Today we’d like to introduce you to Alycia Anthony and Mabel Martinez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Together as creative partners, with a background in Fine Art and textile design, we started our business in 2012 with a goal to feature a variety of handmade fine goods. We wanted to explore our foundation in studio art and experiment with our love of traditional textiles. We began by offering hand dyed and screen printed original designs – everything from deadstock bamboo tops, scarves, and pillows to hand-built canvas wall hooks, totes, and stationary. Today, 3rd Season’s focus is primarily on fashion. We saw our fellow working women needed more options that were feminine yet strong, bold yet beautiful, accessible yet handcrafted.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As an emerging brand, we have been faced with the many unexpected decisions that continue to shape our path as a young company. We did not jump into our business with a formal background in the fashion industry; an industry that can be secretive and difficult to navigate without experience. So, we have had to learn every aspect of the industry from the ground up through trial and error… but, thankfully, with the generous and enthusiastic support of many creatives who have shared resources and feedback.
Another challenge has been with our struggles to promote the value and cost of entities being made in the USA. Despite the growing awareness on social media about the impact of fast fashion, many consumers are still unaware of the implications of the fashion industry’s environmental footprint and societal effects brought about through the manufacturing and delivery of low cost clothing most are used to. Upholding these ethics, honing in on our craft and creativity, and running a viable business are three components we must constantly pay equal attention to. They all need to work together.
Our craft is no longer just a fun hobby or a side business, it’s now a means for a way of living for us. What we do is extremely labor intensive—particularly with hand dyeing techniques such as Batik. And with the time consuming nature of our textile process, we spend a great amount of effort during production working outdoors, to ensure consideration for our environment and sustainability every step of the way.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about 3rd Season – what should we know?
3rd Season is a fashion conscious, primarily women’s, line committed to ethical production from start to finish. We feature original designs and hand-dyed or painted textiles, sourced, cut, and sewn locally in Los Angeles. Our mission as a brand is to be size inclusive and to create designs that compliment a wide range of lifestyles and body types. Our textiles are sourced from deadstock, rescued fabric, produced in small collections and released throughout the year within a highly-curated color palette.
We are most proud of our grassroots approach. It has kept us financially grounded from day one where every dollar spent has been a dollar earned. As we have grown, we have been able to stay consistent, and true to our core values and practices.
As a small business we are agile and flexible. We have the ability to offer our clients value-added services such as exclusive custom collections for shop owners and one-of-a-kind pieces, custom fittings, slight alterations, and private onsite showings by appointment for our direct customers. And based on feedback and numerous requests, we may offer textile workshops as a special event in the future.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
It takes resilience to maintain a balancing act between artist and businesswoman. We define success as the ultimate balance of being creatively free, maintaining sustainability, and taking time to travel wide, recharge, reenergize, and be inspired.
Pricing:
- Valentina Wrap Top in Handpainted Mojave $134
- Riviera Wrap Dress $255
- Laguna Shift Dress $155
Contact Info:
- Website: www.3rdseasondesigns.com
- Phone: 626-354-7257
- Email: info@3rdseasondesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3rdseason/
- Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/3rdSeasonDesigns/
Image Credit:
Forrest & Michelle @ Tropico Photo
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