Today we’d like to introduce you to Micheline Pitt.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Well, I think many of us especially those of us that move to California with dreams have unique stories, we travel paths of those less traveled. California has always been my ultimate goal as a young girl growing up in central rural Georgia. I wanted to do lots of things then and that still rings true today.
I have always been an artist, I have been drawing since I was about 3 years old and I always wanted to be creative, I just loved making things. I traveled many paths, from tattoo artist, animator, makeup artist, model, and clothing designer. I found myself settled in as a designer as a career, which feels full circle since I started my first business as a teenager making and selling clothing. My first label was called “From Beyond the Grave” and my makeshift logo because this was before photoshop and really computers were of Vampira that I drew. She was such an icon and inspiration of mine, and now I am working with her estate to make a line based on her groundbreaking gothic style with my business partner Lynh Haaga. I still own a few pieces from when I started that line, selling out of the trunk of my car at shows and events, it was very DIY. I made things because it made me happy, I loved seeing others happy in them. Being poor and spending most of your time getting clothes from thrift stores makes you get fairly creative. I did a lot of hand sewing as well as machine sewing, even now hand sewing is super relaxing for me to do. I successfully spent my entire 13 years of living in California is a designer and artist. I would eventually license out my art, my trademark, my image and my designs for various brands over the years until I finally invested in my own namesake.
I launched Vixen by Micheline Pitt when I canceled my last licensing agreement, which was a little over 2 years ago. It has been a whirlwind experience, to say the least. I quit abruptly *that is another story in itself for another day and another time, I applied to get back into animation at first. Then, I found myself applying for product development positions at Disney, Sony, DC Comics and other various large corporations. I was keen on the idea of having an office job and making time to do my own thing on the side, but my husband RH Norman pushed me further. He pushed me to start my own thing now while I was applying and interviewing for jobs. I didn’t have much money at the time, again another story for another time, so I opted to sell off a massive amount of my vintage collection at the Rose Bowl and online to fund this new side project. So, after two grueling months of Rose Bowl, (btw, I have a new hardcore respect for people who vend at these flea markets for a living) I managed to get enough funds together to have my savings in place for a bit and pay for two t-shirts for production. I started Vixen by Micheline Pitt for less than $10,000.00, I use to screen print as a teen and still paint my own shirts, so this seemed like an easy and comfortable place to start something.
Having a customer base follow me over 13 years as an artist, and a designer Vixen got legs quickly. I kept re-investing and growing it endlessly to what it is today. What started as two t-shirt designs became a full little line of women’s clothing, jeans, and another brand. We opened our first showroom and store front in Burbank, across from the iconic Chili John’s in late 2017. It is more of a showroom than a store since it is only open every Friday – Saturday from 12 – 6 pm, it still doesn’t feel real when I see it. We hope to keep making Burbank our forever home since my home and work space is in the NOHO area. I have lived in this area off and on for most of my time in California and Burbank has always been my dream place to be. There is a small town type of vibe that really doesn’t exist much here, I like to think all the comic book stores and monster stores make it even more interesting for me.
Has it been a smooth road?
The struggle and struggles are very real, some of us have more than others, some of us have less. It is best to not compare ourselves to others as I have seen how truly bitter that can make someone. My biggest advice to other women and young women, be careful who you surround yourself with, either in work or your personal life it can have adverse effects on who you are. It can have adverse effects on how you see yourself. If you find yourself getting lost from who and what you are, walk away immediately, leave. No matter how scary it may be, the price will only get higher the longer you stay.
Work hard, be kind, be yourself, and most of all at times be fearless. It takes the biggest leaps of faith to find out where we belong sometimes.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Micheline Pitt Design Inc – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I think I am known most as an artist and designer, I also feel like I am known for making really high-quality products. My attention to detail, construction, and quality follow me with anything and everything I do. Mix my quality with the fact that I don’t treat clothing like “you’re not cool enough to sit with us” like 80% of all fashion labels makes me something I am known for and truly sets me apart from others. My styles are really cut and designed for curvy and busty gals, it may not fit everyone’s body, but we try to give women who struggle with finding things for their curves a place to shop. Since day one we have always offered sizes XS – 4X and that is something that will never change.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I feel like that has been ever changing, they say never meet your heroes, they will break your heart… I definitely can say this is true.
I think other women out there fighting the good fight, taking chances and following their dreams inspire me. I have so many that I follow that fill my heart upon those days it feels a little empty with hope, and drive. I think the first person who was a woman that was a designer was Vivienne Westwood back in her punk days and Betsey Johnson. They are a huge influence and inspiration of mine, as they started as grassroots as you can get and look at all they have done. I have never met either of them, but if I did I feel like they would be so lovely!
Contact Info:
- Address: Vixen by Micheline Pitt
2021 Burbank Blvd
Burbank, CA 91505 - Website: www.michelinepitt.com www.lafemmeennoir.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelinepitt/ https://www.instagram.com/vixen_by_micheline_pitt/ https://www.instagram.com/la_femme_en_noir_/
Image Credit:
Moody gothic Photos, Clothing line: La Femme en Noir – Photog: Lars Kommienezuspadt Hair: Melissa Firestone Models: Lynh Haaga, Rachel Sedory and Micheline Pitt Clothing line: Vixen by Micheline Pitt Photog: Susie Q, Models: Renee Olstead, Ashleeta, Kelly Kathleen, Evelyn Eva, Brittany Clarke and Micheline Pitt Clothing line: Bad Girl Denim: Photog: Susie Q, Model: Ashleeta
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