Acanthus Apparel 2006 Part 2

These were the first 3 shirts by Acanthus Apparel. Very different from what we do now. The only screen printing involved was on the patches. Everything else was bleaching, dying, color removing, sewing and painting.

Acanthus Apparel 2006 Part 1

Here are some of our first Acanthus designs... Enjoy!

These were all sold at Melrose boutique in Des Moines.

New hoodie on Etsy!

I have our super comfy skull hoodie on Etsy now. It's also available at Vitae. Currently I have it in XS, M, L and XL. http://www.etsy.com/listing/81792474/grey-skull-hoodie-size-large

Fall Fashion

In Iowa we are having perfect fall weather right now which makes me want to go shopping for new fall clothes. I've seen so many cute dresses and skirts but I am trying to be a little more reasonable this season. I have a closet full of adorable dresses that I rarely wear and I continue to buy more. Before I purchase anymore dresses I need a good pair of denim and some kick ass t-shirts.

So I was browsing on Pinterest when I came across this t-shirt brand called Jedidiah. I fell in love with a couple of their designs. Being a t-shirt designer I am pretty picky about t-shirts and rarely by any for myself. That is about to change. These t-shirt will be perfect for fall. Not only does Jedidiah make cool shirts but they are a pretty cool company. They are a humanitarian-based apparel brand. You can read more about it on their website. www.jedidiahusa.com.

I'll also need a great pair of jeans to go with my new t-shirts. J Brand is my favorite and I'm really digging their red skinny jeans!

(t-shirt photos from www.jedidiahusa.com and denim photo from www.jbrandjeans.com)

Men's Shirts on Etsy

I finally had a chance to add a couple of men's items to Etsy. Our new bird design and the infamous Captain Zion design. They are perfect for fall with your favorite pair of jeans!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81378107/mens-cotton-t-shirt-with-bird-design

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81377396/mens-black-cotton-t-shirt-with-captain

Skull Shirt on Etsy

I just listed a new shirt on Etsy. This is our new skull design. It's a great unisex shirt! For the ladies it look good with a skirt or your favorite pair of skinny jeans... maybe red skinny jeans! It's available in xs through large. Here's a link to one of the listings- http://www.etsy.com/listing/81331119/unisex-v-neck-t-shirt-with-skull-design?ref=pr_shop

Spring at Vitae

We finally have nice weather in Des Moines and with the nice weather brings lots of people down to the East Village, even bagpipers (it's St. Paddy's Day). The spring weather also means spring cleaning. I've been getting the store geared up for spring! New clothing and jewelry are on the way!

First, I am so excited for this new jewelry line called MapleXO. In 2 weeks we will have bangles, earrings and rings made from recycled skateboard decks. The jewelry is beautiful!

(photos: www.maplexo.com)

We also just got these cute little dresses from Alternative Apparel. They come in sizes small through XL and are available in tan, black or coral. Perfect for Spring!

(shown with a Maude Wren necklace)

I can't forget to mention our vintage finds. Looking at these cute dresses and ankle boots makes me want to head to some rummage sales. If you like this dress you had better head into Vitae quick before I snap it up. I don't know if I love it or hate it when Julie brings in amazing vintage clothes and shoes in my size.

This is just the beginning... more fun stuff coming soon.

Wood Grain Skull Design

Here's a sneak peek of our new wood grain skull design. I will have it on t-shirts next week and I currently have it on some hoodies at Vitae. I will also be taking some men's and women's t-shirts to the Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention the first weekend in February... so be sure to hit me up quick before your size is gone.

Acanthus Apparel Winter 2010

Photography by Karla Conrad of La Bella Photo.

Designer Spotlight: Acanthus Apparel

Here is a past article from the April edition of the Vitae newsletter. It was written by Julie Punelli about Acanthus Apparel.

Acanthus Apparel is a very high profile line here at Vitae and in the independent fashion scene. Husband and wife, Joshua and Alyssa Bowers, are the team behind the label. The two met at Iowa State where both persued fine arts degrees. Josh is in high demand as a tattoo artist and his work is recognized globally for its stark beauty and deep, murky symbolism. Alyssa brings his designs to life through very wearable cotton pieces for men and women by a process of hand dying, screen print, and distressing.

