I learned to sew in college- I had gone to study theatrical set design, and ended up adding costuming courses to my work. I never really had any FASHION training, as such- so I never really thought of „collections..“ more of making individual garments from fabrics I like.
I worked in the professional theatre for about 10 years before I started working more as a clothing maker- and most of my work is custom pieces for private clients.. Occasionally, I work on big commercial or magazine shoots as an on site tailor.. I was the tailor for Jennifer Lawrence’s first shoot for Dior- and I have tailored shoots for Vanity Fair, GQ, Men’s Health and Fitness
I’ve worked with Annie Leibovitz, Ludacris, Katherine Heigl, Alan Ritchson… so many others and I always forget until hours after I’ve turned my list in. LOL
I really enjoy creating vintage inspired clothing… I like the challenge of historical costuming, and learning about the correct undergarments and supports needed to achieve a particular silhouette. I would say the best word that describes my style is eclectic…Clothes, music, food… I like to try new things… I generally keep shapes fairly straighforward, and find really interesting fabrics to create with. I work with everything from heavy wools for overcoats to sheer silk for dresses and shirts…
My swimwear work came about when a friend asked if I could sew some dancer costumes for her… I learned what I needed to about working with spandex- and started putting together patterns I’ve made MANY different shapes over the years- but for my online shop, I keep shapes very simple. Honestly, the point is to put something together that people can try and have confidence in, with out having to make too many choices without being able to try the garments on. Generally, I only buy two yards of a print for the swimwear line- mainly so the pieces are VERY limited… the model keeps the one they wear for the shoot- that leaves between 8-10 copies for me to sell…
Nost of the shirts, pants, coats and dresses I make are one-offs… Occasionally, I buy enough fabric to make more copies… RARELY are there more than six .. Honestly, because I do all the cutting and sewing myself, I get bored making the same thing over and over. I get my biggest inspiration from the fabrics. They tell me what they want to become.. I’m terrible for buying a piece and putting it on the shelf, and just waiting. I have an entire bedroom in my house with floor to ceiling shelving STUFFED full of fabric. Im not supposed to buy more- but sometimes, when I see a great bargain, I cannot resist. Atlanta has some incredible fabric stores- mostly independant- oddly enough most of the chain stores closed down.
As far as favorite models- All the guys I am lucky enough to work with are angels! I owe SO MUCH to the men who have allowed me to photograph them in my clothing and share it with so many people- literally all over the world. It’s a great honor when you are entrusted to create work using another person as your muse and blueprint. They are another HUGE part of my inspiration- I find myself thinking „This would be a GREAT shirt for Rod. This would be an INCREDIBLE color on Ivan! I HAVE to photograph Angel wearing this!“ I don’t think any of them know just how much they are a part of my work- even when I don’t see them for several months… I have big photo prints of them all hanging in my house, they are never out of my mind.
Currently, if you’re not in the Atlanta area, your only access to my work is on Etsy (cecilandezra.etsy.com) although I’m doind my best to set up a shopify store- to showcase many of the other pieces I have available. Pieces will still be VERY exclusive- I’m not interested in having a big workshop with a lot of employees- I’m one of those rare designers that actually enjoys cutting and sewing.
I’m also beginning to study sashiko, quilting, and rernewing my early interest in embroidery… I love that hand made look to embellishments, and the idea that something TRULY is unique in the world. And by the way, Cecil and Ezra were my grandfathers… I chose that name for my label because Greg Brown is SUCH a boring name, LOL. I also like that they are old fashioned names, and since I’m such a fan of vintage cuts and prints- along with the implication of old fashioned craftstmanship- I thought it was a great choice.
Instagram: @cecilandezra @outloudphotos
Ivan: @more_ivandevore
