Designer Spotlight – Miriam Cecilia Carlson

Miriam Cecilia Carlson

Miriam Cecilia Carlson

Miriam Cecilia Carlson discovered her love for fashion at a young age and chose to pursue her dream to become a fashion designer by attending Dominican University.

Miriam gained experience as an intern for Zzazz Productions and during her time abroad in Paris where she learned millinery from Jean Paul Gaultier’s milliner and draping techniques from Mme Gres’ seamstresses. These experiences helped her discover her own signature techniques.

Miriam has received many honors and awards. In 2008 she was recognized at Dominican University’s Annual Fashion show for the Best Overall Design. The same year she was chosen to be a part of the Driehause Fashion Show Award of Excellence. In 2009 she won Best Senior Collection at Dominican University. She has also been awarded the Creativity in Fashion award by the Cook County Treasurer. Miriam graduated from Dominican University in May of 2009 Magna Cum Laude.

Miriam began selling her m.c.c. line at Verse Chicago Boutique in 2009. In 2010 she became a Designer in Residence of the Chicago Fashion Incubator. Now a days Miriam is popping up all over Chicago. Just a few weeks ago she walked the red carpet at Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama 2010 when she designed one of the event’s Office Max supply dresses using only notebooks, brass facets, leather, and a zipper.

Her collections comprise of cocktail dresses, evening dresses, and separates. Miriam’s detailed draping and manipulation of fabric give her pieces her signature look. Her designs look elegant yet effortless. She has something for any woman at any moment in life.

We asked Miriam a few questions. Here is what she had to say!

1. Who are you as a designer?

I grew up occupying my time as a child with sketching girls in ball gowns, staying up late sewing with my mother for 4-H, playing dress up and making Grecian dresses out of sheer curtains. Little did I know that the “girl” I drew would become my classic fashion illustration model, the sewing skills my mother taught me would carry me through college and into producing my own clothing line, and those “curtain dresses” were the beginning of discovering my signature draping technique.  I am now 23 and living a dream that I could never fully admit until now.  I am currently launching my clothing line: miriam cecilia.  I thrive off of working in the city of Chicago and being one of the six Designers in Residents at the Chicago Fashion Incubator.  My family lives out in the country where I am able to escape, breathe, and find my inspiration.

2. What is your inspiration for your line?

I believe that it is the small moments in life that are the ones worth
exploring.  I am drawn to the spontaneous moments found in nature and the simple everyday emotions we feel.  I like to take in the world around me and let the organic moment and natural colors translate into a collection that tells a story. My desire to find meaning in life inspires not only the designs of my garments but also the process of construction.  The development of each new piece is a journey, where I allow the fabric to respond organically to my manipulation.

3. Who is your design muse?

I do not look to people for inspiration… I like to play off of emotions and how they reflect in the natural world.  A snapped branch to me represents a relationship being broken apart or a fern curving into itself demonstrates how people can always come back to each other.  The thick birch forest is my muse, the mist hovering the pasture in the early morning is my muse.

4. What are your upcoming events?

Fashion’s Night Out- September 10th, Macy’s on State St:  miriam cecilia will be showcased where people can place special orders

Italian Expo- September 17, 18, 19, Navy Pier: miriam cecilia will be on display and on the runway for viewers to chose as their favorite

5. How can customers find your line?

Contact miriam@miriamceciliacarlson.com to inquire on a selected garment or a special order.

Here are a few looks from her Fall 2010 collection.

Check out the rest of Miriam’s Fall 2010 collection here.

Tags: Chicago Fashion Incubator, Dominican University, m.c.c., Miriam Cecilia Carlson