Conversations with Elizabeth Yada

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Yada. 

Hi Elizabeth, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Believe it or not, I sort of got my start thanks to Career Day in high school! I’d learned how to sew when I was 12 and I even drew my own catalogs (I still have them to this day!) and would do the whole sewing for my Barbies thing. I received brochures from fashion colleges and just like that, my eye was set on a fashion career. Only I didn’t go to any of those schools, I just learned the basics at my local community college (shoutout to College of the Sequoias)! 

During my schooling, I hung out in fashion communities on LiveJournal (showing my age here!) and saw other talented designers successfully sell their wares on eBay. So, I decided to follow suit, and with a few changes in selling platforms, here we are! 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’d say a little bit of both. I think in the beginning I was in the right place at the right time, and not gonna lie, I miss the old days of e-commerce! It’s ever-changing and it’s a lot to keep up with. But I definitely made a lasting name for myself, and it benefits me to this day. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I currently draw inspiration from my childhood in the late ’80s/early ’90s. I started out with more of a retro/rockabilly look, but as I got more into Harajuku fashion my aesthetics gradually evolved. I discovered a Japanese brand called Spank! back in 2006 and it’s all about the aspects of my childhood I mentioned. I love all the old cartoons we used to rent from the mom-and-pop video stores, the pastel geometric patterns that decorated my bedroom, and the splashy floral bedding. So having my own memories of these things I hope comes across in my work! 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’m going to start with Spank!, the Japanese brand I mentioned earlier. Or rather, the owner, Saiyuri Tavuchi. I am absolutely honored that she knows I exist. An absolute visionary and style icon. 

I do have to shout out my family as well. That includes my parents and siblings, who offer support and advice; and Paul, my partner of 14 years who is an amazing sport about helping me set up my booth at shows. 

And of course, my friends, who have offered their time modeling, photographing, hair and makeup, etc. Oh, and I hope the faculty at COS’s fashion department is reading this. THANK YOU for believing in me and helping me get credits via independent studies! 

Pricing:

• $10-40 accessories
• $45-95 shorts and skirts
• $110+ dresses

Contact Info:

• Website: www.missalphabet.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/missalphabet
• Facebook: facebook.com/missalphabet

Image Credits
Elizabeth Yada
Katie Oros
Aana Kotoff