​ Deborah Lindquist Eco Lifestyle Offers Mentorship to Artisans

Classically trained fashion designer, driven by passion, and inspired by her Grandmother Ida who was a master seamstress, Lindquist has taken remarkable strides since launching her first namesake brand in 1983. Stating, “I started sewing when I was five on my mom’s treadle machine. I grew up on a farm on a beautiful lake, surrounded by trees and animals. My best friends were my dog and pet crow who followed me everywhere.” The youngest of three kids, Lindquist recalls learning how she learned at an early age how to sew with a machine. "I also did hand sewing, crochet, embroidery, knitting, macrame, and even made some of my own patterns. I began making doll clothing and home decor, but by the time I was in 7th grade, I was making some of my own clothing. We had a fabulous stash of items from many eras dating back to the mid-1800s, which fascinated me and inspired me to create clothing I could wear myself. My grandma Ida, a feisty little Norwegian professional (and perfectionist) seamstress mentored me a bit also and gave me my first electric sewing machine.”

Lindquist studied fashion design at the University of Minnesota and Parsons School of Design in NYC, working for several designer brands prior to launching her own. Lindquist’s passion for eco-conscious clothing stems from her belief that the health and well-being of the planet is directly connected to the health and well-being of the people, animals, and plants living on it. Stating, “I describe my style as edgy/feminine. I like clothing that is made well, fits well, and is flattering. I still love the edgy vibe of 80’s New York City, where and when I started my business. I found incredible, well-constructed, artistic pieces that cost next to nothing in vintage thrift shops when I was a student at Parsons.”

“When I launched my business in the ‘80’s, I started out with a unique idea for a belt using scrap yardage of Milanese Mesh that I found in a trim shop in the garment district, which was embellished from a distressed vintage leather jacket that I found in one of my favorite thrift stores in the East Village. I literally launched my brand with one belt made of vintage materials. I sourced vintage rhinestones, findings, and other vintage materials to use in ornate belt buckles for my belts and jewelry, and upcycling (not even a word back then) became something important in my design process. I moved to Los Angeles in 1989, still a belt designer, but I switched to clothing after my belt line was badly knocked off by a local belt designer. “Welcome to LA, we love your work, we’ll copy it but do it badly.”

Deborah Lindquist is a resourceful designer who was in a position where she needed to make a drastic pivot; she did so by finding great vintage shops and started to make one-of-a-kind jackets comprised of vintage curtains from the '40's and '50's. “These were a hit,” states Lindquist, “and soon I was selling to the best people and stores.”

When asked who benefits the most from the online course and the in person mentoring program that she currently offers, Lindquist responded, “Design students, designers looking to become more sustainable, craftspeople, artists. Lindquist’s online course is an introduction to eco-design and focuses on eco-design, fabric embellishment and relevant skill sets. Modules include applique, reverse applique, beading, studding, eco fabric overview and sourcing, fashion vocabulary and terminology, and more. “It is designed for people wanting to work at their own pace and the mentored class includes bi-monthly calls and mentorship by me. I have mentored many international students who came to study with me and interns, as well as working with local student interns and production assistants.”

Deborah Lindquist’s online course information may be found here: Introduction to Eco Design and Fashion Embellishment Online, and the nine-week program: Introduction to Eco Design and Fabric Embellishment Course with Mentorship. Those interested in participating may sign up here: Creating Eco Conscious Fashion with Mentorship. Through both programs Lindquist has received inspiring feedback where students have conveyed that they now realize "the transformative power of upcycling" and the inherent beauty of eco-conscious materials like organic bamboo silk, stating, “Deborah’s influence extends far beyond the studio walls. She has forever altered my perspective on retail, reshaping not only how I shop, but how I live each day.”

Lindquist concluded, “My first course is an intro to eco design and fabric embellishment; it is designed as a place to start developing your creativity, skill sets, and resourcefulness as a fashion designer, with a focus on ethical choices and business practices. During the years hosting international and USA based students, I designed workshops and lessons to help the students with the least experience while also being able to shift the lessons for those with more skills. The feedback that I received from students made me realize that I was onto something, and that I should share what I do more widely with others. I feel that the course work can be beneficial to not only those wanting to create clothing, but to those creating other types of art, too.”

"Skill Sets such as pattern making, hand and machine sewing, fit, sketching, illustration and more are rushed through or not taught at all in some design schools," as Lindquist discussed. I’m a classically trained fashion designer, states Lindquist. “This is understandably unusual today. Fashion design is at its core complex and technical for many reasons. We need things to fit, to be made well, and last. But it is also a way of creatively expressing who you are. I think it's fine to study fashion design, but make sure you’re learning classical skill sets. Otherwise, what’s the point. Figure out what you love and design things you love.”

What we focus on gets created in our own lives. That’s why I say, “we design our own lives." Because we do. Our ability to practice discernment is also very important. What makes sense, what doesn’t? What do we like, what don’t we like, and why? These are questions we each answered in critiques as students in design school at Parsons. At first it may have felt like criticism as we were learning. With practice, and “learning how to see," we develop our own taste, and we learn to create from a place of our highest self.”

One of Deborah Lindquist's favorite creations is a wedding gown that she made for a a woman named Pamela. Stating, “She wanted a champagne toned hemp/silk bias satin gown that was part of my line and previously featured in the press. The color had been discontinued, but through searching I found the fabric from another supplier. We never met in person. I’m a fit expert and work with a lot of brides to “get the dress to fit. It fit perfectly!"

Lindquist has often been asked how she makes eco clothing “sexy”? It’s a fabric choice and how I design.” She is often referred to as the sexy eco designer” in
the press. “I like that just fine,” states Lindquist. I love nature, I love fashion, and I love to make clothing that combines both.”

Follow Deborah Lindquist’s work at Deborah Lindquist Eco Lifestyle, Green Queen Clothing. Follow her work, request custom couture designs, sign up for her online classes or in person mentoring sessions, via Creating Eco Conscious Fashion Coursework on Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/creatingecoconsciousfashion/ or direct to Lindquist's website at Creating Eco Conscious Fashion.

Deborah Lindquist concluded our interview with a profound and honest reminder, “Artisans are very special people. Perfecting a trade or craft is something that takes a devotion of time, energy, and creativity. Especially when creating things by hand. I believe learning from a unique mentor is invaluable to the survival of the artistry of fashion design as well as the production of it.”