“Have the guts to be you.” -Interview from local fashion designer, Julie Wheat

Hello there! If you are new to Mackenzie's Blog, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates and new blog posts.

My closest friends and family know the soft spot I have for the 4-H program. Growing up in the midwest, it was a staple of my childhood. So when I came across another 4-H loving fashionista right here in Charleston, it was an instant connection. Sewing clothes as a 4-H member growing up, Julie Wheat is now putting her talent to good use and making waves not only in the local scene but national as well. Her brand Cavortress is two-fold: housing one-of-a-kind vintage pieces that she picks up while traveling and also original designs that she makes from the yards of vintage and deadstock fabric she acquires.

Her passion for making something out of nothing and bringing her style to life is evident through not only her designs but her careful eye for choosing vintage pieces that mesh perfectly with the Cavortress brand.

She’ll be showcasing her line this Friday night (event details below) before she travels to Las Vegas to be a part of the Viva Las Vegas show – an event held every year to bring together bands, burlesque shows, car shows and of course fashion. The best part? Cavortress will be representing the South as the first designer south of the Mason Dixon to paricipate.

What’s a Cavortress you ask? Julie could not have defined it any better for us: Proper not prim. Ladylike yet licentious. Refined and renegade. Fashionably suited for the punk rock-love child. Rockabilly-hipsters. Urban debutante.

Mackenzie Image Consulting (MIC): Tell us about the line you’re launching.
Julie Wheat (JW): The Cavortress fashion line features original designs that are vintage inspired with a modern punk rock flair. Think Bettie Paige meets Kat Von D. I also think it’s very ‘American’. We make everything from scratch and use primarily vintage and deadstock fabric so the looks are limited edition. Due to the limited amount of fabric we are working with, much of the collection consists of separates. I’ve included studs, denim, rayon silk blends that were single process screen printed from the 1940’s, fashions that can fit comfortably, and some super amazing 1980’s swimsuit tube fabric. The line consists of sizes xs/s/m and M/L so that we can suit a variety of clients with the limited amount of fabric we have for designs. We don’t design garments that need to be graded (2-4-6-8, etc.).

MIC: When did you start designing?
JW: I’ve been sewing and making clothing since age 10 or so. Learned how to sew in 4-H. It’s an amazing life skill. It’s like playing an instrument – you must have extreme patience and be prepared to practice, practice, practice. Cutting is equally important.

MIC: You’ve had a lot of success in a short amount of time. What do you attribute as influencers to your success with Cavortress?
JW: A supportive husband, friends, and community. Charleston has been extremely good to me. When you plant yourself, put roots down and cultivate, something is sure to grow. Cavortress is what came from the ground up for me here in Charleston. That’s why I have Charleston, SC on my labels and logo … the city of Charleston is extremely important to what Cavortress is and how it came to be.

MIC: What is the overall goal of your company and where do you see yourself in 5 – 10 years?
JW: To have a nationally recognized niche brand. I’m not looking to make millions of dollars or have a line at Target. I want people to recognize and appreciate the brand- the looks and attitude Cavortress represents. I want to continue cultivating what’s grown so far.

MIC: What’s the best part of your job?
JW: Getting the vision, resourcing, creating and making it happen. Shopping for fabric and inspiration.

MIC: Any advice for anyone looking to get into the fashion industry?
JW: It is hard work. Be appreciative of the support you get. Stay focused. Know your limits. Think outside the box. Get exercise — I run every day. You have to find a way to separate yourself from your work on a regular basis. Make vacation mandatory!

MIC: You have such a great sense of style. In your opinion, how does one find and define their personal sense of style?
JW: It isn’t just one thing. It’s how you make you really you. It’s all about having the guts to do just that.

MIC: How does one gain confidence? What makes someone confident?
JW: Just do what ever it is you do…and do it without looking back.

Julie certainly embodies one of my favorite quotes:

“First, say to yourself what you would be, and then do what you have to do.” – Epictetus

Check out event details here for Friday night’s fashion show among the other Cavortress events coming up: http://www.cavortress.com/events.html

Check out our photo session with Cavortress by clicking here.