We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jacqueline & Nicholas Macaluso. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jacqueline & Nicholas below.
Jacqueline & Nicholas, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?
Jacqueline and Nicholas, the owners of SmokySewCo, are proud members of the recovery community and vocal advocates for those struggling with addiction. Living in a small town that was slow to embrace art and change, they faced significant challenges. However, their dedication to staying true to themselves and their art helped them overcome these obstacles. Today, they actively support the recovery community, a commitment symbolized by the Narcan box they’ve installed outside their storefront. This initiative has sparked backlash from some local residents, yet it underscores their firm belief in aiding those in need.
Their experiences have inspired them to encourage the next generation of artists, especially those wrestling with addiction, mental health issues, and societal discrimination. Jacqueline and Nicholas strive to be vocal artists who don’t fold under pressure but use adversity to fuel their dreams and creativity. Through SmokySewCo, they aim to offer more than just exceptional clothing—they provide a platform for personal expression and a beacon of hope for many in the community.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
In the vibrant tapestry of SmokySewCo’s journey, there are two essential threads woven into the fabric: Nicholas and Jacqueline, each bringing their unique talents to our bustling studio in the heart of the Smoky Mountain’s. And if you’re searching for “custom clothing or sustainable fashion,” you’ve come to the right place!
Jacqueline, the heart of SmokySewCo, has been wielding a needle since the age of seven. Her passion for creating bespoke garments led her to pursue a formal education in fashion design, followed by an apprenticeship in Washington, D.C., where she earned the title of master tailor. Her talents caught the attention of the Smithsonian Institution, where she restored historical textiles, preserving stories told through fabric and thread. Her journey has shaped her into a designer with unparalleled precision, creativity, and respect for craftsmanship.
Nicholas brings a dynamic, multifaceted perspective to SmokySewCo. Hailing from the vibrant streets of Philadelphia, his artistic foundation was built through dance, a career he passionately pursued until the age of 31. Nicholas studied audio engineering and photography at the Art Institute of Atlanta, mastering the art of storytelling through sound and visuals. A lifelong creative, his love for all forms of art fuels SmokySewCo’s edgy, innovative approach to custom design.
Together, Jacqueline and Nicholas combine their distinct skills to create garments that are more than just clothing—they’re wearable works of art. At SmokySewCo, every piece is a collaboration, a celebration, and a story waiting to be told.
At SmokySewCo, sustainability is woven into every stitch. We are committed to creating custom clothing and vintage reworks that not only tell your story but also respect the planet. By focusing on reworking vintage pieces and using high-quality materials that stand the test of time, we champion a slow-fashion approach that reduces waste and encourages thoughtful consumption.
Our designs prioritize longevity and craftsmanship, ensuring that each piece becomes a cherished staple in your wardrobe, rather than a fleeting trend. We work with sustainable fabrics, upcycle existing materials, and embrace eco-friendly practices to minimize our environmental impact.
From the design studio to the runway at New York Fashion Week, sustainability isn’t just a trend for us—it’s a responsibility and a promise. By choosing SmokySewCo, you’re not just investing in bespoke garments; you’re investing in a more sustainable future for fashion.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
At SmokySewCo, our mission is to cultivate a vibrant tapestry of creativity, craftsmanship, and community, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation to redefine the art of custom fashion. We are passionately committed to excellence, ensuring each bespoke garment, reworked vintage piece, and stunning embroidery is a testament to our superior craftsmanship and dedication to customer satisfaction.
Our approach to custom clothing, vintage reworks, and embroidery is rooted in creativity and attention to detail, where every stitch is made with purpose and precision. From concept to creation, we treat each project as an opportunity to push the boundaries of fashion, delivering pieces that embody elegance, individuality, and timeless style. Whether it’s a fully custom garment or intricate embroidery that tells your unique story, we create wearable art with every piece.
Beyond the artistry, we are champions of innovation and sustainability, always seeking new ways to minimize our environmental impact while elevating the fashion experience. With ethical sourcing, eco-friendly practices, and a commitment to fair labor standards, we strive to create responsible fashion that stands the test of time, transcending trends and seasons.
At SmokySewCo, we believe fashion is more than just clothing—it’s a powerful form of self-expression and a celebration of identity. With every garment and embroidered detail, we weave stories that honor creativity, diversity, and empowerment. Together, let’s reimagine the possibilities of fashion, crafting pieces that speak to the uniqueness of every individual.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Fast fashion hurts everyone. It floods the market with cheaply made, disposable clothing, contributing to pollution, overproduction, and mountains of waste in landfills. Garments are made with little regard for the planet, workers, or individuality—and that’s not who we are.
We do things differently.
Reviving Vintage: We rescue vintage clothing and transform it into one-of-a-kind designs tailored to your unique style. Every piece we rework avoids becoming landfill waste and instead becomes part of your story.
Making Every Scrap Count: Leftover materials from our projects are repurposed into custom embroidery, appliqués, and other creative details, reducing waste and elevating every design.
When you choose SmokySewCo, you’re saying no to fast fashion and yes to thoughtful, sustainable, and personal creations. Together, we’re making fashion that’s good for you—and for the planet.
At SmokySewCo, we’re not just designers—we’re storytellers. Every piece we create is a blank canvas waiting for you. Whether it’s a bespoke garment crafted from scratch or a vintage treasure reimagined, we make clothing that speaks to your soul.
Wear Your Story
Imagine capturing your favorite memory, a symbol of who you are, or a scene that defines you—and wearing it. From the back of sports coats to hoodies, pants, and shorts, we use embroidery to bring your story to life. We can even transform photos into intricate embroidered masterpieces, turning your vision into a piece of art you can wear.
Crafted by Experts
Every piece is a collaboration of passion and expertise:
• Jaqueline, owner and master tailor, brings decades of experience to the sewing table, ensuring flawless craftsmanship and impeccable fit.
• Nicholas, co-owner and embroidery guru, transforms your vision into bold, artistic graphics with cutting-edge embroidery techniques. Together, they create pieces that are as personal as they are luxurious.
Reimagine the Classics
Who says hoodies or sports coats can’t be works of art? We push boundaries to make everyday pieces extraordinary. Whether it’s bold imagery on a jacket or subtle details stitched into the lining, we give you the power to express yourself in ways that traditional fashion never could.
The Process
1. Conceptualize: Share your story, idea, or vision—we’ll help you design it.
2. Craftsmanship: Watch your piece come to life with precision sewing, embroidery, and sustainable techniques.
3. Wear the Art: Because life is too short for boring clothes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://smokysewco.com/
- Instagram: @smokysewco
Image Credits
Photographers:
Nicholas Macaluso
Michaela Guffie
Russel Arimenta