Melanie Lynn Photography
Today I’m going to bring you some fashion that better connects with the edgier, rock’n’roll, kick-some-ass side of Furies Magazine. Samantha’s designs for BRAKELESS are tough, but flirty and fun, too.
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Dave Brown Photography
Furies Magazine: Was there a particular piece that drew you into the world of design?
Samantha Martucci: No particular piece that I can recall, but my sketches date back to about 7 years old for me. Back then I could tell I was heavily influenced by the spice girls and futuristic space pieces. My mom is an artist so I would use her fabric and sewing machine and make my own clothes too. I still have a giant binder of sketches from then, till now. Although, I don’t tend to sketch much anymore.
SM: I find the most inspiration in music subcultures and the music itself. Mostly grunge, punk, metal, classic rock and electronic. As much as I love avant-garde pieces, my joy is in making easy-to-wear pieces. I do a lot of re-working and re-purposing of things I find at thrift stores.Like I said, I rarely sketch, so I usually let the item or fabric tell me what it wants to be. I am also a part of a huge professional Go Go Team here in Denver and help make a lot of the costumes as well as dance so that is definitely an inspiration as well.
Photography by Darrin Harris Frisby
FM: Where is the first place you turn if you’re lacking motivation?
SM: I work a full-time office job on top of modeling, dancing, being a hair/ makeup artist, and doing all my own designing and sewing… so I am usually lacking time, more than inspiration. If I am though, I like to go fabric shopping or browse at thrift store. Maybe listen to music or watch an old movie. The music I listen to while creating something definitely has an effect on what I make.
FM: What is your working environment like?
SM: We have a finished attic in our house where the ceilings are too short for anyone else, so it has become my sewing studio! I have my sewing machine, serger, and everything on the floor so it always feels like craft time. It’s a huge mess right now though to be honest since I have a limited time to make anything. I work well in chaos though haha. I also took over this mini room between the main floor and stairs to our basement and that has become my showroom/ fitting room for anyone that comes over.
Melanie Lynn Photography
FM: What are your favorite materials to work with?
SM: I love love love working with old t-shirts. One of the most popular “collections” I’ve done is a bunch of fringe bodysuits made out of old band shirts and shirts from friends clothing companies/ BMX shops. Other than that I am a huge fan of anything stretchy. Anything I can move and dance in (surprise coming from the dancer, ha).
SM: My favorite part of being a designer is being able to create things people love and I, myself, love. Creating a lifestyle brand, or multiple, is a passion of mine. Just like doing makeup, I can transform a person and make them feel happy and free from themselves for a while.
Photography by Lynzi Judish
FM: Is there anything that you don’t like about it?
SM: The politics in the industry (like any other) and just not having the time or money to do as much as I’d like. I don’t like making gowns and full comprehensive collections so getting myself out there feels limited to word of mouth and social media. I’ve tried the big fashion show thing, and unless it’s something I put together by myself it just doesn’t suit my brand usually. Maybe a pop-up fashion show downtown would be better.. hmm.
FM: What are your plans for the future – where do you want to go next?
SM: I would love to eventually be able to devote all my time to designing. Until then I just want to see my business grow as much as it can and word of what I do to spread. Selling things is always nice too 😉
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