Wee threads
After her twin nieces were born, Atlanta’s Laura Moylan Hamilton was inspired to create a colorful collection of modern children’s clothing.
The company: Emerald August was founded in Atlanta in 2011 and delivered its first collection the next year. Over the past five years, the company has grown from a small Southern children's clothing company into a national brand with its own flagship pop-up shop in Atlanta.
The name: Emerald (green and eco-friendly) since the clothing is designed and sewn in Atlanta. August is Hamilton's birth month.
Designer and background: An Alabama native, Hamilton grew up in Birmingham and studied business marketing at the University of Colorado at Boulder. After teaching business English in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for several years, she moved to Atlanta and studied fashion design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Atlanta.
What's popular: Jennie flutter sleeve tunic top ($48); Michelle tunic dress ($64); and the fabric beaded necklace ($16).
Other favorites: Lesley dress ($52) and the Eleanor baby dress and diaper cover set ($66).
Big break: Designing exclusive collections for several retail partners, including diapers.com.
Where to buy: www.emeraldaugust.com. In Atlanta, at the Emerald August pop-up shop, 56 E. Andrews Drive, Suite 4, in Buckhead. Also the Seed Factory, 1100 Howell Mill Road in the Westside Design District.
Bow ties with a twist
Virginia-based SwitchWood makes interchangeable wooden bow ties that are both innovative and elegantly edgy.
The company: SwitchWood was founded in 2013 in Fort Belvoir in northern Virginia by Drew Storm Graham, who is helped by his longtime friend and colleague Sergio Villarroel.
Designer and background: Born in Virginia, Graham grew up in a military family and moved frequently. He studied fine art at Florida's Stetson University, where his focus was on design and the basics of woodworking to create sculptural wall reliefs.
Best-sellers: In silk, popular choices are the Apollo, Monroe and Rook. In the cotton fabrics, the Clark and Bordeaux are top picks. Single bow ties are $65. Box sets, which come with one knot and two pairs of wooden wings, are $85.
Other favorites: Monogrammed cuff links ($45).
Big break: Working with major museums, such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and companies, including Wine Enthusiast and Uncommon Goods.
Fun requests: Outfitting several wedding parties. Can custom-etch names and dates on bow ties for the groom and groomsmen.
Where to buy: www.switchwood.com. In Atlanta, buy SwitchWood products at the American Craft Council Show (Booth 512) in Atlanta at the Cobb Galleria Centre March 11-13.
Second-life bags
In North Carolina, Corey Dergazarian uses new and vintage fabrics, reclaimed fabrics and repurposed clothing for her smart, hand-crafted bags.
Designer and background: Originally from a Detroit suburb, she has lived in many places, including Chicago, France, England and Scotland. She studied retailing and business at Michigan State and worked in product development in New York, where she started selling her products before moving to North Carolina.
The company: Sans Map began in 2009 in Brooklyn. It is now based in Charlotte, where the handbags are designed, cut and sewn.
The name: Sans Map is the combination of the French word "without" and the English word "map." Sans Map is her philosophy: Living life as it comes, taking the uncharted path and embracing the unexpected. Living life without a map …
What's popular: Elodie Clutch ($86); Chloe Messenger Bag ($168-$184); and the Lucie Leather Wallet ($68).
Other favorites: Dopp/Toiletry Bag ($64) and Celine Crossbody ($114).
Details make a difference: She incorporates original stitching and seams, pockets, and natural leather imperfections into her work, which add to the unique quality of the bags.
Where to buy: www.sansmap.com
About the Author
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