Tell me about yourself?

I am a designer and a nomad. Born in Mass ( so
technically I’m a yankee) lived in Louisville,Memphis,
grew up in New Orleans then lived in San Francisco and
Chicago. I’m also a sucker for good bbq, blues, jazz,
seafood, and pie.

How did you get started as a designer?

The first time I was amazed by fashion was when my
mother dressed up as a southern belle for a costume
ball. The gown was entirely made of lavender lace and
I fell in love with it. I started drawing my own
versions of the gown.

What inspires your designs?

Silent movies, Jazz, Blues, Novels, Artist
Biographies, Paintings, everything that I enjoy and
like to experience.

What do you enjoy most about designing clothes?

Making women look beautiful.

What is most challenging about your work right now?

Being a one man show. I am doing the
promoting,manufacturing, and designing myself, but I
enjoy every moment of it.

Are you currently working on any special projects?

I am participating in the WORN again fashion show
where local designers are given clothing to
reconstruct into two completely new designs.

Where do you see your fashion design career going in the future?

I really want to have a menswear collection. My
guy-friends always want to bring me shopping, because
I can pick out clothes that fit them right and and can
be worn different ways.

What is your design philosophy?

I like to design clothes that are versatile. Being a
girl, I get fed up of looking in my closet and finding
nothing to wear. Many times garments are made to be
worn one way. My clothing can be dressed up,dressed
down,layered, and accessorized to give a different
look. Women on the run need that,especially if they
travel. Gotta leave some room in the suitcase to
bring home souvenirs!

Where are your favorite places to shop in New
Orleans?

I LOVE thrift stores and antique malls. Bridge House
is great for furniture and Thrift City USA is great
for clothes. I like buying clothes and altering them
to fit my taste.

Being a designer in New Orleans, how important is
the culture of this city in influencing your designs?

I just moved back from Chicago and I love it here!
It really influences me on how to make clothes
functional. The summers here are hot, so I make sure
that the clothing that I make can be comfortable when
it’s hot and humid outside Haha! Just like today. Good
thing I wore a sundress and had a snowball! Gotta love
those snowballs!

Any other thoughts?

One thing I love about being back in New Orleans as
well is having the ability to work with so many
talented people. I have worked with great
photographers here that inspire me to succeed and make
beautiful clothes so they can come up with some great
pictures.

Check out her website:
www.ottiliebrodmann.com