This month I would like to introduce Renaissance Austin, CEO of Raghouse International. Renaissance is an extremely talented woman who has taken her love of crocheting and fashion to another level. Her designs are fashionable, comfortable and above all unique. Get very familiar with Renaissance and Raghouse International because I get the feeling she will be around for a very long time.
Q. How did you get started with Raghouse International?
2000 A. It all started for me when I was attending community college in and I began to see these cute little head ties.. They were like bonnets shaped in a triangle. I mean they were the hottest item that summer. Some were crocheted or made out of lace or polk-a-dot material and knowing me, any time I would see something crocheted I would say “I can make that!” So seeing the crocheted head ties gave me the passion to pick up my crochet hooks again and learn how to make them.. I started with that one product, set up vending in different places, and began my journey arriving to where I am now. Yet, I am still journeying and with many ups and downs and a couple of business name changes I have finally created a brand and environment that is continuing to change and evolve, but still stay true to its essence.
Q. What sets Raghouse International apart from other fashion lines?
A. We are a lifestyle. As we continue to develop new products I know that our brand will be around for lifetimes to come. Longevity! Even when it comes to fiber arts, I don’t read patterns, I really choose not to unless it is a design that I really love and I am able to put my own spin on it, change it a little. I like to keep original designs pure, straight from my brain onto the mannequin. I don’t even sketch, hardly anymore. I just visualize it and follow my mind as I am making it. Sometimes it is a surprise to me to see how an item actually comes out. I just let the design “be”. Another interesting thing is I really love fashion all around the board from men’s to women’s, but I don’t consume myself with looking through lots of magazines and watching the fashion show slides on Style.com, I mean every now and then, when I really have time to look. This way I am not influenced too much my other designers or designs. Raghouse International is really Raghouse International because the inspiration comes from within and my very close teammates. So when you look online and see Raghouse International you’re like “wow, this is really unique, so different.” That is because most of our influence comes from within and not from the outside.
Q. What are some of your favorite designs?
A. I am inspired most by Chico’s and Anthropologie! They are my favorite shops! I love the way of life they portray, the earthiness of their clothes, the maturi
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