Meet Mamie Ruth!

Emily Bargeron

    Designer Emily Bargeron of Mamie Ruth clothing line was in Valdosta’s own Elli’s Boutique doing a trunk show, so I was quickly sidetracked and entered. I expected to see a couple items of okay quality and was immediately sidetracked by none other than a pair of Mamie Ruth leopard print leggings (I know, Squirrel!). I picked up the leggings and was impressed to feel the quality of the fabric. I looked up and Emily introduced herself to me and showed me her collection.  I had no words for her collection, it was that rich. Saturated colors in African prints next to solids all in soft fabrics that lay perfectly against the body. The overall effect is a laid back, confident woman. Her line is very ‘60s, ‘70s with a youthful southern twist. One look and I was smitten. Talking with Emily, you get a sense of humility and charm that attracts you to her work even more. At Elli’s Boutique kindred spirits met and exchanged information to talk at a later date.

Toya Lane & Emily Bargeron

   I scheduled a time to interview her to really get a feel for this up and coming designer. Talking to Emily is like talking to a long lost buddy that you just happen to run into and strike up a conversation. 

   Toya: Hi Emily! I loved meeting you and couldn’t wait to talk with you again. So let’s get started. Where are you originally from?

   Emily: Hey Toya! I am from a small town in Georgia called Louisville.

   Toya: Your line is named after your grandmother right?

   Emily: Right, my grandmother was the quintessential southern belle. She never left the house without her make-up and pearls on. She let me play in her vintage jewelry and clothes all the time. She nurtured a love of fashion in me.

Patchwork & Posies Collection

Toya: So when did this nurturing turn into something real for you?

Emily: It started with my love of fashion (I was like 12).  Then, I started in high school making jewelry with friends; we even had a webpage to sell it. I went to college and learned the basics of  how to sew. I sold my jewelry to a boutique in Statesboro; they called and asked me for more! I have always looked for ways to make money by doing what I love.

Patchwork & Posies Collection

    Toya: When did you know you wanted to design clothing?

    Emily: A designer friend asked me to provide all the jewelry for her clothing line featured at Charleston Fashion Week (CHFW) in ‘08. After styling a model I looked around at the craziness around me and stopped.  I knew then this is what I wanted, this was where I was happy, in the mist of all that chaos. After CHFW I immediately began working on my collection. During this time I learned how to really sew. I pushed myself to pump out over 30 pieces. I sent in my application and was selected to show my collection entitled “Patchwork and Posies” as a featured designer in 2009 CHFW. After featuring my work I was so devoted to my line that I didn’t want to sell it. People would come up to me asking to purchase certain items or to carry my line and I had to get over it. Charleston Fashion Week launched my brand.

      Toya: I was reading on your face book page that you are eco-friendly and every item sold a portion of it goes to an orphanage in Africa. Can you give us some more detail?

Emily: Our motto is “Look good, Do good, Shop Mamie Ruth.” Each garment is made from modal, an eco-friendly fabric derived from beech wood. Modal is the most luxuri­ous cellulose fiber. Mamie Ruth has also partnered with a company that imports fabrics directly from Africa. This company donates a percentage from every Mamie Ruth order to orphanages in Africa. They have representatives in Africa working at various orphanages and making sure that donations are not being abused. Not only does this help us to support these children, it also keeps people working making their traditional crafts in Africa. By myself, I cannot make a huge impact, but joining with others under this company “we” can really make a difference.

Toya: We have to start somewhere with our giving! Speaking of giving, what advice would you give someone seeking to a designer?

Emily: It is so much work! This is a competitive industry. It is like selling your soul to the fashion industry! Never give up just keep going. Have confidence in your ability and give yourself over to it. 

Toya: What are Mamie Ruth’s future goals?

Emily: Expand, expand, and expand! I want to be in more boutiques across the country. To expand into children’s clothes, men’s wear, and home goods, be a traveling boutique and show at New York Fashion week. Mostly I just want to continue to do what I love to do.

Toya: Okay, I want to see you there! What does Emily do when she is off? What do you do for fun?

Emily: I don’t know that I have days off! I love vintage shopping and going to concerts. I love what I do; I get to play dress up every day.

Toya: So what makes your clothing line “Chic Divine”?

Emily: Confidence makes it Chic Divine. When you put on a Mamie Ruth outfit heads turn as you confidently strut past! So, hell yeah I am Chic Divine!

Toya: I love it! Thank you so much Emily for taking the time to talk to me.

Emily: It was my pleasure!

Patchwork & Posies Collection

Emily can be contacted at MamieRuthDesigns@gmail.com

Visit her at www.MamieRuth.com and look her up on facebook and twitter!

Ciao!