By admin July 28, 2016 in Musings

Interview: Designer Milicent Armstrong of Artemis Design Co.

Artemis Design Co. is a fashion brand that features unique textiles from around the world to create one of a kind handbags, shoes and accessories. The brand has been picked up by retailers such as Steven Alan, United Arrows of Japan and Anthropologie. I decided to interview Artemis founder and designer Milicent Armstrong for my blog because I find her inspiring and I love that she uses antique fabrics in some of her designs and is recycling them in a fun and unique way; recreating something very beautiful. Aside from finding Milicent inspiring, I also went to high school with her in Massachusetts so have known her for some time. I loved reconnecting with her. Her shoes are also found in several stores in Nantucket (Town Pool and Skinny Dip) which is where I spend a lot of time in the Summer and where I have run into her almost every summer since coming here. I have seen her company grow and her line of products expand and I am excited to keep an eye on her and see what new things she creates next. I am especially a fan of the Raffia Lace-ups, the straw market bags and the Classic Kilim Loafers (All Pictured Below). I hope that you enjoy my interview with Milicent.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself

Hi! I grew up in Milton, just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. I spent my childhood painting, drawing, sailing, gardening, and spending a lot of time on the water in Maine. My academic life brought me to Beaver Country Day School (where I met Cristina!) and then Rollins College, followed by the Boston Architectural college. My main focus of study was Art, Art History, French and interior design. Currently, I live in the South End of Boston with my boyfriend and rescue pup Gerry. I love roadtripping, (and travelling in all forms, really), sailing, being in Maine and Westport, painting, taking care of my plants and cooking!

2. How did you decide to start Artemis?

I traveled to Turkey on a buying trip with my mother and sister. My mom owns a shop in Milton, Massachusetts and buys from around the world. I fell in love with the colorful textiles overflowing from every bazaar and on that trip I bought a simple, traditional carpet bag. When I wore it at home people stopped me on the street to ask about it so many times! The idea of Artemis was then born. I decided that I wanted to use the traditional carpet bag style and modernize it to suit fashionable women.

3. How did you come up with Artemis as the name of your brand?

Artemis is the greek goddess of the hunt. I hunt for my textiles all over the world, so I thought the name was fitting. The name contains the word “art”, and since we see our textiles as works of art, I thought it would also fit in that sense!

4. How would you describe your design aesthetic?

Simple, charming and natural are the best words to describe my design aesthetic. Artemis is truly a reflection of my own style and my lifestyle. I don’t like to fuss with uncomfortable shoes, bags or clothing. This is why my products are all incredibly comfortable and easy to use. I love bringing art into my everyday life and beautiful textiles are the most fun/easy way to do this. Having a handbag or shoes made from a one of a kind carpet is not only beautiful but comfortable and utilitarian (since we are recycling a very durable textile). I think that all of my pieces are very charming- people always comment “that’s so adorable”, or “wow that is incredibly cute and unusual”….Artemis pieces always catch people’s eye and attention.

5. Where do you look for inspiration?

Bazaars, souks, and markets all over the world! I also look to some very stylish french women that I know who always seem to have the coolest and most unusual things.

6. How would you describe your personal style?

I really don’t like to fuss with uncomfortable or trendy shoes or clothing. I like to keep my dressing time to under 5 minutes every morning. That being said, there is nothing I love more than getting really dolled up for a black tie or formal event…I’ll spend hours, and there’s nothing better than getting ready alongside friends with champagne! My daily outfits are very simple- in the Fall/Winter I wear jeans with a sweater and Artemis kilim smoking shoes, and in the Spring/Summer I usually wear a simple and loose fitting sundress with Artemis Raffia shoes or our classic kilim loafers. I recently read “the Japanese art of tidying up”, and ended up donating almost ¾ of my possessions to charity! It felt so good and I absolutely love having less stuff around me.

7. Who influences you when you design?

The textiles that I use really influence what I end up using them for! Women in traditional dress in the countries where I source from are a big influence.

8. Who are your favorite designers?

Ulla Johnson, Alix of Bohemia, Collette Ishiyama

9. Does travel influence your collection a lot?

Yes! I find most on my inspiration and materials on my travels.

11. Is there anywhere in the world that you have not been that you would like to travel to from a professional perspective?

Peru, Guatemala