Today we’d like to introduce you to Ella Titus.
Hi Ella, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I learned to sew when I was about five years old and made my mom a truly hideous tube top, but it sparked a passion in me that I have never lost! I grew up in Waukee, Iowa; I spent most of my high school career designing and creating costumes for all of my school’s productions, and I helped start and grow my school’s fashion club! I knew being a designer was what I wanted to do so I applied to a bunch of design schools and eventually landed on going to FIDM. I moved to LA at 18, not knowing anyone out here to go to school!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was not always a smooth road, I think moving out here to such a competitive and saturated city and industry is a challenge in itself, especially coming out here with no connections or really any clue of what steps to take to accomplish my dreams. My father, who was one of my biggest supporters and someone who always pushed me to follow this dream, and helped at every step along the way, passed suddenly in 2020, which was also extremely difficult.
We’ve been impressed with Vellachor, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a designer and recently launched my brand Vellachor. Vellachor is a clothing brand focusing on Sustainable and wearable art, designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia and whimsy similar to that which is felt when surrounded by objects of the past. I use 4 words to describe the essence of Vellachor and those are Artistry, Romance, Nostalgia, and Whimsy. The name Vellachor was inspired by the word “vellichor” which means “the strange wistfulness of used bookstores, which are somehow infused with the passage of time” and the inspiration behind the brand as a whole comes from how I found my creative voice, as a child when I would regularly visit my grandfather’s antique store. Inspired by the old and beautiful objects, fascinated with wondering what stories they could tell. This feeling of nostalgia resonates strongly with me, so I chose to let it inspire my brand, a brand that speaks 100% from my heart.
All of our pieces are handmade (currently by me) in Los Angeles, and they are all made to order to reduce overproduction and fabric waste. We also offer different accessories and things made from fabric scraps to further reduce waste, and we use deadstock fabric whenever possible! We also only use sustainable packaging when mailing our orders. I have launched one collection so far which was VOl. 1- Tapestry, and I am currently working on developing VOL. 2 which will be focusing on watercolor as an inspiration! I also have a passion for bridal and evening wear design and focused on that for most of my time at FIDM, so I am working on also adding a one-of-a-kind/ custom/made-to-order evening/ red-carpet option to my brand! I would love for people to know that that is always an option if they are in need of a gown!
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I was so fortunate to have an incredible childhood, my parents were both incredible and it is so hard to choose. I think for different reasons, going antique shopping with my mom or creating dance costumes with her as a child has to be one of my favorite memories, as that is what I think truly formed me into the creative individual I am today. On the other hand, my dad was a pilot, so being able to fly with him to different places and go on amazing trips also stands out, I think that really fuels my passion today for experiencing new things and new places!
Contact Info:
- Website: Personal Portfolio: ellatitus.com Brand Website: Vellachor.myshopify.com
- Instagram: @ella.titus
Image Credits
Daniel Barreto
