Omaha Fashion Week is kicking off another season August 20-25, and we are thrilled to share more about our amazing lineup of designers!
Elements of outer space comes into a new dimension in this children's wear collection by Claire Thomas-Morgan of Vivi Design Studio. Feature prints of planets and stars are brought to life through bright colors, and crescent design details.
How did you get into fashion? Share a little about your background.
I started out doing a summer program at Parsons, and then transferred to Washington University in St. Louis to complete my BFA in fashion design. I also have a MFA in Fashion Merchandising from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. I started out as an associate designer and buyer for a small women's wear company, where I helped launch and mange the in-house knitwear line. I have been teaching in the WashU fashion department for about 9 years and launched Vivi in 2014.
Current looks from Vivi's Spring Collection.
Describe your brand and the point of view you wish to convey.
Vivi is an American made children’s clothing line that focuses on modernized classics. Our silhouette inspiration comes from vintage 50-60s children’s wear, which we then bring up to date with inique touches, such as asymmetrical details and fresh, fun prints. Our clothes are made of 100% shirting cotton, which is soft, washed well, and looks put together. Vivi is a brand that offers clothing that children want to wear because they are comfy and fun. Mom approves too because the clothing looks chic at a great price point!
What are your personal goals, or goals for your brand?
I would love to get into wholesale and find a local production team to help accommodate growing pains.
Describe your favorite project(s) that you have worked on.
I really love my past spring collection, which uses an untraditional take on a honey print. I love the colors and easy to wear silhouettes. The bee and vintage gem embellishment on the wrap dress is one of my favorite touches, and I love our one-shouldered dress.
Inspiration board for Vivi Fall 2018.
Describe the collection you are creating.
I will be showing my fall collection, which is centered around an amazing novelty solar system print. It has great colors for fall, quirky touches, and is perfect for children’s wear. This collection includes dresses and separates for girls, as well as specialty holiday looks for girls and boys.
Where did you find inspiration for your new collection?
My daughter (Lyra, 5) is my muse. She has been really into space recently with the American Girl of the Year, Star Wars, and Wrinkle in Time, etc. It has always inspired me, and I'm glad it is something we can share together. I'm constantly sketching design ideas, which I then culminate and edit once I find the perfect fabric story.
What customer are you designing for?
I design for kid’s sizes 2T-10, who desire unique, fun, and comfortable clothing. The designs come across as put together and sophisticated, yet are still exciting and kid-friendly. Most of my customers would be from the Midwest.
Sketches for Vivi Fall 2018.
What sort of design elements can we expect from you this season? What materials, colors, shapes, or patterns will you be using?
I really love asymmetrical details, which are incorporated in this collection through wrap elements and print mixing. Using the solar system as inspiration, there are crescent shaped seam lines, plus lively ruffle details.
In what ways is this collection similar or different than your past work?
I’m sticking with tried and true shirting cottons and print mixing, as well as modernized classic silhouettes. This collection will be an expanded offering of styles and sizing. I’ve traditionally done 4-6 looks in the past, but this collection has 9 looks and will go up to a size 10.
To learn more about Claire and her work, visit her website and follow along on Facebook and Instagram as she continues to prepare for the runway! And be sure to grab tickets to Omaha Fashion Week August 20th-25th!