A local boutique is bent on showcasing local design talent—and keeping it here
By Lindsey St. Clair
“I think we take for granted that St. Louis is stylish and cutting-edge,” says Jennifer Gray, owner of TheTime Boutique. She’s convinced that St. Louis has a treasure trove of talented designers who need to be given a chance—and that’s just what she’s planning to do. After rifling through the portfolios of about two dozen hopefuls, she chose three local emerging designers to spotlight in a September 8 fashion show at Schlafly Bottleworks’ “Art Outside” fair. TheTime will exclusively carry the winners’ fall collections.
Jen Sertl brings new life to vintage cashmere, but these aren’t your mother’s sweaters. She reconstructs necklines, creates wrap-style sweaters with velvet ties and adds ruffles and
details like beading, silk and velvet appliqués.
Katie Kantley (featured in SLM’s July issue) dyes, cuts and constructs her silk tops and dresses by hand. “Each one is a work of art,” Gray says, pointing to the way the silk backless halter glides over the hips.
Shelah McClymont spruces up vintage tops, cutting and slimming down the sides, then reattaching them with knots. She also screen-prints them with her own quirky designs, including the “breastpa” (a classic scooter, printed across the chest).
