About the Makers // Elaina Dart of Pools Of Laughter

My name is Elaina Dart. I am a local independent fashion designer in my lovely hometown of Chico, CA. My specialties are hand sewn dresses and tops made from repurposed materials, mostly vintage lace and chiffon. I also do a lot of hand beading on my designs. My aesthetic is very ethereal and feminine. My label is Pools of Laughter and I currently sell my designs on my Etsy site of the same name and in downtown Chico at Three Sixty Ecotique.

I began sketching dresses at 8 years old. I would sit in my room and imagine glamorous Hollywood actresses wearing my dresses to the Academy Awards. I would dress my little sister up in whimsical ensembles and put on fashion shows for my parents. I guess you could say I always knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I started sewing and selling my designs about 7 years ago in a small local shop and at a couple of local festivals. Sewing and designing is my passion and I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I enjoy making flattering sexy clothes that accentuate all of a woman’s favorite curves.

My inspiration comes from many places. Usually my designs just happen organically. When I find a beautiful base piece or a particularly unique piece of vintage lace or fabric it just starts to flow and come together. I have a pretty large collection of fabric and embellishments so when I’m in the process of working on a piece I have an array of things to pick from. My personal fashion muses are the supremely magical Stevie Nicks, and Clara Bow, the 1920′s silver screen actress who personified the glamorous opulence of classic Hollywood. As far as designer muses, Boue Soeurs, the French fashion house from the early 20th century has been a huge influence on my recent designs, as have Marchesa and Chanel.

My favorite piece currently is a black and raspberry dress that I have just completed. It was made from a vintage raspberry colored slip and  the bottom half of a 1920′s beaded flapper dress that my mother in-law had and thought I could use. It took many painstaking hours to restore that piece so I could use it on this dress, but the outcome was well worth it. I added ruffle sleeves and various pieces of vintage lace until I felt it was done. I was really inspired by the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday when I created this dress and now it’s just waiting for the right lady to wear it and wow her man!

360 Ecotique is my favorite store in Chico. I have been a customer at times and been behind the counters there at others. I have had my designs in there almost since they opened and am proud to have my pieces at such a creative and forward thinking store. They are always a step ahead with their vision for their business and what is hot in fashion at the moment. Crystena and Lorna are not only great business owners, but also good people and even better friends.

I am available for custom orders and love to do bridesmaid dresses for an entire group, or fabulous cocktail dresses for a special occasion.

You can find Elaina on Etsy at Pools of Laughter. You can also email Elaina at elainadart [at] yahoo [dot] com

Photography by Briana Morrison