Meet Emberly Modine of Standard Themes in Historic West Adams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emberly Modine.

Emberly, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in rural Utah – in a small town called Moab. My formative years revolved around the outdoors and my chosen occupation: art. After attending art school in San Francisco, I lived in Paris, then Los Angeles, where I started working as a textile designer in the contemporary fashion industry.

Though there were many things about the fashion industry that didn’t sit well with me, i.e. wastefulness and how negatively employees at every stage of production are treated; I was happy to make a really good living drawing and painting. Over time, I became discontented with the work I was doing being dictated by sales and merchandising with other brands and wanted to do something more creative and unique.

My breaking point came when I realized that the inspiration for a print I had been given, was a funereal garment from Cambodia, and it really bothered me to think of somebody wearing it to Coachella the next spring. It felt really disrespectful. I decided to strike out on my own.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road! My business plan is centered on limited editions to avoid waste and unsold inventory, as well as to give my items a feeling of collectability. Finding producers who are willing to deal with small orders has been very difficult.

Sales is also a huge learning curve for me. There is so much to do and constant following up, I can’t wait to be able to hire someone to help me with this.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Standard Themes represents everything that is important to me. I strive to make the most original artwork I can, and although I use myths and legends and social morals as inspiration, I am committed to showing my interpretations of them.

All garments are and will be only produced using certified organic materials. I work with suppliers and artisans who are committed to having as little impact on the planet as possible and offering their employees fair salaries and time off to spend with their families.

Standard Themes is growing slowly. I want to make sure that every product I make is something that is versatile yet unique enough to be used by people for a lifetime, not just a fashion season. I began with bandanas because they are something that I love and use all the time, and that have lived in my wardrobe for over 20 years! I take a lot of queues from vintage pieces that are consistently relevant, and seem timeless.

I believe that if I am going to justify making more stuff on this planet, it has to be stuff that can be worn by a number of people for many years, and is beautiful enough for people to want to hold on to, and when it finally falls apart: it does so gracefully, back into the earth.

What were you like growing up?
My home town primed me to be an environmentalist. I got into punk rock in my teens and it was this amazing world of young people doing stuff and making things happen. I loved the political tone, especially for women. I was absolutely inspired by people like Kathleen Hanna and the whole Grrrrl band movement. I have always been indignant at unfairness and rail against stereotypes and narrow thinking.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.standardthemes.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/standardthemes
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/standardthemes

Image Credit:
Emberly Modine, Summer Kitchens

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