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:)

We've banded Together (Apart) with other small businesses to offer this sale while also giving back. Use discount code TOGETHERAPART for 20% off full priced items on our site and we will donate 5% of those sales to Feeding America. 

Here is a list of other participating small businesses:

For the month of March you can find Happy French Gang jumpsuits at Dandelion Post! Happy French Gang is designed by Sandra Dejanovic in San Francisco. Sandra then works closely with artisans in India to produce the fabrics and jumpsuits using traditional techniques, delivering hand-dyed and hand-made products.

.1. birds tank : po-em
.2. black glazed mule : zou xou
.3. parker shirt : furo
.4. spiced wine top : bella dahl
.5. leather zipper pouch : shilsol
.6. sontag top : furo
.7. whisper higher ground jeans : 3 x 1 denim
.8. navy riviera dress : 3rd season designs

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.1. green simone jeans : loup nyc
.2. jarvus champis sunglases : carla colour
.3. luna striped tee : just female
.4. seagrasses tank : north of west
.5. jug tank : po-em
.6. forti dress : gravel & gold
.7. nude saga clog : nina z
.8. arrow jeans : prairie underground
.9. kokomo one piece : pali swim

It's already Spring! This season we put together a mix of good grooves and female power to brighten these cloudy and not quite warm enough days. Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band leads with their psychedelic song, "Where There’s Woman". Kleenex-Lilliput's, an all-woman Swiss band, hit the repetition hard with their post-punk anthem "DC-10". Another notable track is a recently re-issued disco-infused pop track "You've got a woman" by the Dutch band Lion. Another favorite of mine, we finish off with an underground 80's pop vibe from Mark Renner with "Saints and Sages". We hope you enjoy!

Here at Dandelion Post, we are constantly finding inspiration around our beloved city of Oakland - whether it be the local architecture, vibrant street art, a sidewalk vendor's floral arrangement or just a good old fashion sunset. In an effort to hold on to and share these moments, we have taken to translating them into wearable outfits -- just for you!

For our first go, we stuck close to home. If you have popped into our store location, I am sure you stopped to admire the mural on the side of our building done by incredible local artist, Lena Gustafson. This mural has us feeling the coolness of the navy as it coincides with the vibrant pops of color; of finding or making your own paradise while remaining in a city dwelling.

A new season, a new playlist. We hope you enjoy!