Lisa Marie’s Art of the Cloth is transforming Capitol Hill’s fashion landscape with a focus on couture craftsmanship and community engagement.
In Capitol Hill, Seattle, the spirit of celebration that once filled E Pike on Election Night back in 2012 has transformed to encompass new beginnings, particularly in the realm of bridal fashion. Renowned designer Lisa Marie has established her space, the Art of the Cloth, within a 2,500-square-foot studio and storefront dedicated to exquisite bridal creations, showcasing her commitment to couture craftsmanship and community engagement.
The fashion designer has embarked on a mission to utilize her storefront not only as a retail space but as a venue for community events aimed at connecting brides with local designers. Over President’s Day weekend, she hosted a successful pop-up showcasing five local jewelers, which Marie noted was a rejuvenating experience for both her business and the participating artists. “Some of them sold everything they brought,” she stated, reflecting on the positive impact of the event on the shop’s energy.
With two decades of experience as a couture designer, Lisa Marie has adopted a personalized approach to her creations. She places a strong emphasis on sustainability, intentionally crafting each gown with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring they are made to endure and carry sentimental weight. “Even if you move on from that garment, you’re going to pass it on to someone; you’re not going to throw it in a landfill,” she expressed, emphasizing the importance of longevity and care in the fashioning process. Each piece embodies her dedication to producing gorgeous, slow-fashion gowns that are crafted with an element of reverence.
The store’s layout diverges from traditional collection categories, instead designed aesthetically to create an inviting atmosphere. This allows brides the unique opportunity to leave with a gown in hand or engage in a months-long process for a custom piece crafted by Marie herself, often referred to as the “dress doctor.”
Beyond her creations, Marie is passionate about elevating the fashion conversation within Seattle’s creative landscape. “I hope that fashion becomes much more of a connective tissue,” she stated, emphasizing the role of fashion as a non-verbal language that expresses identity and fosters joy.
Her dedication to collaboration and support within the local fashion community is evident as she highlights her relationships with peers. “The women that I’m working with, we check in with each other, we go to coffee with each other, we congratulate each other on milestones,” she remarked, illustrating the solidarity among local designers. Marie also emphasized the importance of sourcing materials locally, often procuring imported fabrics from Stitches, a nearby fabric shop.
Capitol Hill has witnessed a burgeoning collection of fashion outlets, balancing larger brands with invaluable independent establishments like Art of the Cloth. The latest addition to the area is Taylor Stitch, a San Francisco-based men’s rugged fashion retailer. Smaller local ventures, such as Mediums Collective, illustrate the dynamic fashion culture within Capitol Hill, which also remains vibrant with a strong presence of vintage and thrift stores.
Looking to the future, Marie plans for her storefront to evolve into a community gathering space in 2025, incorporating open houses and events that invite members of the public to dress up, explore, and engage with her artistic vision. As Capitol Hill continues to flourish as a cultural hub, the Art of the Cloth stands poised to be a nurturing center of creativity and connection.
Art of the Cloth is located at 1205 E Pike, with updates available on their Instagram account @lisa_marie_couture.
Source: Noah Wire Services
