Today we’d like to introduce you to Persephone Bennett.

Hi Persephone, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I came out of the womb knowing I wanted to be a fashion designer. My favorite toys were a jar of buttons and a box of scarves to drape around myself. I took every opportunity I could to learn more about sewing, design, textiles, and drawing. I went to the Rhode Island School of Design for Apparel Design, and have been working in fashion and making custom pieces ever since.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have struggled with my mental health my whole life. I have had a lot of difficulties keeping my depression, anxiety, and trauma in check. Being an undiagnosed autistic kid, with a weird sense of style, and closeted queer on top of it, led to a lot of bullying, from peers and adults. My home life also affected me, growing up with a terminally ill father who passed when I was 23. I have tried to take my grief, my anger, and my hurt and use them to fuel my art.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a knitwear designer and textile artist. I have a zero-waste, body-inclusive, genderless practice. I want people to feel safe and cared for when they wear things I have made. In terms of what I am most proud of, I’m proud of showing my work on some huge global stages, such as New York Fashion Week, or viral social media videos. I think that I have a unique point of view, as a person that draws inspiration from some pretty dark places, but remains colorful.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Tamora Pierce wrote the books that were my friends when people weren’t. In terms of podcasts, I listen to My Brother, My Brother, And Me, The Adventure Zone, and many true crime and forensics podcasts.
Textile work is so repetitive that listening to things that bring me joy or help me understand the world better are my priority.

Pricing:

• I make custom knit and embroidered pieces, here is my pricing structure: https://www.sephiebennett.com/custom-orders

Contact Info:

• Website: www.persephonebennett.com
• Instagram: @persephonebennett

Image Credits
1) Alexx Duvall
2 onwards) Persephone Bennett