MARIA AUTRIDGE
DESIGNER, DEVELOPER, MAKER AND OWNER @ AIR-AM CLOTHING
EFFORTLESS
EDGY
ETHICAL
SUSTAINABLE
AIR-AM IS ME, “MARIA” SPELT BACKWARDS AND I ADDED CLOTHING, FROM MY NAIVETY IN THE EARLY DAYS, SO AS GOOGLE WOULD KNOW WHAT I WAS DOING.
Now you know I was my own internet technician, I can add to that designer, pattern maker, sample maker, fabric and accessory hunter and seamstress along with anything else that needs doing.
My Intention has always been to be unique and authentic and it has taken many years of research plus humble learning to get to the stage of being able to make my ideas into patterns and develop those patterns into ready to wear Clothing. The way I do this, is a long hands on manual process.
Some pieces I design, I make up as One Off and others I make up in a small production of a chosen size range for that style. I do hold small amounts of fabric stock for the Styles that I have made into a size range; this allows me to cut and sew by special arrangement if the size is sold out, depending of what fabric I have left and time restrictions. This cuts down a lot of waste
Most of my styles have a roomy fit but always with the design intention to give their wearer that Edge of Confidence, with an Avant-Garde International Designer runway look suitable to the modern woman’s Lifestyle. If we add all of this with ease of wear, we then have a valuable source of energy, especially on those days when we are running a bit low.
Each design has its own Unique Twist, be it in Cut…. or Detail…. or Shape plus I Fabric Hunt, always looking for that Individual textile to make the Ready to Wear garment more because of it and last generations as quality made garments do.
My inspiration for design comes from looking at the shapes and different cuts that make the silhouettes of garments.
The reality of making clothes with more design detail adds a lot more work to each piece but it is my Unique Design features that add that standout look to the final ready to wear pieces. Of late the natural environment around me is inspiring color palettes, although I will always be partial to Black. I am always watching people to find a fit between design and functionality without losing the Edge of Unique Design. My mental transition into aging is inspiring me to design Clothes that allow aging women like me that sophisticated edge that flatters our experience and wisdom, and allows us to stay looking internationally modern.
This Process allows me to make Eco Sustainable decisions and create Slow Fashion Clothes that are Quality, Long Lasting and Respectful.
Integrity is important to me so I will add that not always are my textile choices the natural fibers I love to work with. You will find information regarding what each piece is made of explained in their store description.
The part of my AIR-AM CLOTHING journey that makes my heart sing and sometimes my eyes water is seeing people in my creations exuding that Pure EDGE of Confidence in themselves.