JAMIE SLYE
MAKER: JAMIE SLYE
WHY DO YOU CALL AUSTIN HOME
Austin is filled with creative people everywhere, who support other like-minded creatives and designers. This was the number one reason why I moved from Virginia to Austin five years ago.
Growing up in the Shenandoah Valley, my inspiration sprouted from the natural surroundings. The enjoyment of a crisp fall day or relaxing outside surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains always took me to a different place and time. While the world continued to evolve around me, I made the choice to spread my wings and move to Austin for growth and opportunity as a designer. After picking up my roots and moving halfway across the country, I learned that regardless of where my journey leads, the Valley always calls me home. It still provides me with endless inspiration and has a way of re centering my new found fast paced life back to a slower, simpler time. By combining my unique roots of the Shenandoah Valley, modern fashion, and a vintage flair, I have evolved Jamie Slye into a fashion design business including American made high quality hats and custom head wear.
Early on I fell in love with the vintage style era of hats and became passionate about bringing that particular style back. Fashion is ever evolving, but a little bit of the past will always influence the future. To many, fashion is the current trends you see on the runway or in magazines. To me, fashion is about expressing my own style and individuality. I hope my designs will inspire individuals everywhere to express their own style.
BIGGEST DEBATE OF ALL: COFFEE or TEA, BE SPECIFIC ;)
Coffee...100%.
WHO DO YOU FOLLOW FOR INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION
Vivienne Westwood - always pushing the boundaries.
GO TO MID-DAY SNACK or ROUTINE FOR CREATIVE FUEL
Riding my bike around town lake. Gets the blood pumping!
FAVORITE SONG/ARTIST/ALBUM FOR A SPARK OF CREATIVITY
Frank Sinatra - his music puts me in another mental decade where hats and the love of novelty are important
WHERE DO YOU DESIGN BEST? EX: HOME, STUDIO, NATURE, ETC.
Nature to gain energy in order to design, and my studio for my best design work
WHY DID YOU CHOSE TO BE A MAKER
When I’m designing I’m in my true element. I’m home. It’s where I’m most comfortable and gain the most energy.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EXCITING MOMENT SO FAR OF YOUR CRAFT
One of my clients wore her custom Jamie Slye headpiece to accept an award from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. I’ve also been featured in British Vogue.
HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE YOUR BRAND STANDS OUT
My brand is all about telling a story...telling your story. At Jamie Slye we believe that every hat has a story, and that story should speak to each woman and who they are as an individual.
HOW HAS THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY SUPPORTED YOU
I have received a lot of support from Austin publications, and other artists and designers in the area who have given me helpful business advice along the way. When I first moved to Austin it was very important for me to put myself out there and get to know the fashion community, and once I did, things started happening for me and my business.
WOULD YOU BE OPEN TO A DESIGN COLLAB WITH A LOCAL AUSTIN ARTIST
Absolutely! I love any opportunity to work with another artist.
WHO HAS HAD THE MOST CREATIVE INFLUENCE ON YOUR LIFE
My father. He has always pushed me to go after my dreams, even when I believed them to be unrealistic and unachievable.
HOW HAS SOCIAL HELPED JAMIE SLYE DESIGNS
Social has helped expand my brand presence beyond friends and family, beyond Austin, and beyond the U.S. There’s still so much opportunity with social that I haven’t even tapped into yet.
WHAT OTHER ARTISTS HAVE YOU LOVED COLLABORATING WITH, IF ANY
Kimberly Carrier - Austin photographer now living in Colorado http://www.kimcarrierphotography.com
HOW IMPORTANT IS SHOPPING LOCAL TO YOU
Extremely important. Not only am I supporting local businesses, but I find more unique and one-of-a-kind pieces if I shop local.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOUR BRAND
My custom made headpieces and hats are designed here in Austin, however the hats are manufactured by America’s oldest hat maker on the east coast. Also, two of my hat styles are named after both of my grandmothers!
WHERE CAN SUPPORTERS FIND YOUR DESIGNS
www.jamieslye.com, Local pop-ups around Austin, Hats in the Belfry, Zelda Nashville, Xpressions Salon Spa and Boutique / Louisiana
WHAT SETS JAMIE SLYE APART FROM OTHER HEADWEAR + ACCESSORIES BRANDS
Style isn't about the color of your eyes or the shade of your hair. Style is a personal expression of what lies within. At Jamie Slye, it is our mission to create distinct quality head wear that compliments unique personalities, and empowers individuals to express their own personal style. We believe that every hat has a story, and your hat should be your story.
AUSTIN LOCAL INSIDER RECOMMENDATIONS
FAVORITE LOCAL FOOD TRUCK
Pitalicious
FAVORITE LOCAL CURATED BOUTIQUE
Moss Designer Consignment, Luxe Apothetique, Feathers Boutique Vintage
FAVORITE LOCAL COFFEE SHOP(S)
Radio Coffee, Austin Java, & Summermoon Coffee
MUST-SEE RECOMMENDATION(S) FOR THOSE TRAVELING TO AUSTIN
Allens Boots - rows and rows of beautiful cowboy boots with an overwhelming smell of perfect leather
Uncommon Objects - must see quirky shop of vintage items and unique gadgets
Driskill Hotel - haunted hotel with the most perfect bar
Town Lake Trail - best way to see downtown Austin, and don’t forget to paddle board!
Broken Spoke - a REAL honky tonk with so much history
