.  I’m also hopefully participating in a couple of sales locally.  Things have been pretty low key lately.  Just plotting my next move, really.

Darlings: We love your boutique images, who do you work with on your lookbooks?
Thank you!  Well I’m really lucky to have super awesome friends who help me out with my photoshoots.  Fernando Cabrejos does my photography, and my BFF Clarity does hair and makeup for the shoots. I do all of the graphic design and set up for my lookbooks and other promotional materials.

Fall/Winter 2010, Katerina Blouse

Darlings: Tell us about something you l-o-v-e that you want others to know about.
Uh, well lately I’ve been obsessed with the show RuPaul’s Drag Race.  Its kind of a combination between Project Runway and America’s Next Top Model.  So good!

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