It is not every day that I come across a store that blows my mind….but for the last two months I’ve wanted a dress! Not just any old dress, but a dress that stands for my values…a dress where I can wear my heart on my sleeve.
upcycled dress by epolstyle on etsy
I asked April of Epolstyle a few questions about her makes. I wanted to understand how she got her start, and learn more about her design process. When you see her designs they make you just feel good! What is the secret sauce that goes into that design?
April Marie said, “When I was 12, I wanted to go to a dance. My mom couldn’t afford to get me a dress, and I decided to make my own. I grabbed one of her button up tops and began to rework it until I had my dress. Sewn by hand. I was teased of course, because handmade was not the cool thing, but I didn’t care. I loved it. From then on, I just did my own thing.”
“When I first really began to create for the public, it was patchwork skirts and bags…. Slowly expanding…. My emotions inspire most of my more elaborate designs. Usually sorrow. It sounds funny, but out of the ashes comes a Phoenix! I inspire easily. A funny hat, or a character in a movie…. I would love to change the way the industry views the size gaps. I began intertwining my sizes to fit multiple bodies. As someone who has fluctuated in weight my entire life, it is sad To find a piece I love, and can’t wear because it is Ill fitted or not intended for my body. No matter what my size is at that time. My goal has always been to blow up those lines, and make my pieces to fit all the bodies that love them!”
Pacman bag by Epolstyle on Etsy
What I love most about April’s makes, is that she isn’t afraid to have fun with her designs! Each piece is carefully crafted to be comfortable, colorful and out of this world! Epolstyle has an Instagram and Facebook! Follow her to stay in the know about new releases, updates, sales and more!