Martha Jackson has always loved clothes and accessories. After years of providing direction and design for top brands, Jackson started her own business Restored by Design, where she creates or transforms apparel using authentic fabrics such as cotton, silk, or wool, and then adds details resulting in unique pieces. This is in line with the Slow Fashion movement, where fewer quality items take the place of owning a closetful of trendy clothes. Recently Jackson closed her retail studio to concentrate on bespoke dressmaking, teaching classes, and building her own collections, all from a cozy studio in Narragansett.
What is the best part of making a custom garment for someone?
My favorite part of the [Made for You] process is working with a client to create a piece they love, helping them choose the elements they want to use, such as type of fabric and style, and shape to flatter. A lot of times someone has a treasured piece of fabric they want to incorporate, so I love to listen to their needs and look at the fabric and add design elements that enhance it with embellishments and details, such as trim. Sometimes they have a favorite dress they want to copy. My client is an integral part of the process.
When did you become aware/part of the Slow Fashion movement?
I have been aware of the Slow Fashion movement for nearly four years, thanks to a RISD presentation showing a film called The True Cost. I was already repurposing and “being green” thanks to a book I read about twelve years ago called Green is the New Black. This enhanced my sense of purpose since I was now aware of a global movement as passionate as me about taking responsibility for making this a better planet.
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