Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Wildes
Hi Valerie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in a small Pennsylvania town where creative outlets were super limited. There weren’t opportunities for design classes to peak interest or hone in a craft but there was one lady who taught drawing from a sunroom in her house. It was there I got to play around with pastels, charcoal and some paints as a young girl. What I discovered was that I really enjoyed drawing textures in clothing and other textiles so I slowly began to tuck away a small portfolio of those things.
In middle school I saw a documentary about a day in the life of a fashion designer and I remember thinking, “someone designs clothing?” Which is so silly to think about now, but I didn’t realize there was an industry beyond just making a garment somewhere.
I went to design school for fashion and then worked in New York as an assistant to a handful of small designers. What I really loved about that experience was the intimacy between me and the design process. I got to observe one particularly super successful designer on a daily basis, source high end trims and visit the garment factories myself. After a couple of years there I moved to Los Angeles where I worked for a very fast paced, large fashion company. I had an incredible mentor there who really taught me how to design for our target market and also how to work quickly and efficiently.
After seven years in Los Angeles my husband and I moved to Nashville where I did some design freelance projects until our first baby was born. Along with the baby came severe postpartum depression and anxiety. All of my creativity went out the door, as my sense of identity had gone missing.
I became a stay-at-home mama though which I really loved. But one November afternoon I watched Greta Gerwig’s Little Women for what felt like the millionth time and something sparked in me. I felt super inspired and wanted to create a collection based around the story that I grew up loving. I started with one top and then did two more. My husband encouraged me to keep going and suggested having a pop-up. That pop-up showcased twenty garments along with many accessories and was the official Fields of Green launch.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Fields of Green is a small bohemian inspired womenswear line where currently everything is one-of-a-kind and handmade by myself. There are many obstacles that come with working this way. For instance, sizing.
I needed to design what I call a “relaxed fit” garment for women who run in sizes 0-12. In a way it was actually really great because they’ve become styles that go with the ebbs and flows of womanhood. Gain weight, lose weight, pregnant, breastfeeding? No problem. These garments are also made to last and can be passed down as an heirloom to someone who isn’t your exact size.
I have built patterns that accommodate this, however I eventually want to expand my sizing to suit more women. I’m in the sampling process with a fair-trade factory that can create small quantity orders, so it can be done.
As you know, we’re big fans of Fields of Green. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I feel a lot of peace when I’m in the creative process. I came up with the name Fields of Green while singing an old hymn that talks about lying in green pastures and I thought to myself, that’s the most beautiful place imaginable, and it reminded me of how I feel while designing and making clothing.
It’s very important that each of my garments are truly unique and well made. I’ve noticed the understanding and appreciation of that has been lost amongst my generation but I hope that Fields of Green may inspire people to buy less and more intentionally.
I like to sometimes use an unexpected mix of colors, prints and textures and unique finishes so that the person buying my clothing feels special wearing it. Creating an elevated bohemian look is really the intention behind each piece. Right now everything is handmade and one-of-a-kind but I’m working on very slowly getting pieces produced in small batches for stores and my site.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I wouldn’t say I’ve found a mentor in the small business fashion world yet, but I do look up to my husband and how he’s created a really loving culture within his own small business. He treats his co-workers and clients with a lot of respect, works hard to make great work and has fun while doing it. I want to be like that too.
As far as networking goes, I think just being kind to anyone and everyone who asks about your business. Never assume that people can or cannot help you in any way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fieldsofgreennashville.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldsofgreennashville/
Image Credits
Andy Peters and Joe Randall
