After seven years coordinating high-visibility productions at The Walt Disney Company, Katherine Ruggieri brings a professional costumer’s discipline to her independent fashion practice. For 15 years, she has developed made-by-hand apparel for people who need clothing to move, perform, or stand out, with fit and practical construction guiding the work. Her Kent State fashion design training, including study in Florence, complements a portfolio that ranges from community parade collections to theatrical recreations.
Gbelley Taylor LLCGbelley Taylor LLC brings more than 20 years of fashion experience to custom bridal and special-occasion design, while teaching sewing and fashion through its Stitch Society studio. Founded by designer and educator Gbelley Taylor, the business spans one-of-a-kind gowns, hands-on classes, and creative programs developed with schools and community organizations. Taylor has showcased and directed fashion productions on international stages as well as at Baltimore and Dayton Fashion Weeks, giving the studio a perspective that runs from concept through completion.RIVERDALE, MD
Victoria Karr Fashion LLCFor more than 30 years, Victoria Karr has designed and engineered couture bridal and formal gowns, with corset-based construction at the heart of her work. From its Columbia boutique, Victoria Karr Fashion LLC creates custom gowns and carefully alters dresses purchased elsewhere, building internal structure that supports and shapes clients from petite through plus-size. Private fittings and a limited number of bridal appointments keep the work personal and hands-on.COLUMBIA, PA
Alix of BohemiaAlix Verley Pietrafesa began making clothing while studying art history in Scotland, inspired by vintage textiles and an unexpected sewing-machine purchase. After creating more than 2,500 bespoke one-of-a-kind pieces, she developed Alix of Bohemia into a New York studio label whose natural-fiber clothing is made with a distinctly hand-worked character.BROOKLYN, NY
Columbus Apparel StudioWomen-owned and led by Ohio native Denise Falter-Conklin, Columbus Apparel Studio brings more than 25 years of fashion-industry experience to its Columbus studio. The company works with designers, entrepreneurs, retail brands and boutiques to turn early ideas into production-ready apparel, with small-batch manufacturing handled in-house.COLUMBUS, OH