Coupled with my love of all-things-fashion, I’m fascinated with fabrics that are recycled into new, modern designs. Which is why I was elated to receive an email from designer Jen Sertl introducing her recycled vintage cashmere line Angelina Accoutrements.

Jen designs for women, using vintage cashmere as her main textile source. Everything is one-of-a-kind, as well as versatile and feminine. And, her creations fit petite woman just as beautifully as those over 5’4”.

How long have you been inspired to design with recycled fabrics?
Working with vintage cashmeres is something I truly love and enjoy every moment of. I hand-select each sweater based on quality (2-ply or more), style, and color. I find it invigorating to work with each vintage piece as each has inherent flaws to work around and with. It is a challenge I look forward to each time I pick one up. I incorporate Italian silk velvets, using embroidery and appliqués work.

What’s new in your studios? Do you have any new designs you would like to share with my readers?
New in my studio this season is my cashmere wrap, embellished with Italian silk velvet flowers, or plain and simple — which was my best seller this past season. They sold out at every trunk show. The best thing about them is their extreme versatility… they pair as easily with jeans and a tee, as they do with a skirt and boots. AND, the best discovery was how perfectly it suited a pregnant client of mine — it draped nicely over the belly and tied beneath it for a comfortable feel and look. She was thrilled to have an item of clothing that she could wear after the baby, too! They can also be worn in reverse and pinned with a vintage brooch.

New for this Fall — in addition to the ruffled edges of the cashmere, I have begun distressing it and then over-stitching those areas. Next, small neutral, hand-stitched seed beads nest themselves within and around the stitching. The look is subtle, and goes from day to night with a change of accessories.

What inspires you?
I was first inspired to work with recycled textiles out of necessity, though now from a larger sense of obligation. When I hand-select the cashmere and stumble upon beautiful designer pieces like Emanuel Ungaro, Michael Kors, etc., they might have one small hole or flaw, which, to some, seems irreparable. I love to give something a second life by working around it or cutting it up and starting over. I also like to incorporate the idea of a second life into the hang-tag by making a hand-written note that may say “I used to be boxy,” or for the beaded pieces, “In my next life, I am a Rockette!” It adds a little fun, and it lends itself nicely because coming up with a “style” name for each one-of-a-kind piece is nearly impossible.

Where is Angelina sold? Online and boutiques.
My designs are currently sold through private trunk shows, online, and local St. Louis/Chicago boutiques. This Fall, they will also be available at a boutique in Montana. Truly this year is the year of the big launch: of both the Website and getting out of my Midwest studio — Saint Louis.

What is your size range? Do you take special orders?
Sizes range from XS to XL. And, I do take special orders.

What else would you like to mention to my readers?
I also do A-line skirts which are mostly raw silk, or silk dupioni with hand-made, raw-edged silk ruffles — wrap-style, knee length, long opera length, and adjustable elastic waists.

This entry was posted on Monday, May 7th, 2007 at 8:24 pm and is filed under Designers, Interviews, Sweaters. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.