Britta has been designing sustainable fashion for INDIGENOUS for over 20 years. She took a moment out of her busy life to answer a few questions. Peek into her perspective on fashion and life below, then shop her curated collection.

ABOUT YOUR WORK...

"A beautiful soft sweater can make you feel comforted, and because the materials we use are all natural, it's like a second skin. I want people to have an emotional connection to the sweater they buy."

 

Where do you look for inspiration + what drives your passion?

Inspiration can strike at any moment. 

I am not sure what drives me. At the end of a design season, I will have a few weeks where I think I will never have another idea again! But then I will see a new fabric or yarn to experiment with and my blood gets pumping again and that fuels the passion. Seeing a design actually manifest the way you envisioned it, is pretty cool. 

What inspired you as you designed the fall and winter line? 

I wanted everything to have depth and texture. I wanted to highlight the talent of the artisans I work with, and apply unique patterns and stitches to the softest materials. A beautiful soft sweater can make you feel comforted, and because the materials we use are all natural, it's like a second skin. I want people to have an emotional connection to the sweater they buy. 

How do you imagine the women you design for?

I recognize that our customer knows who she is and what works for her. She cares about how she presents herself to the world, she is sophisticated, confident and on the move. I want to make it as easy as I can for her to feel modern without feeling like she has to waste time trying to interpret the latest trend or reinvent herself.

ABOUT YOUR STYLE...

"With shoes I will step out of the box. It's an easy way to show your personality. Shoes look good on no matter what kind of day the rest of your body is having."  

 

How does your wardrobe reflect your lifestyle?

I live in a rural town with winemakers and farmers but being a fashion designer, I feel I have to try to resemble one to some degree. Finding an outfit that merges both is a challenge. I love a great pair of jeans, a cool jacket and a boot with a heel. But they have to be comfortable because I walk fast. 

What's your favorite go-to item?

Right now, it is my lavender colored boots. I tend to always buy practical clothes. But with shoes I will step outside the box. It’s an easy way to show your personality. Shoes look good on no matter what kind of day the rest of your body is having. 

What's your favorite piece you own made by artisans for Indigenous? 

My favorite piece in the fall line is the Amaru Pullover. I wear it all the time! But now that it's cooling off I'm enjoying cozying up in my Alpaca Funnel Neck Sweater.

What's your biggest consideration when getting dressed? 

I always want to leave the house looking relatively put together, but I have to do it in 20 minutes. I have been known to leave the house with my dresser drawers still hanging open. Recently I realized I am always getting on my kids about doing this, and I do the exact same thing!  

Give us your best style tip?

Don’t skip jewelry and accessories. They elevate a casual outfit you may have quickly thrown together. Your outfit suddenly looks intentional and complete. It is impossible to tell that you barely made it out the door on time.

ABOUT YOU...

 

"Simple pleasures are sometimes the best ones!"

 

What are you most grateful for?

My kids are growing up, one is about to graduate high school. When my kids come to me and start talking about their lives and sharing their thoughts, whatever they are, it doesn't matter how late it is or what I am doing, I stop everything to savor those moments.

I  am surprisingly grateful to have my parents nearby now. You never know how that's going to go! It's a blessing to see them more often.

In hard times I usually head outside somewhere beautiful like the beach or the redwoods. The trees, mountains, and seas, endure the elements, every day, and yet they are still there, strong and beautiful. It reminds me of how wonderful life is even when times are hard.

 What is your favorite place on the planet? 

I can't tell you exactly, but it is a river, with huge boulders for jumping, climbing and sunning yourself, and cool clear water for swimming.

What do you do to care for yourself?

Hike. Life is busy and can be stressful and solitude in nature calms me and rejuvenates me. 

Shop Britta's Curated Holiday Collection