How did you get into fashion? My mom was a seamstress when I was growing up. I think watching her create entire outfits from scratch inspired me to not settle just for what I could find in a store.
Who are some of your favorite designers? Charles and Ray Eames, Armi and Viljo Ratia, Dan Kiley
How does New Orleans inspire you? I think an easier question would be how doesn’t New Orleans inspire me ;). Certainly the exposure to things you can’t find anywhere else in Louisiana or the south for that matter. I guess like the funky city that is New Orleans, I like to create things that are so funky they don’t match anything but somehow they match everything. Hope that makes some sense…
What is New Orleans style? Funky comes to mind first, like gumbo, a little of this and a little of that, and some how it comes out so good you just have to go back for more..
What’s the next cool thing? Handmade-definitely. I think things handmade are really finding a place even in the mainstream. I think people are tired of buying mass produced. Shopping local and handmade keep us feeling connected. And I think handmade has a timeless quality about it that you can’t get from some trendy mass produced thing that will soon be replaced by some other trendy mass produced thing..
Favorite place to shop? Thrift stores, etsy.com (the shop local option), and garage sales, it’s like treasure hunting at a bargain.
Where do you sell your designs? ETSY.com, the Baton Rouge downtown Arts Market and Courtyard Gifts and Interiors, 4467 Arnold Lane, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809, www.ETSY.com
What is unique about shopping at your store? I make everything I sell with my own two hands; I have a huge loyalty to Louisiana. I take my geographical fidelity seriously.
Designer’s Name: Madeline Subat Ellis
What’s the next cool thing? 
