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Designer Interview Series: Lauren Moffatt

Welcome to a new Blog Series, in which Art in the Age buyer Melanie will reveal the person or team behind an Art in the Age curated brand…through exclusive interviews!

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As the heat of a Philadelphia Summer engulfs you whole every time you step out of the shade and all you want to do is head for the Shore with a jimmy cone in your hand, I thought it might be excellent timing to unveil the designer behind the eponymously named clothing line, Lauren Moffat. Not only because Lauren was born and raised in Philadelphia, but because her very unorthodox debut into fashion production is the most genius way to stay cool that I have ever heard!

You are a Philadelphia Native, correct?

Yes, I’m an Abington native.  My family is still there, so I’m home all the time.  My favorite thrift shops are there, so you can’t keep me away.

What was your favorite place to shop back in the day?

In high school we’d take the train down to Urban Outfitters and try used Levi’s on for hours patiently waiting to find the perfect pair.  In terms of real favorites though, I’m a Salvation Army girl.  I love the thrill of a find.  I’m always just looking for stuff for me and my daughter, it’s after the fact that I’ll think, “oh, this is a great print maybe we should make something like it for spring…”

You sewed your first two season’s collections from your sailboat docked on the Hudson River. Was that as hard to accomplish as it sounds? I cannot imagine making precise stitches on a rocking boat!

I know, it sounds so crazy, but you have to do what you have to do…It actually worked quite well, When you live/work in such a confined space it forces you to be really organized and strategic in what you do.  Being on the boat and in the water and living a very unconventional lifestyle was also a real source of inspiration.

the boat on which Moffatt lived and worked
 
Do you still sew on your boat from time to time?

I don’t.  When we outgrew the space, we moved into a proper garment district studio.  However my business partner Rob visits the boat every weekend, I don’t think much sewing goes on through…

Have you noticed a change in Philadelphia culture, art and/or fashion since you left?

Yes, for sure.  While Philly has always had a great and varied cultural center with wonderful museums and galleries, I think the city was quieter, I remember feeling like it just emptied out at night.  Now it feels like it’s really being used…

Where do you get your inspiration for your vintage looks?

While I love vintage clothing I’m rarely inspired by a whole look, more often just a great detail.  I love the unexpected and feeling like you have to get closer to something to see just what’s happening.

What’s the best part about what you do?

Having to be mostly creative and just a little bit businessey.

Do you have a motto or credo you work off of? 

Not really, I just do what I do, and if I ever stop enjoying it, I’ll stop.  Luckily, that hasn’t happened and doesn’t feel like it will anytime soon!

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Thank you, Lauren, for taking the time to chat with me about your Philadelphia upbringing, boat life and design sensibility. We now know why you love vintage inspiration so much, and your words have lent a feeling of increased intimacy to your line, that will only leaving us wanting more…like your next Season! Check out dresses and tops by Ms. Moffat at the store or online!