“Clothes speak for themselves.”

Because of Angel’s talent--working with such a diverse array of styles, fabrics, and found goods--you would think she had been designing clothes her whole life.  Far from the case, Angel had no interest when her seamstress mother tried to teach her how to sew.

Angel was about 20 years old when her indifference quickly changed. She started to hang out with a slew of local artists, and the creative influences from her friends resurrected Angel’s childhood memories of lace, sewing machines, and needles. She soon taught herself how to sew. Within her circle of wild artist friends, fashion became Angel’s niche.

For a while, as Angel says, “I just wore all my horrible creations until I got good at it.” After her talent began to solidify, she decided to go to Fashion School. She moved to Seattle to attend the Art Institute, thirsting to learn the ins and outs of the fashion industry.

Her favorite part about working at the Pretty Parlor is, “Watching people fall in love with clothes.” After she said this she paused for a second and then said, “They are clothes, but they are pieces of art you can wear. I love art you can wear.”

The faraway look in her eyes as she said this was what I had imagined from Michelangelo as he created his sculpture. Angel already sees the design of her work in her head. Her hands merely piece together the fabric of a dress that already exists in the world of forms.

Angel’s fashion creations are not limited to the Pretty Parlor. Her original clothes are being sold at top-tier Boutiques in New York, Boston, and San Francisco, as well as in many other stores in Seattle, including Valloria in Ballard, and Bouncing Wall in Queen Anne.

How did Angel land her fashion designs at so many boutiques in all these major cities? Well, she let her clothes speak for themselves. All it took was the display of talent.  She contacted the fashion boutiques that matched her interest and e-mailed them pictures of her designs.  Done.  In. 

But while her clothes speak for themselves, what does Angel think of her clothes? This information was hard to nose out of her, but she finally gave in:

“My clothes are wearable and edgy. I want to make clothes that people want to wear, what women want to wear. The clothes that make you feel comfortable, yet attractive. Like that one piece of clothing you put on even if it's dirty because you know it looks good and don’t know what else to wear.”

Within her fashion there are definitely certain motifs. Most of the clothes are dark and edgy, yet still accessible and wearable in casual situations. In reply to her style influences, Angel remarked with a smile:

“My boyfriend thinks I am creepy and gothic, maybe that is it. But, I don’t think I am creepy. I just want to make clothes that people will buy and wear while still being able to fully express myself through my design.”

Angel is definitely not creepy; just in possession of an incredible eye for creating clothes that possess a sexy, dark appeal combined with all-day wearability.  Businesswise, she also has the consistent work flow and steady mind-set needed to take her fashion label to higher and higher levels.

“My goal is to support myself more thoroughly and keep doing what I love. One day I eventually will sell my label and start a new one.”

If bets had to be wagered, they would no doubt be in favor of Angel. Her talent has already taken her far, and will continue onwards and upwards. She is working on beefing up Seattle's fashion scene by organizing more and more fashion shows where you can dance to same loud music that accompanies her fashion, engaged in wild and creative action.

Keep an eye out for Kombat clothing-and make it your favorite piece of art to wear.