Tag - Steve Guthrie

I first met Houston designer- Steve Guthrie during a Kaleidoscope meeting not so long ago. I had really admired his classic design aesthetic and strong desire to keep manufacturing local.

** Black Cotton/Lycra Pique Cape by Steve Guthrie **

Guthrie, a native Texan and part Chickasaw, had always been inspired by the women in his family. These women were seamtresses, costume makers, and boutique owners. From an early age (and thanks to his fashion-savvy genes), he was constructing his own designs. Years later, he studied fashion design at Houston Community College, followed by continuing his design and construction education at Academy of Art University.

** Silver Jacquard with Black Cotton Pique Shift Dress with Ruffle Placket (similar) by Steve Guthrie **

Steve made his official debut as a designer in 2009, under the brand name- 4th Ward. It was during that time that he created custom cocktail and formal wear for local and national clientele. He focused on creating one-of-a-kind pieces that were made from alternative and renewable fabrics, but were also practical and wearable. Fast forward to Black Friday 2015- he debuted his contemporary womenswear that we know and love today.

** Black Cotton Pique High-Waist Cigarette Pants + Crop Top by Steve Guthrie **

Steve further explains his brand, “My garments are staples that augment any woman’s wardrobe. They are also made to fit real women, not just smaller sizes. My inspiration comes from the women in my life, both past and current. Though the overall aesthetic hovers around the 1950s and 60s, my goal is to create timeless silhouettes and garments that women want to wear over and over. Most of the designs are meant to span more than one season.The fabrics are selected so that they can be worn fall and spring, for spring and summer, etc. They should be part of each person’s own fashion statement, not just the way they are styled by me. The silhouette is classic. The fabrics standout because of their textures and patterns. The textiles are light and breathable and are selected because they allow women in tropical climates / southern US cities to obtain fall and spring fashions that are more complex through layering.”

** Gold Chenille Jacquard High-Waist Pencil Skirt by Steve Guthrie **

Why Houston (instead of a major fashion city, like LA or New York)? “In 2014, I worked as an assistant designer for Mansoor Scott, a contemporary womenswear line based in San Francisco. The manufactured garment industry made an impression on me and as a result, my focus has turned to reproducing a similar venture here in Houston. My goal is to produce well-made, classic garments using local resources that will continue to grow the fashion industry in Houston, Texas. As a professor in the Houston Community College COE for Consumer Arts and Sciences
(Fashion Design and Merchandising) it’s important for me to help build a fashion industry in Houston that will allow my students to thrive as designers, sewers, merchandisers, etc. locally – without the need to move away.”

** Shorts with sheer Floral Print Skirt Overlay by Steve Guthrie **

My collaboration with Steve’s brand proves that you can also mix in vintage or get creative by mixing in pieces from your own closet. I loved everything that I wore, especially the cape, cigarette pants, and pencil skirt. I was easily able to layer when needed, and when not to. I also felt that his clothing really didn’t need a lot of accessorizing either, the garments just ‘spoke’ by themselves. This first collection was to me, a huge success, and I’m excited to see what the Steve Guthrie brand does next!

** Gold Chenille Jacquard Cape + Silver Jacquard High-Waist Pencil Skirt (similar) by Steve Guthrie **

** Images by Sofia Emm, Hair and Make-Up by Faith Haller **

The garments are sold ONLINE and through selected
boutiques via trunk shows and pop-ups.