Wax Print Wonders
One of the best things about living in a city ripe with creatives is stumbling upon artists that you cannot believe you didn’t know about! Over the last year of quarantine, I’ve spent a lot of time combing through the internet for fun, local talent to highlight. With a discerning eye out for quality, sustainability and style I came across LaSalle & Jackson. What a joy! The vibrant wax print clothing and accessories are beautifully hand crafted locally under the design direction of Adriane Butler. She was kind enough to chat with me last month about how she got started and what’s up next.
Epiphany: How did you become a clothing designer?
I originally went to school for fashion (F.I.T. back in the 80s!) but had not learned how to sew or sketch, much less make patterns, so I became a merchandising major. I worked in the garment industry for many years doing sales and publicity. I moved to the West Coast after living in the NYC area for 14 years and went back to school to become a nurse. I worked with oncology (cancer) patients for a number of years and really loved it, but always had the itch for design. I'm self-taught and I love learning everyday... which means I make a lot of mistakes! Fortunately, I have friends who are talented seamstresses who've shared some very essential skills with me. It's very satisfying to have an idea and manifest it into something tangible.
Epiphany: Can you tell us about more about wax printing and why you use it?
I love using wax prints because the fabrics carry so much energy. There is historical significance in how these prints came to be (Dutch colonialism + West African creativity), and I love how they are still ubiquitous in contemporary Pan-African culture and fashion. Fashion is a form of visual communication, used to represent your beliefs or your personality... for me, these fabrics express pure joy.
I work with vendors in the U.S. and West Africa to source 100% cotton fabrics that come from Ghana, Nigeria and Holland. There is a new trend of cotton/poly wax-prints, but I prefer working with 100% cotton fabrics.
Epiphany: What are your most popular items?
Right now, my “24x24" cushions are doing really well. They work great as throw pillows but they're also large enough to be floor or meditation cushions. Though I originally intended Lasalle & Jackson to be a dress line, it's evolving into a lifestyle project that includes home decor. At the beginning of the pandemic, I challenged myself and even re-upholstered armchairs with wax print! I feel so much joy working with these fabrics, I hope my pieces bring other people joy too!
Epiphany: What’s up next?
For Spring 2021, I have a ruffle-hemmed duster jacket that I love as a transition piece and I always have sundresses for spring/summer. In the New Orleans heat, it's so easy to put on a colorful dress and go!
Epiphany: How can we shop your brand?
Currently, I am open for home studio visits by appointment and I pop-up at the Coffee Science Mid-City market on Sunday mornings 9:30-12:00. I make it a point to have something new each week! Also, you can always shop on my website.