Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marian Anderson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marian, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I got my first taste of design when I was nine years old. Growing up, I was mesmerized by watching my mom sew my Sunday dresses. I loved going with her to fabric stores to pick out a cute pattern and the perfect fabric. There was always something so special about dreaming up what my next dress would be. One year, after being inspired by her ability to whip up a dress quickly, I decided that I wanted to sew my own. This is where my journey in fashion started.

From elementary school to the end of high school I continued sewing and constructing clothing. I loved scheming up ideas in my head and making them come to life. It felt good to wear things that I had made, knowing that it was 100% unique. This eventually led me to study Fashion Design at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. When I first started, I wasn’t sure which part of the fashion industry I wanted to pursue – I just knew I loved creating beautiful clothes and connecting with people.

Early on I knew I wanted to commit to intentionally designing with longevity and sustainability in mind. In terms of waste production, the state of the fashion landscape is pretty bleak. I knew I wanted to do things differently. After completing a semester-long project where I was assigned to create a three-piece look from entirely upcycled materials, I learned that I could make new designs without waste. This project made me realize I could continue sourcing secondhand items for future designs. Not only did this help combat textile waste and save me money, but it stretched my creativity.

While I’m grateful I was challenged with working around the parameters of already existing materials, I wish I had sought out greener alternatives sooner. Up until the last few years, I tended to play it “safe” when developing new design concepts. Instead of creating from within, I created from a place of meeting outside expectations. This obstacle lent to feeling like I wasn’t capable of much originality, and I struggled to figure out how I could be more sustainable. If I had embraced doing things differently, which many times is more challenging, I think that I could have grown earlier on in design school. I also think if I had experimented more I might have found other ways of designing more consciously. But, I believe our timelines of figuring things out eventually work out when they’re supposed to and lead us in the path we’re ultimately supposed to follow.

Marian, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m an emerging androgynous fashion designer based in Nashville, TN. With the androgynous clothing market being very limited, especially in the south, I strive to design for the individual who wants to express themselves unapologetically. Inspired by juxtapositions, I enjoy mixing contrasting colors, textures, and patterns to create vibrant and emotional visual stories. I incorporate repurposed and secondhand materials throughout my design development which lends to interesting silhouette concepts.
When I’m not working on an upcoming collection I do custom designs and alterations. I love helping people bring their ideas to life. Whether it’s a simple piece needed for their everyday attire or a special outfit for an event, it’s fun to take someone along in creating their one-of-a-kind design. Having a stunning look on hand is amazing, but if the fit is off it can make a world of difference. I enjoy altering existing garments and providing a custom fit that makes people feel amazing.

My most proud work is my latest collection. Inspired by fluidity and color, Blooming Expression is an androgynous collection that emulates a garden. Differing structures, vibrant colors, and elegant detailing come together to create a visual story of inclusive beauty. Silhouettes emphasize feminine characteristics, encompassing a flowing and dynamic energy. Just as flowers bloom and express themselves unapologetically, this collection encourages individuals to do the same – unrestricted and following the guidance from within. This collection challenged me to think bigger in terms of concept, construction, and execution. I wanted to design a collection with a story that people could feel like they were a part of. Sometimes I feel like fashion can feel really intimidating. It can often feel really exclusive to dress more individually, and I wanted to create pieces that could be mixed and matched, worn together or separately, and be unique, yet effortless. My slogan is, Wear it Proudly. When people wear my designs, I want them to feel on top of the world. Like they are the main character performing a show, dazzling in vibrant color and radiance.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Bringing people together!! At the end of the day, it’s not about the clothes themselves; it’s about the emotion people feel, and the story they tell when wearing them. I want people to feel good in pieces that they know are responsibly made. I want people to feel confident in bold colors and textures. I want people to feel excited about quality pieces that they can look forward to eventually passing down.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

In terms of resources, I wish I’d known about thrift stores and creative reuse organizations. I’ve always loved thrifting for clothing and home goods, but I wish I had thought of it sooner as a resource for sourcing fabrics and other design materials. Creative reuse organizations are a great place to source all things art and design related as well as donate materials you no longer use. Shout out to Nashville’s Turnip Green Creative Reuse which is a donation-based organization diverting waste from local landfills and using donations to provide opportunities to reuse artists and after-school programs.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.marianroseanderson.com
• Instagram: @marianroseanderson
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/marianranderson/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBWeFYDDhqend3m4s7hnD4g

Image Credits
Photos 3 & 6 by Claudia King Photos 4 & 5 by Sam Simpkins