Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisa Randazzo.
Hi Elisa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I moved out to California from New York to play music. After working in the music industry for awhile, I eventually signed my own publishing deal with SONY Music as an artist, but times were a-changing; it was becoming increasingly difficult to get a record deal because record sales dried up! Musicians were also trading traditional label deals to work with indie labels that promised more artistic freedom. I realized I would need a job while navigating all this. I had worked in clothing boutiques while attending college In New York and Paris, so I was familiar with the fashion world, and I soon became excited to try making lingerie.
So I started a small underwear line with a friend, and we were immediately approached by the West Coast Editor of Vogue to be featured in the magazine. That was pretty much it….the write-up jumpstarted my career as a designer, and was followed by other magazine mentions. All of a sudden, I realized I was a clothing designer and manufacturer! I still played in bands, guest appearing on records, as well as releasing a couple of my own. Simultaneously, I parted ways with my line partner to go solo. This is the journey that led me to where I am today, making Cameo, whose name I took from a Dusty Springfield record.
Climate change has always been front and center in my mind, as one of the biggest issues we are facing, and fast fashion is a gross contributor. Although I was headed for a foreign service career, making music pulled me in another direction right after graduation. So I moved out to California to play in a rock band, and thought making eco clothes could be a worthy contribution and day job. The rest just kind of happened on its own… For over two decades, I have focused on making an affordable option of eco, ethically made clothes, all produced in southern California. I always look back at musical icons to gain inspo, and continue to play and record music while making a full line of women’s separates that have a vintage feel. I’ve also written and taught about fashion production and waste, bringing awareness to fast fashion while offering an alternative choice with Cameo.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This is whole other interview, ha!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I think what sets me apart is that I make my clothing line from start to finish: From sales, to design, to pattern making, to fabric and trim sourcing, to production oversight, quality control and shipping, I do all of this with freelance factories and one, part-time assistant. Because I wear all these hats, I am able to constantly fine tune the efficiency of the process to offer the most eco, waste-free product I can possibly afford to make. I find it most rewarding to have worked with most of my sewing contractors and retailers for almost two decades, because I think it that love and integrity shine through in all the details of what we make. The devil is indeed in the details! And I’ve assembled a team of makers and retailers who have become an extended family to me. Our clients also play a crucial role in supporting us by shopping small, and caring about who makes their clothes, as well as how the process affects the planet.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I love popcorn. I mean I really, really love it.
No, seriously….something more substantive–
I find it the most rewarding to communicate with people in their mother tongue languages, so I taught myself Spanish while working in LA factories. It made me love LA even more, as I have always enjoyed latino culture, and have had incredible opportunities to learn so much about various customs and artisanal work. It’s been the biggest highlight of working with the people who make your clothes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cameoclothingline.com
- Instagram: @cameoclothingline
- Other: pinterest: cameoclothingline
Image Credits
Molly Ware
