Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Harris.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
A stubbornness and DIY mentality has always fueled my creative energy. I taught myself to sew at a young age, as I was dissatisfied with the fit and often poor construction of ready to wear clothing. With self taught beginnings and a few sewing courses under my belt, I enrolled at the School of The Art Institute of Chicago, where I was accepted into their fashion program. I took a lingerie making course in addition to the required apparel courses and found inspiration. Again, disappointed with the one shape fits all mentality of the fashion industry, I felt like I had found a market that I could make a difference in.
After graduation, I worked as a custom bag maker for Chrome Industries. This position perfected my sewing skills but also helped me realize the importance and lost appreciation for handmade goods and made to last products. I took the next 7 months off to do a bike tour from Chicago, through the south and eventually to Portland, Oregon.
Independent artists are alive and well in Portland and I began working as a design assistant for three different local designers (Lizz Basinger, Altar Houseline, and Vava Lingerie). I was able to be mentored by these three women in addition to a studio mate and observe how they each uniquely approached sustainability, quality control, independent funding, custom sizing, in house production, sourcing, etc. As I learned from these women, I worked up the courage to start my own line, (Seeker Intimates) just in time to Debut at Unmentionables, Portland’s annual lingerie fashion show.
Now, back in Chicago, I have been focusing on my line, and making it more inclusive. My goal is to source as sustainably as possible while making any body shape or size feel comfortable and supported. I design, pattern, grade, fit test, quality check, and sew in a house, with the hopes to bring slow production back into vogue.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the largest difficulties has been maintaining the work/life balance. Holding a full-time job while also treating Seeker as a full-time job has left me feeling guilty if I am not working. The most difficult, but also most important struggles with being an independent designer is allowing myself days off, self care, and moments with friends. While productivity is important, I must remind myself that it is okay to ‘just be’ sometimes.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Seeker Intimates – what should we know?
Seeker Intimates is a slow lingerie company. Slow for me, means high quality, a small environmental footprint, and fairness for both consumers and producers. My goal has been to design products that fit well, are made to last, and are unique. I do not design according to the traditional fashion seasons, and I believe this provides Seeker the option to put out stronger and well-edited collections. Quality over quantity is the goal.
I use organic materials when applicable, but I also source deadstock materials for my designs. Deadstock fabrics are often made in a surplus and are leftover from mills and factories. Also known as ‘pre-consumer waste’ buying deadstock allows me to the source at a discount and use materials that would otherwise be landfill-bound.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I try to reflect on history when I approach new trends. While I can’t completely ignore trends, I do try to focus on what I feel will last, compared to what I appreciate through a historical eye. With anything I design, at the end of the day, I just want it to fit, and look well made while being made in a way, that only I would make.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://seeker-intimates.myshopify.com/
- Email: seeker.intimates@gmail.com
- Instagram: @seeker.intimates
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seeker.intimates
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SeekerIntimates
Image Credit:
Caitlin Tomlinson, Megan Sontag, Peter Olsson, Kyra Rickards, Ashley Dowd, Jason Quigley, Caroline, Hailee, Rachel, Keely, Darcy
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