Interview with Jessie Abraham of A La Tete

INTERVIEW

May 17, 2010


 

Seth has a talented cousin.  Her name is Jessie Abraham, and she designs headbands and other pretty accessories.  The Parsons grad launched À La Tête from her Williamsburg apartment during the headband boom — headbands had just reemerged as a trend for the first time since we were in grade school — and quickly turned her lovely designs into a bourgeoning business with trunk shows at Henri Bendel's, shelf space in notable boutiques and commissioned bespoke pieces.  Now, she's got an exclusive line for Urban Outfitters — we're wondering, what's next? READ ON

 



À La Tête has grown quite a bit recently — how do you plan on continuing to evolve/expand?
The line is evolving to include more millinery pieces; I've included quite a few hats in the Fall collection.  I think headbands are cute and fun, and I will continue to make them, but hats are more satisfying to make and have a longer life.  I've always loved them and collected a lot of vintage ones.  Thinking back, I've always had a hat to match each coat, and tons of different sun hats and things for Summer, but I never really thought about going into millinery while I was in school.  But starting with the headbands helped me to realize that's what I want to do: working with Felts and straw has a very sculptural aspect.  Also, hats and headpieces are so much quicker to make then, say, a couture dress, but you still have very delicate hand-done embroidery and fabric manipulation that I really enjoy doing.  

Do you make all the pieces yourself?
For the most part I make everything myself, with some occasional help.  I get most of my materials from the garment district, different fabric stores, feather places and bead stores.  For the Fall collection, I got some materials from hobby shops and toy stores — there's a little toy gun on the bowler hat, and a toy helicopter beanie.  Some of the headbands have materials from the hardware store, like nuts and bolts and springs.  You can really use anything.  

The headband is pretty ubiquitous these days — see: Blaire Waldorf —  Do you watch Gossip Girl?  Would you try to get one of your headbands on the show?
I'd be happy to have À La Tête on Gossip Girl.  I think Blaire decided to stop wearing headbands when she went to college, but maybe a hat!
 
Least favorite headband trend?
The feather pads glued onto a headband that everyone was wearing for a while.

How did you get into Urban Outfitters?
I got into Urban through a friend — the buyer had asked to see the collection.  The pieces I did for them are exclusive for Urban, but inspired by the Spring collection. They're at a lower price point then the collection.  

Okay, and because we have to ask, what are your favorite snack foods while you work?
Whippets and Ben and Jerry's Boston cream pie ice cream. It\'s SO GOOD!
 
We know that you work from a studio in your apartment.  Are there any neighborhood restaurants you rely on?
Definitely Marlow & Sons.

YAH's favorite looks from À La Tête's Fall Collection:

 

 

 


Posted in on May 17, 2010 10:04am by Rachel Hochhauser | 19 comments



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