EMERGING DESIGNER

Tracey Vest

IN THIS FEATURE: Meet Tracey Vest Fashion Focus

racey Vest creates magnificent handbags and fabulous accessories using fun materials such as an array of beautiful colored feathers, leopard print and faux fur.

Tracey Vest is a recent transplant of Cincinnati from Los Angeles. In addition to creating her designs, she writes daily fashion articles for StyleQuirk.com. Prior to selling her designs she worked in both Retail and Wholesale and later the Internet Industry. Tracey has had no formal design training and considers herself a “one man band”. Her designs are inspired by old movies, family photos and her two Grandmothers. She was captivated by magazine photos of formal events where women wore gorgeous gowns and accessories, and she still is. In addition to creating she enjoys movies, reading and exploring for inspiration. My favorite description of my designs is from one of my stores, “They make people smile”.

I have always loved fashion but wasn't quite sure how to channel my passion. I didn't take a traditional path, but ultimately here I am. MyCloset.com asked how it all began. Tracey recalls, "My first "real" job was at a department store. Over the years in between college and summers, I usually worked at some sort of store or boutique. My first job in the business was as an assistant to a woman in New York who had her own accessories line and later I worked for a hosiery company in Los Angeles. After that I worked in a warehouse downtown in the heart of the Los Angeles garment district. I have worked in the dust and in offices that cause you to lust.” Tracey has had the opportunity to work inside and outside of retail which allowed her to see both sides of the fashion industry. She was privy to the glamorous part and the not-so glam side of the business. She received an Associate of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising but admits she learned most what she knows from observing and later doing things herself and learning through trial and error.