The young designer talks merging extravagant inspiration with modern sensibility.

words TAMIA STINSON | photography CLAUDIA HERSHNER

Fashion designer Calle Evans is excited. She paces around photographer Claudia Hershner’s studio, alternately adjusting the straps on a model’s slinky black slip dress, squinting critically at the images loading onto the computer screen, and snapping pictures and video of the shoot on her phone. The Urbana native has been busy since graduating from the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program in 2014, taking time to plan the launch of the CALLE EVANS brand before releasing her first collection in Fall 2015, then traveling to New York Fashion Week to privately show the new collection to contacts and clients. I caught up with the young designer to ask about her inspiration and plans for the future.

What was the inspiration for your new collection? Any fabrications or design elements you’re really into right now?

The new collection (Spring/Summer 2017) was inspired by the parties of Elsie de Wolfe, an interior designer turned hostess in the late 1930’s. One of her final parties was at her house, Villa Trianon at Versailles, which was described as quite the extravagant affair. For this collection, I imagined what a woman today would wear to one of these parties. The woman of the brand remains sensual yet modern and the silhouettes are quite streamlined, but I use embroidery to really elevate the pieces.

I love embroidery! I studied at Ecole Lesage, the famed embroidery school owned by Chanel in Paris, and love incorporating it into the collection in a chic and modern way.

What projects or events have you enjoyed recently?

The new CALLE EVANS Spring/Summer 2017 collection was released during New York Fashion Week this September. I was also one of the designers featured at the Style + Sustainability Gala in Cincinnati, organized by Modern Makers.

Where can people find you online and in real life?

You can find everything CALLE EVANS on www.calleevans.com and on social media at @calleevans. You can also find select pieces from my collections at SHOWROOM in Northside!

Personally, I spend a lot of my time working, but when I need a change of scenery I love working at 1215 Wine & Coffee Bar. If I have any time off I try to travel as much as possible! This past year I have been in Germany, Austria, and more recently in California.