Andrea Mota is one of the best dressed ladies I know, so I was thrilled when she took her fashion flair to the next level by launching Cutie Dynamite! This accessories line is one of the best on Etsy, renown for it's high quality; and has managed to catch the eyes of celebrities such as Courtney Love (who even gave her a plug in her Myspace blog). A favorite of pinup girls and Harajuku types alike, her designs are incredibly girly yet edgy, and have a distinct vintage inspired look.
With no further adieu, here's our exclusive interview with Andrea herself:
OK, GIRLFRIEND. TELL US WHO'S BEHIND ALL THIS CUTE STUFF.
Hey, I'm Andrea, the lady behind Cutie Dynamite. I live in Northern California with my boyfriend John and our pug Elvis. Our lives revolve around music and anything DIY!
I craft out of our extra bedroom, which is also a band practice room/recording studio for my boyfriends Psychobilly band, The Tabaltix. It also happens to be exploding with fake flowers, feathers, and anything pink....somehow we make it all work!
WHEN DID CUTIE DYNAMITE START?
December of 2007. I didn't have a job for about 6 months, and got really bored, so I began hoarding pretty ribbons, feathers and vintage jewelry!
I made so many fabulous things that I couldn't realistically wear all on my own (apparently that IS possible), so I got talked into selling at a Holiday fair, and that's how it all began!
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR DESIGNS?
For me it's ALL about colors.... and sparkly stuff of course!
A few things that get me inspired: fabulous old ladies in hats and gloves and too much makeup, decadent desserts, sweets in general, watching period movies and geeking out on the costumes, vintage hats and jewelry, and going on vacation helps....a lot.
IS IT TOUGH BEING A DIY'ER WHEN ONLINE SELLING VENUES ARE FLOODED WITH COPYCATS AND SUBSTANDARD PRODUCTS? WHAT SETS CUTIE DYNAMITE APART AND KEEPS YOU AHEAD OF THE GAME?
I wouldn't say it's tough, it is one of the things that I enjoy most. It can be very trying at times though! Yes, there are a lot of those, but all you can do is keep on doing your thing, and try not to get deterred. For Cutie Dynamite, I use the best materials available to me. I have a very high standard that I set for myself in general, so that helps a great deal. Other than that, I just try to make things that I know I would fall in love with, buy, and look fabulous in!
WHAT'S CUTIE DYNAMITE'S BIGGEST MILESTONE TO DATE?
Honestly, it's the little things that make me feel accomplished in respect to my line. Having brides request that I make them custom pieces for their weddings is very flattering. Being blogged about is always great.
Having gorgeous customers as well as celebrity customers makes it all worthwhile!
ANY PLANS TO TAKE THIS TO A LARGER LEVEL?
Sure! I'm open, really. If it happens it happens, I know I am doing my part to move things along. I just want to enjoy doing this for as long as possible!
YOU LOVE HIGH FASHION. FAVE TRENDS OF S/S 09?
Head wear is still big and I'm loving it. The fact that I can now find almost anything with a bow on it has me going broke!
YOUR STUFF HAS A STRONG VINTAGE FLAIR. HELP US ACCESSORIZE THE FOLLOWING OUTFITS:
FOR A 20s FLAPPER DRESS?
For lots of drama!
FOR A 30s or 40s FLOOR LENGTH BEADED EVENING GOWN?
In this instance I'd want the dress and hair to be gorgeous on its own! I might add a little spray of feathers and a rhinestone center though...
A 50s PINUP STYLE ROMPER, ALA KATY PERRY?
Any of my giant flower pieces really. They're all super girly and fun!
FOR 60s MOD DRESSES?
One of these, in every color!
A 70s VICTORIAN REVIVAL DRESS DRIPPING WITH LACE AND RIBBON?
A BRIGHT 80s PROM DRESS?
A GRUNGY 90s BABYDOLL DRESS?
AN AUTHENTIC GOTHIC LOLITA DRESS FROM JAPAN?
AMAZING! NOW WHERE DO CUTIES GO TO GET CUTIE DYNAMITE?
www.CutieDynamite.com
aka seller 'CutieDynamite' on Etsy!
Many thanks for Andrea for making this great stuff and chatting with us : ).
xoxo, SarahJayne @ Knockout Vintage Clothing
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