I came across Annie Turbin Designs on Instagram and instantly went to her website where I found really cute clothes. As I read Annie’s story I was intrigued. I love how years ago, she hand painted a dress for herself and someone asked where she bought it. Annie told her she made it herself and that woman and four others took out their checkbooks leading to the birth of Annie’s business!
I emailed Annie some questions and she’s answered them in conversational form. She’s as interesting and colorful as her designs! Read on to find out more about Annie and her business as I share a few incredible pieces from her hand dyed, hand printed, hand painted collections. Enjoy.
What is your background and how did you learn the techniques/skills to design and dye your clothes?
My background is actually music. Since I was three years old I was taking piano lessons. Mainly I’m a singer songwriter, and then came violin, viola, guitar. Berklee College of Music graduate.
How did you get started in this business?
Backwards. Didn’t plan on it at all. I was singing and playing viola with John Tesh- yikes, remember him? And he started featuring me vocally in the show, told me to go shopping for stage clothes and I saw a fabulous hand dyed dress at Neiman Marcus and I kind of had a shazam moment. It was an instinctive feeling that I could “make clothing” I remember it was a very strong feeling. I became obsessed overnight with dyeing a printing fabric. I couldn’t get enough. Plus I’ve always loved clothing and dressing up, I love it all. Bohemian, preppy, classic, conservative, beachy, blue jeans and diamonds, black tie, ball gowns, bathing suits, cheerleader outfits and catholic school uniforms. I am eternally in LOVE with fashion, utterly obsessed and in love with fashion.
Do you have a favorite material to work with?
Probably velvet or silk.
Where does your inspiration come from as you’re designing/dyeing new styles?
I love jewelry and I get a lot of inspiration from jewels-particularly colored stones. I also love nature, leaves, the way water and oil look together. I love droplets of water on leaves, that kills me.
Do you have a piece you’ve designed that has special meaning to you?
Well, each piece is a child of mine and you know you love your children equally, right? Right. I get super giddy when I’m onto something new in the studio that we’re working on. I did a series of velvets that were totally pieced together in an argyle pattern, they were to die for. I made three or fours skirts. Whenever somebody got too close to one of them, I’d get the heeby jeebies…felt like I couldn’t breathe. Finally realized that I’d be a complete puddle if somebody bought one of them, so I had to take them and put them in my closet. Where they are very safe. I look at them almost everyday. When I lose ten pounds I’ll start wearing . Pandemic cookies,….
How and why did you decide to open a store front boutique?
Several factors drove that decision. I’ve always wanted a store, ever since I could remember. I wanted to be in that energy. The pandemic was a good motivator, great reminder that we don’t have all day, so to speak. I was living in Nashville, and really was just over the south, and especially southerners. I wanted to work with women, sell my clothing everyday, and engage with women who share my love and excitement for getting dressed, no matter what the occasion.
What is your favorite part of owning, designing, and running a clothing company/boutique? What is the hardest part?
It’s all hard. Hideously hard. I love that I’m my own boss, nobody bosses me around. I have to boss myself around. The financial is tough at times because I’m constantly reinvesting in the next season’s collection…development, then running production. I love selling the other lines I’m carrying in my store because choosing them is extremely creative, so I get to scratch that itch constantly.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Come to the store, work work work! Work with my studio in Los Angeles where the magic happens. Constantly shifting gears when a client walks in. Multi tasking because I’m a chick and we RULE when it comes to multi tasking.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
Building my store as a destination and continuing with my own brand. And hopefully getting to see Scotland and Ireland somebody, green is my favorite color so that’s on my bucket list.
The fit of Annie’s pants is pure perfection. Those who know me know I usually wear oversized clothes. Well, when I put on Annie’s long flair pants I was so excited. My husband also commented on how well they fit and how much he liked them, almost as much as I liked them on me! They’re super comfy and I really feel good in them!!
While Annie does carry some other brands, such as the skirt I’m wearing by La Bottega Di Brunella, most of what is sold in her store are her own hand painted, hand dyed, and hand printed designs. Annie Turbin Designs utilizes fabric mills in the USA, predominantly in California and are manufactured exclusively in California. Everything is handmade in the USA-I like that! And I like the clothes designed by Annie Turbin-a lot!
Wow, I LOVE these prints, and also reading Annie’s story! Hello – fellow former professional musician here with a degree from the Conservatorium of Music in Australia! I think when you are creative in one area, it often bubbles over into others.
Thanks for sharing – I really enjoyed this post and I wish Annie all the best for her brand!
Hi Cat, So cool that you and Annie were both professional musicians! What was/is your area of expertise? I agree-when one is creative it definitely flows into many creative areas! Annie’s prints are incredible and her story so interesting. She’s so fun to talk to-you can just feel her energy! Thanks for your kind words and for reading the post! xo, Michele
These are beautiful prints. I can imagine the work that goes into them. Truly demonstrates creativity.
Nancy, I agree-there must be so much work that goes into them and the end result is so beautiful! Thanks for reading. xo, Michele
Hi Michelle!
Another musician graduate from Duquesne U School of Music! I think once you have a creative mind and spirit it becomes a part of you, what you love. Her designs and cuts are so beautiful! Especially love the green print ensemble on you!
Jess xx
Hi Jess! I love the green outfit as well-mixing prints is so fun! I agree-those I know who are creative are talented in multiple creative areas. It’s such a gift! Thanks for reading. xo, Michele