Dress Your Body

Meet Christine, founder of Dress Your Body, a French sewing pattern company with musical roots. 

What prompted you to start Dress Your Body?

I’ve always wanted to design patterns. I love sewing. I started my career in a different field. But the desire never left me and I eventually switched into fashion. It can be daunting to start your own business so I initially worked as a Project Manager at Lectra, a fashion software company. I worked both with creatives at Haute Couture Brands and fast fashion brands, which really cemented my desire to design my own patterns. After I turned 40, I launched my own company: Dress Your Body. It’s been 7 years. I couldn’t be happier. 

I love the craftsmanship involved in creating patterns. Designers need to be very detailed and precise and have a profound understanding of the work, which can only come by doing. Growing up, there weren’t any online tutorials or places to learn by yourself how to sew. The few classes I found were held during the workday, targeting stay-at-home mothers, not keen youngs. As a result, learning how to sew and make my own patterns and garments took a long, frustrating time. 

Making patterns and video tutorials is a way for me to give to others what I wish I had growing up. I would have loved to have fun, modern patterns that were well-cut and well-designed. And more importantly to have all the instructions to make them myself.

Where does the name Dress Your Body come from?

Do you remember the TV show the Get Down? They had this song: “Move Your Body”. I started singing “Dress Your Body” and it stuck. My body didn’t fit the fashion standards. I was on the smaller side and couldn’t find clothes to fit me. The name Dress Your Body resonated because learning to sew was about dressing myself first. I also liked the association with rock and hip hop. My first patterns were named after songs from Blondie.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Inspiration comes from all around me. People watching is a large part of it. I’ve gotten weird looks from staring at people in the subway when I am just trying to figure out how their collar is being built. I also go to a lot of fashion exhibits. Most of the looks are too out there for everyday wear but small details will stand out that I can use for patterns. 

Favourite and least favourite parts of being a designer and running a business 

Favourite part: The creative side of it. Being the boss means I design the clothes I want to wear. Flexibility is also nice. 

Least favourite part: Marketing. If I could skip it, I would. I don’t mind the website as I am a bit of a geek but I grew before social media was embedded in our lives. The last part feels forced. 

Starting your own business can also be lonely. At the beginning, no one was there to share your successes. However, after 7 years in business, I have developed a close-knit community of work friends and supporters that I can lean on.

Favourite Designs 

It’s often the latest one! For now, the Strike pants that were just released. It was a lot of work with numerous variants: high waisted, low waisted, with multiple belts… I wore it all summer! 

From my older work, I really like the Ivy Blouse. It’s a simple top with small gathers on the shoulders which give it a little something extra.

Favourite designers and stores

Designers

Apolline Patterns: I will admit I didn’t try their patterns. I can’t find the time. She started after me and is really good on the marketing front. Since it’s my weak spot, I can only admire the beautiful visual universe she created.

Stores

Looking forward, what are you most excited for?

Right now, I am most excited about the latest patterns I released. Beyond that, I plan to add more sizes to my collection. I’ve been toying with the idea for a long time. I tend to build smaller sizes because they fit me but I would like nothing more than for everyone to dress themselves. It’s often requested by potential clients as well. It’s something I want to add to my newer collections.

Thank you for your time Christine.