Why do the coolest things for kids always come out after you’re all grown up? I love, love, love the dinosaur princess dresses by children’s designer Elise Hooper. I mean, girls like dinos too! (Frankly, I don’t think I would mind having a dinosaur princess dress now…)
Elise creates more than just fun dino princess dresses for kids though. Her personalized blankets are super cute, and what kid wouldn’t want a blankie with their name on it? I chatted with Elise to find out a little more about her designs and inspiration.
How did you get started as a designer? I learned to sew and knit from my grandmother and mother as a little girl and never stopped. While in college, I got a job as a seamstress in the costume department and learned how to make whalebone corsets and many things that I have never tried again, but I had fun learning and seeing my creations on stage. When my daughter was born, I began making her clothes as a creative outlet and have never stopped. Now I have two girls, so the possibilities are endless for creating fun things for them.
What inspires your work? Children’s books with their wonderful illustrations and stories about talking animals appeal to me. I love the “Ella” series (D’Amico), Eric Carle books, books by Leslie Patricelli, and many others! My daughters and I also visit Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo about once a week and many of the animals there provide me with ideas. Trips to the beach down the street make me notice colors and shapes and walks around the neighborhood also give me the opportunity to study people’s gardens for color and texture. I also simply listen to my kids and what interest them. One of our friends developed a love for dinosaurs and princesses and there was nothing out there that paired those two together, so I took matters into my own hands–literally!–to create my dino princess dresses.
Who are your favorite designers? Where to start? I adore Heather Ross and her imaginative designs. The classic but modern patterns of Marimekko are timeless. I watch Project Runway religiously and love to hear what their judges have to say. In addition, the NY Times Style section and InStyle are on my must-read list.
What are your fashion & beauty must-haves? Nothing beats a terrific pair of jeans! I’m also constantly looking for handbags and brightly colored shoes. Since I live in Seattle, I need color! I’m also currently loving the smell and texture of Alba daily facial moisturizer and Dermalogica eye cream.
What advice would you give to aspiring designers? To try to learn as many new skills as possible and try to make as many things as possible so that you can keep learning new techniques and advancing through trial and error. I read books, blogs, and study pictures to try to figure out new strategies for creating things. I also ask lots of questions when I’m in fabric stores, art stores, and hardware stores about different tools and materials.
Where can people find your work? elisehooperdesigns.etsy.com
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so cute – i know Elise! not only is she designing super cuteness – but she’s a wonderful woman.