Multidisciplinary art studio? Creative wizard?
Meet Emily, the driving force behind Studio Astriferous.
Emily has been creating since she was able to pick up a chunky crayon and glue fabric together to make doll clothes. She went on to train in couture bridal, graduate the Fashion Institute of Technology's fashion design program, and work in the industry for a few years while refining her own skills.
These days, she has a reputation for bringing dreams to life, pulling from a unique mix of experiences and interests ranging from product design to printmaking, fantasy storytelling to historical sewing and more. Her gowns aren't just made, they're engineered using lost techniques and creative solutions for a perfect fit. Not only are these looks entirely custom, they almost always have a transformable aspect, like an overskirt or detachable sleeves built into the original design. Textures, colors, patterns, and embellishments come together in unexpected ways for one of a kind pieces of wearable art.
Our Creative Process
All fully custom projects begin the same way.
The Sketch
Meet with our designer in person to work out the specifics of your project. Discuss silhouette, color, and details, and look at fabric swatches to finalize decisions. This is where a timeline is put together, fittings are scheduled, and initial measurements are taken.
The Fittings
Most custom projects require 2-3 appointments to refine and perfect the fit and review details before a piece is finished, including embellishments and hems. Fit alterations made during these appointments are included in the price of your piece.
The Fine Print
A 6 month minimum lead time and a 60% nonrefundable deposit is required to begin production on all custom gowns. Additional alterations post pickup will be charged as a separate project. Extensive design changes may require a new contract.
See something you like, but want it your way? We offer semi- custom options as well.
The Original
Contact us with the style and size of the piece you'd like to customize, along with your vision. Standard options include: color, fabric, seam details, trims, pockets, size, and length.
The Changes
Work with our team to finalize your customizations. Approve your fabrics and trims, and review any other details. For requests including custom sizing, an in-person fitting may be requested.
The Fine Print
Higher levels of customization will require a minimum of a 4 week lead time for all projects. A 60% nonrefundable deposit is required to begin production. Custom projects are nonreturnable, so please be sure of your choices while ordering.
Our Philosophies
Individuality
All designs offered by Studio Astriferous are our own creations. We will not make a copy of something available from another brand.
Custom projects are not able to be re-made because the original order was for something unique to the original client's ideas.
Future clients may use previous custom work as an inspiration while working on their own designs. This includes bridal, wedding, special occasion, and costuming/garb projects.
Sustainability
We make every effort to source vintage textiles, industry deadstock, and secondhand materials in order to reduce the strain being put on the planet by fast fashion. This means that fabrics and trims used are incredibly limited in quantity and may not be suitable for all applications.
When it comes to materials that need to be purchased new, we take care to use the material as completely as possible through secondary product offerings like our patchwork accessories, scrunchies, and iron-on patches.
When we are unable to repurpose a material, we donate it to an amazing local volunteer who uses our scraps to make beds for rescued foster cats.
Going even further, we do our best to rescue perfectly good clothing from the waste stream through our wearable art offerings and printing workshops. Giving existing garments a new life keeps them from rotting in a landfill and polluting the planet, or cluttering the used clothing markets that ruin local economies in developing countries.
Community
We believe that a rising tide lifts all ships, and work to promote partnerships with other small businesses in our area. Any recommendations or referrals we give out clients are grounded in positive personal experiences. Find our network here.
Transparency
We source all our base garments for printed wearable art through secondhand channels. This means that supplies are limited and dependent on what we find, and not all sizes will be available at all times. This does not reflect a preference for a particular size or style.
Our pricing is structured to provide a fair living wage to studio employees. Studio Astriferous regularly donates labor, materials, and funds to a local 503(c) charity providing monthly collaborative storytelling workshops for folks of all ages and walks of life to explore creative expression in a safe environment.
Respect
Studio Astriferous is a safe space in all locations, whether it is our studio workshop or a vendor booth display. There is a zero tolerance policy for hateful, hurtful, or disrespectful language/ actions. We reserve the right to void contracts, retain all applicable nonrefundable deposits, and permanently remove individuals from the premises if they are abusive towards our staff or other clients.
We do not believe in allowing any space to exist where hate can take root and negatively impact communities deserving of respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