Photo: Erin O'Grady

Their clothing line has a very loyal following. Since each piece is a work of art, many look forward to acquiring a 'copy' in some form of every new design and often seek to fill in their collections with work from previous seasons,though they are for the most part limited runs. Their work speaks for itself, but there's so much more that they bring to the table. Alyssa has a keen analytical nature and puts it to work to bring our collective and many artists endeavors to fruition with amazing grace and vision. As a team they bring their unique perspective to the world as a kind of starting place for discussion as if all kinds of possibilities and impossibilities are lined up to become possible. The dichotomy of the dark, haunting imagery and the unassuming almost playful presentation are engaging to a wide range of people.

Photo: Gen X Visuals

Acanthus apparel defies typecasts and opens up boundaries from the deepest corners of the soul and exposes them to the light of day. Joshua seems to possess the ability to stir up the ancient sea beds and abandoned, forgotten promises and lies and hands them all a daisy from tomorrow.

Western Gateway (the 1700 block of Grand Ave)

...and now we are 5...yup, count em! There are now 5 small businesses in the Western Gateway (Art and Fashion District). The Robert Spellman Gallery was first (way to go, Rob!), followed by Dorothea's Closet Vintage, then along came Vitae. Jaded Lotus Tattoo and Piercing opened up in August and were SUPER excited to welcome Erin Bollman's, Finders Creepers, to the fold. Set to open this Halloween! Stay tuned for deets!

-from the Vitae October Newsletter

Swap O' Rama Rama

Swap O' Rama Rama comes to Des Moines!

Swap O Rama Rama (SORR) is a clothing swap and do-it-yourself extravaganza that has been making the rounds internationally since the 1990's. The event is being put on locally by artists Kelsey Blessman (Kelsey Cliche) and Stephanie Bracelin, with the help of many D.I.Yers. Just bring $10. and a bag of unwanted clothes and wearables to trade and up-cycle on site. There will be stations set up for sewing, screenprinting, beading and otherwise embellishing and re-designing your new-found items. If you have ideas and skills (and materials) you'd like to share - they're open to it! There will also be an informal "show us what you made" fashion show that will also feature works of local Independent designers. Everyone leaves with a bag of finds, lots of crafty new friends and a big dose of empowerment for living the thrifty life more creatively! Tickets are only $8.00 in advance and are available at Mars Cafe and Vitae Design Collective. Please visit dsmswap.wordpress.com for more info and volunteer opportunities. Let's do this! SORR will be held at the Des Moines Social Club, 1408 locust on Sat. August 1st from 11am to 3pm.

- Article from the Vitae July newsletter

Designer Spotlight

Designer Spotlight: Rock 'N Reconstruct

Vitae has not one, but TWO Sarah Johnsons! We figure this Collective's big enough for the both of 'em. This month's featured designer is the Sarah Johnson of Rock 'N Reconstruct - a local legend in Indie design. This bold and seriously flattering line has demanded international attention and continues to push forward with innovative twists on the vintage look. Like many of us Rip & Stitchers, she was a longtime thrift store shopper and began by modifying her finds to suit her personal taste. When she moved from the tall corn state to L.A. upon graduating college, she took a job with a designer while looking for a job in her field. What had always been a passion quickly became the career as she was noticed by other designers and west coast shoppers alike. R 'N R dresses have been spotted on celebrities and in magazines.

photo by: mG Photography

With her line established in boutiques in California & across the country, she's recently decided to make Iowa her home base once again. Some of you may know that it was Sarah who put together the first Indie Design showcase a few years back, doing much of the coordination long distance. Iowa Fashion Week, a series of style shows and fundraiser was the mama of Vitae's Runway Revue. Sarah's efforts, which she proclaimed to be a "Thank You" to Iowa, really opened a door for the local D.I.Y. community. We at Vitae are thankful to her for that, and have been happily paying it forward ever since.

-This article is from the Vitae July newsletter and written by Julie Punelli

Acanthus dress from Femme Fatale

Here is the first dress made by Acanthus Apparel. It was displayed at the Femme Fatale show at the Instinct Gallery. Check the Acanthus myspace, www.myspace.com/acanthusapparel, soon for more pics. I will also have dresses for sale at Vitae towards the end of April.

Alyssa