PrettyRaccoon Interview
PrettyRaccoon Clothing
An interview with Andrea Winkler, the owner of the Toronto based clothing line PrettyRaccoon
www.andreawinkler.com
I’ve been sewing for myself for many many years (probably at least 6 or 7 years), I started selling DIY clothing as my job about two years ago. What inspires you to design your pieces?
I love thrift shopping and finding great vintage fabrics and designs. I’m always inspired by that!
Do you also come up with the graphic design prints on your clothing? If so, how?
Most of the prints that I use on my tops I find in vintage books or magazines. I try to change them a bit from the originals, but I love the quality of old line drawings and prints.
Would you ever consider designing mens DIY clothing?
I would maybe make some basic t-shirts for men, but I think I will keep the DIY tops just for the ladies! Maybe I could partner up with a boy who can take care of the male side of things.
So you use American Apparel eh? Any particular reason why?
I like using a worldwide brand that people can trust. If you are really concerned about a certain style most people can pop into an American Apparel store and try something on. More importantly they have great business practice; they treat their employees fairly and are beginning to introduce more organic/sustainable options.
I’m curious about how you managed to market your business! Did your success come from word of mouth?
I think my success comes from a combination of word of mouth, my website and eBay. I have a lot of repeat customers that are hopefully spreading the word! Also selling on eBay gives me a customer base that I wouldn’t get if I just sold off of my own website. Having a website allows me to exchange links with other great DIY businesses. I also have a Livejournal and Myspace page for my clothing to keep people updated and interested!
If you were offered to have your pieces duplicated and mass produced (rather than keeping it all DIY & unique) would you?
I would mass produce my tops (to sell in other stores), but I would always keep creating new one-of-a-kind pieces to sell on my site.
I love the fact that you’re from Canada because I’m from Toronto too! Are there any shops, small boutiques in Toronto that sell your clothing line?
Right now I sell everything myself, but there are lots of great places to buy unique clothing in Toronto!
One last thing, what other places do you recommend people to shop if they’re looking for the very mod, scenester, indie chic look? Any specific stores in Toronto?
I love the one-of-a-kind show and sale that happens a couple times a year in Toronto. Fresh Collective and Lilith (both on Queen Street) sell lots of indie designers – they always have something unique to buy!
