Brit Kit Collabs: Meet Aubrie Pagano of Bow & Drape
Fact: We’re pretty obsessed with Bow & Drape over here at Brit HQ. Their website is all about made-to-order fashion, letting YOU create custom clothing and accessories… and we love that! So, it’s no surprise that we were excited to team up with founder Aubrie Pagano to create an exclusive holiday kit as part of our Brit Kit Collabs.
What are Brit Kit Collabs? Glad you asked! We teamed up with eight of our favorite makers, bloggers and designers to create a brand new set of nine exclusive Brit Kits, just in time for the holidays. Head to the shop to check ’em all out, and read on to learn all about Aubrie Pagano of Bow & Drape.
You can get Aubrie’s Tacky Holiday Sweater Kit right here in the shop for just $30! Oh, and don’t forget to check out our tacky sweater tutorial for more creative inspiration. Now, let’s meet this maker!
First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and your company’s mission?
I am a maker living in Brooklyn, and the CEO + Creative Director of Bow & Drape. Bow & Drape is a destination to create fun, custom products with lots of personality. We want to inspire smart, stylish women to make a statement.
Why did you decide to start Bow & Drape?
The motivation for Bow & Drape came from a personal frustration – I had to find a dress for a wedding and couldn’t find anything off the rack that truly represented my style. I ended up designing and sewing a dress myself and felt great wearing something I knew was totally unique to me. I want every woman to feel that sense of satisfaction by building garments true to their personality, that can act as a centerpiece for their outfit.
When did you first realize you love to make? When did you realize you could do this full-time?
I have loved sewing since I was a little girl. I used to make doll clothes with my grandmother. That turned into altering and making my own clothes eventually. I started making party pants for my friends. The idea of creating a Build-A-Bear for women’s fashion popped into my head one day, and it just grew as an idea.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with other makers?
Budget triple the time you think it will take, and don’t get frustrated in your mistakes. It’s only a mistake if you do it twice. The first time, it’s a lesson.
What other creative hobbies do you have?
I really enjoy cooking. My grandparents were chefs and my mother is really excellent, so it conjures deep and happy emotions for me. I love making a good costume, too.
The holidays are… the absolute best time of year.
My favorite holiday tradition is… the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. Italians know how to chow…
No holiday meal is complete without… wine.
My favorite thing to make during the holidays is… ugly sweatshirts.
My favorite holiday memory is… this is an impossible question! Laughing with (and at) friends and family pretty much encapsulates all my fond memories.
Deck the halls with… lots of candles.
My favorite holiday movie is… National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
All I want for the holidays is… everything on my Keep wish list.
The best gift I’ve ever given is… a children’s book I made for a boyfriend (there are great sites that do this now, like Prinstagram).
My favorite way to spread holiday cheer is… one sweatshirt at a time :)
Have you fallen in love with Aubrie yet? Head on over to the B+C Shop to snag her holiday kit!
