We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laura Howe. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laura below.
Laura, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I come from a family that believes in the importance of honing a craft and sharing it with others. My English grandmother was a seamstress and meticulous dresser and had a profound influence upon me. After many years, I’ve grown into a clothing designer, art patron and entrepreneur. I believe strongly in the holistic benefit of making dresses, and all types of clothing, within our community – by the people, for the people.
My mother mainly brought me up on her own and during the entire time I was growing up she had a full-time job AND pursed her many college degrees: getting 3 Masters and a PhD. I watched her day after day put food on the table and go to work, take me to sports practices, pursue her education, and keep our house in meticulous order.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I grew up in Ohio and came to LA in 1985. I went to USC and got a bachelor’s in Fine Arts. I had my first solo show right out of college and spent several years pursuing a fine arts career. I worked as a fabricator, welder, carpenter, painter, and worked in many galleries and museums. I was also in two bands: Two Much Girl and Der Splatzen during the 90’s. The downtown and Silverlake arts scene was incredibly vibrant and an exciting place to be.
During all this time, I slowly got obsessed with clothing design and fabrication. I made pieces and sold in several small boutiques in the neighborhood, before becoming involved with Matrushka Construction in 2002. On a budget of nothing, we renovated a small space within the food storage area of Millie’s Cafe and embarked on creating unique bespoke clothing for the next 21 years. We had events in the early days to gain attention and one of the most successful were our T-Shirt Nights.
On T-Shirt Nights, we would take orders similar to the fast food concept and proceeded to make 100 t-shirts in one night! We would get many volunteers, some of whom are local famous musicians from the Silversun Pickups and Denque Fever, and many other amazing artists. These events turned into great dance parties as well.
One idea I have always believed in is being closely involved in the community. I think my designs are informed as much by my clients as by inspiration in fashion. I see people everyday trying on my clothes, so I have been able to really work on getting great fits that work on all body types. I can design and alter pieces that fit anyone. I also love looking for good fabrics. We are so lucky to be in a city with one of the biggest fabric districts in the country. I usually go downtown looking for fabric 2 or 3 times a week. I compare it to a chef who wants to get the best produce from the market before it is gone. It is very exciting to score great fabric and get back to the shop and create new pieces.
We even make our own shopping bags out of the scrap fabric and print out own labels for the garments. I have also a passion for the environment and wildlife. I love creating and collaborating with other artists for images to put on our garments. I have always done our own silk screening for t-shirts and jackets, dresses, etc. I do all of it on site, and every piece ordered on the website is silkscreened and made personally by me. I think I have sewn close to 20,000 t-shirts over the years.
What is unique about Matrushka is that we do everything, I mean everything, ourselves and it has worked. I wish more people would believe in what can be done in business in their own community, and not out source to big factories.
I have been starting to travel more, going to the Pacific Northwest doing popups. Recently, I have been in Seattle on a regular basis. I really like the outdoors, and the Cascade Mountains are an enticing lure. I have plans to take over a store front for an extended period of time and do more popups around the country. If anyone is interested in hosting Matrushka for a live handmade experience, please contact me. I am also having a 22-year anniversary group art exhibit entitled “Size is Relative”. It will be featuring about 30 artists who have exhibited at Matrushka through the years. Come visit us and have your own Matrushka experience on March 23rd!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I think qualities that are very important are: stubborn determination, insane work ethic, and the ability to pivot in directions you might not have anticipated. It’s important to know that it’s going to take work, real work, non-stop work to really make it. And with the patience to continue on and the willingness to try new things, good things will happen, sometimes when you least expect it. You’ve got to just keep trying and experimenting and believing in your work. Even when you don’t have enough money, you can make some of the most interesting and inspiring art by having to work with what you have available.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am looking for other young designers who might want the opportunity to run a store front, are committed to working hard and sharing in the responsibilities, as well as having the opportunity to sell and exhibit their creations to a wide and new audience. I have a lot of experience, and I welcome collaborating with others who have hip and new ways of thinking and seeing the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: Matrushka.com
- Instagram: Matrushkastyle
- Facebook: Matrushka Construction
- Linkedin: Matrushka Construction
- Twitter: Matrusskastyle
- Yelp: Matrushka Construction
- Other: Pinterest: Matrushka Construction
Image Credits
Marc Luckea
