Jesica Milton Fan Pleat Dress

We love twitter! I’ve said this before, but we’ve really meet some amazing people in out twitter network. This award-winning emerging designer is no exception to the talent that we’ve found out there. Jesica Milton comes to us from her studio in Seattle with a fall collection that recently won her Seattle Magazine’s prestigious award for Best Emerging Designer. (Look for her spread in the upcoming September edition!) Of course, when I caught up with Jesica, I had to get the scoop. Here’s what she had to say to us:

LDB: I was struck by the cohesiveness of your collection. Tell us how you arrived at these designs. Do they come from a specific inspiration or does this collection represent you?

JM: The Fall 2009 collection was inspired by the shape of a ruffle. I played with that shape and experimented with morphing it to become a part of each garment. The collection also greatly represents my own personal style. At the start of each collection I daydream about what type of pieces I’d really love to have in my closet. For fall that ended up being easy to wear silk dresses, full high-waisted skirts, and a boyfriend blazer.

LDB: When did you decide that you were meant to be a designer? And where did you receive your training in design?

JM: Before I was ever conscious of the fashion world I was obsessed with personal style. I was the kid who couldn’t wait to grow up so that she could wear mom’s cool heels, and creating a distinct look or mood with my clothing came naturally to me. Combined with my love of taking an idea from concept to reality it was probably inevitable that I would end up in fashion design.

Jesica Milton Tunic Dress

I didn’t really make the decision until I was in my second year of college. I wasn’t really happy or fulfilled by my education so I made the choice switch paths and enrolled in design school. I went to a privately owned school in Seattle called the New York Fashion Academy.

LDB: What has been the most exciting experience for you since beginning your business?

JM: This may sound corny but what I’ve loved most so far is all of the great people that I’ve met. Starting a business really forced me out of my comfort zone, but it’s amazing how many positive people have come into my life as a result. I’ve met fabric suppliers, boutique owners, fashion bloggers, and total strangers that have all become great friends and cheerleaders.

LDB: What do you enjoy most about the process of creating a new item?

JM: What I really enjoy is seeing the end result. It feels so good to look at something that I’ve created knowing that it started out as a sketch or a rough idea in my head. Many hours of tedious pattern work and sewing go into each new design, but seeing the finished piece makes it all worthwhile!

LDB:  Which piece in your collection are you the most proud of? Why?

JM: I would have to say the Party Dress, which is actually a piece I originally designed as a student. The strap on the dress allows it to be adjustable to fit a variety of busts, and it’s very flattering on most body types. I still have the

Jessica Milton Party Dress

original sample that I made and it’s my go to dress for parties and events.

LDB: What are your plans for Jesica Milton in…say 5 years. Where would you hope that your line would be?

JM: I hope to continue improving and growing as a brand. I’m committed to building good relationships with our buyers, so in 5 years I see the line available in shops across the US and hopefully overseas. I would also really love to add shoes and handbags to the line in the future. Beyond that it’s hard to say… I have a lot of long term aspirations but sometimes opportunities take you to unexpected places, so I like to stay flexible enough to follow them.

Currently, you can find Jesica Milton at Aspiring Couture and Habit in Chicago and coming soon to Stanton James and Portland Fashion Week. Jesica is currently researching additional boutiques that would be a good fit for her collection. If you’re interested in purchasing pieces for your boutique, click here to contact her.

Jessica’s pieces retail between $60-$227. And although her collection is small, she clearly uses it to show us what she is made of. We’ll definitely see more beautiful garments made by Jesica in the years to come. This is a designer to watch!

Thanks for spending time with LDB, Jesica. We wish you all the best in fashion!