PO-EM is a creative collection of handmade textiles, wares and art by artist & designer Carla Venticinque-Osborn. Collections take inspiration from stories, poems, the hand's work, the animal gaze, storytelling through pattern, utility, and merging old things with new things. Every piece is intent on being genuine, and serves as an ode to the handmade.

Last summer I had the chance to go to New York to view the Spring/Summer collections for 2020. While I was there I took the subway to Brooklyn to visit the PO-EM studio. Owner and designer Carla Venticinque-Osborn showed me her newest collection (now available), let me take photos of her workspace, and recommended a great lunch spot, Five Leaves. One thing I've noticed from visiting designers in their workspace is the abundance of natural light. Carla's space has beautiful light and a cool exposed brick wall. 

Carla works with artisans in India, Guatemala, and Mexico to produce her original textiles exploring traditional methods like block printing, weaving, and resist-dying. 

The "Camo" print below was designed by Carla for her SS20 collection. She starts with art which is then turned into a block printed pattern. Block printing is when an artisan carves a design into a block to create a stamp. Then with ink applies that stamp to create a pattern on fabric. 

PO-EM is a sustainable brand producing via socially and environmentally positive channels of production. They use natural non-toxic dyes and materials and support  craftspeople-artisans-makers. Their artful clothing are also relaxed styles, reminding us to slow down in this world.  

Every studio needs a dog for inspiration:)

To truly appreciate the Corinne Collection, you need to touch and feel the fabric. Susan Kim, the owner and designer of Corinne, sources gloriously soft fabrics that are knitted in the USA using threads that are spun and dyed by a family-run Los Angeles, California mill. Each garment is then cut, sewn, and packed by Susan herself. It's no wonder why this carefully crafted brand has become a customer favorite. 

We had a chance to meet Susan at her new studio, located in a historic Los Angeles building, to view her 2018 Spring collection and ask a few questions about her and her brand. 

Q&A with Susan Kim

Your collections are made of locally-made knits. What made you decide to work with these fabrics? 

Before I started Corinne, I always gravitated towards clothing of higher quality fabric so when I went in search of sourcing for fabric, I found that the better quality knits were made locally. The cost for fabric was higher than fabric made in China but it just made sense to work with this fabric because I could not get over the quality.

What is your favorite piece in the Fall 2017 collection?

It definitely has to be the Devin Jumpsuit—I wear it so much that it is really embarrassing. 

What drove you to clothing design?

I was always creative and interested in art but found that clothing design was immensely gratifying in that it is constantly evolving and changing. 

Where does your label name, Corinne, come from?

Corinne means ‘beautiful maiden’ in French and in the Urban Dictionary it means the ‘best of the best and the girl you want to be’. I loved the meaning of the name and it had street cred so I knew I had to use Corinne as the label’s name. 

Living in Los Angeles must be fun, tell us what you like to do in your free time. Any favorite shops or food spots?

I work really long hours so I don’t go out very much but since my studio is in Downtown Los Angeles, I try to go to new places around the area. I recently found a place that has the best acai bowls called Om Nom Organics. Their Mystic Paleo - Black Magic has almond butter and toasted coconut granola that is absolutely amazing. And, Gentle Monster recently opened up their flagship not too far from my studio and it is just a dream to be in there.

I first saw 3rd Season Designs at a Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco and immediately knew they would be a part of my store (of which didn't exist at the time). Their Cosmic Collection caught my eye within a sea of makers as something totally unique and special. Each season they push themselves using different techniques to create original textile designs. Then those cool textile prints are handmade in California into effortless and modern pieces, so you can wear a little piece of their art. 

 Inside their Studio

Not too far from where I grew up, Mabel and Alycia design and make their modern textile driven collections in the cutest house in the Historic District of Pomona. On a recent visit home, I was able to connect with them to see their space in person. 

Textiles from their Inverse Collection.

 I got a peak of the new designs before it launched. 

What textile lover doesn't want more pillows?! These are made of fabrics from past collections. The woven bags were brought back from their South East Asia trip.

A view of their workspace.

Available at Dandelion Post

It's always hard to choose which items to bring into the shop. This season we have the Weekend Top available in the 'Strokes' and 'Words' prints and the Shift Dress in 'Words'.