FLocal Local Andi Nicole was able to sit down with designer Wendy Olendorf to gain insight on the 2017 Spring Collection that was recently showcased at Tampa Bay Fashion Week. Here is what she had to say:
Question: What was the inspiration for this line?
A: There isn’t just one inspiration for the line. “They’re all individuals. It’s hard for me to describe them as a collection.” Each garment is its’ own sculpted, living piece of art with their own personality. “To me it’s sculpture.”
Question: I love how they move on the runway. The large blue dress was stunning. The hemline that shapes the bottom of the dress is magnificent and unique. How did you get started in fashion design?
A: “I’m a lifelong fine artist, a painter. I went to school for architecture and interior design. I’m self-taught designer — fashion designer. I have no formal training whatsoever in sewing,” or putting pieces together.
Q: Do you only design couture and have you designed any notable looks that have graced the red carpet?
A: Yes, I mainly design couture. “The Mayor of Portland’s wife, Nancy Hales wore one of my custom design gowns to the 2016 Grammy Awards” when she escorted the president of the Oregon symphony to his Grammy nomination. “I’m also currently being commissioned by the owner of the Laemmle Family Theater chain in LA California to design a gown for Tisch Laemmle to ride her bike to the Oscars in. So it has to be bike friendly.”
Q: I see you were based in Portland. Congrats on winning Portland’s Best Emerging Designer in 2014 and People’s Choice Best Female Designer in 2015. What was the fashion industry like in Portland?
A: “It’s a very fashion driven city. We have multiple fashion shows that take place throughout the year. I have been fortunate enough to participate in a majority of them.” Many specialize in art and high fashion. FashionNXT http://fashionxt.com/ for example, is a four-day event that brings designers and other fashion industrialists from all over the world, including Project Runway. “All the designers know each other, there’s a lot of support and camaraderie. The people of Portland support local design. They don’t just go to view, they go to shop — right off the runway.” Overall the fashion industry in Portland isn’t just an industry, it’s a positive, tight knit community.
Q: How long have you been showing at TBFW?
A: “I’ve been here [in the Tampa Bay area] since May of this year, and this was my second time showing at TBFW.” (My father lives here and so did I before I moved to Portland about 8 years ago). “I doubt I’m going to leave anytime soon. I’m about to open a retail space in Gulfport November 1st.”
Q: That’s awesome! Where’s it located?
A: “It’s on Beach Boulevard South in Gulfport — a 20 second walk from my front door! A little retail space opened up so now I’m moving all my machines, mannequins and dresses out of the house and into their own space. It’s a cool little spot I’ve been painting and building out — it will have a Portland feel.”
The store is called ‘Olendorf Atelier.’ It opens November 1st. The address is 2914 1/2 Beach Blvd. South, Gulfport 33707. The FLocal Social Team will be there so feel free to join us! Check our website for more details at www.FLocalMagazine.com or http://www.wendyohlendorf.com/ #FLocalMagazine
