SHOP BOSS:
Meet Stevie Howell
Amanda Weisiger • 05/20/2016
Stevie Howell is an artist and textile designer who turns everyday moments, from the weeds behind her studio to the view from an airplane window, into her own sublime recreations. Her vision is to make the ordinary a little less so. The fervency of the patterns she creates comes through saturated pigments and painted imagery that demonstrate the loving press of the hand.
Printed on tunics, scarves, robes, pillows and more, Stevie’s stunning patterns have graced the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vanity Fair, among other powerhouse publications. We caught up with the artistic guru to chat about what’s next for her business, the local hot spots in her hometown of San Francisco, and more…
Hometown: San Francisco, California
Printed on tunics, scarves, robes, pillows and more, Stevie’s stunning patterns have graced the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vanity Fair, among other powerhouse publications. We caught up with the artistic guru to chat about what’s next for her business, the local hot spots in her hometown of San Francisco, and more…
Hometown: San Francisco, California
Style Icon(s): My mom and my sister.
Words to live by: “Just do it.“
How
would you describe your style?
I never leave the house without a scarf. I love layers, and I love surprising color, pattern, and texture combos. I think comfort and beauty should always work together. And in the words of Vivienne Westwood, “Buy less. Choose well.”
Words to live by: “Just do it.“
How
would you describe your style?
I never leave the house without a scarf. I love layers, and I love surprising color, pattern, and texture combos. I think comfort and beauty should always work together. And in the words of Vivienne Westwood, “Buy less. Choose well.”
Among other things, you’re a painter, a photographer, and a printmaker. Who or what inspired you to try your hand in textile design?
I was working simultaneously with painting and photography and began printing as a way to combine both mediums. Textiles felt like a natural progression from there. While my artistic process mostly has remained the same, textile design quickly became a way for me to relate to a greater audience and connect to the surrounding world.
I was working simultaneously with painting and photography and began printing as a way to combine both mediums. Textiles felt like a natural progression from there. While my artistic process mostly has remained the same, textile design quickly became a way for me to relate to a greater audience and connect to the surrounding world.
Tell us about a typical day in the SH studio. What’s your favorite part about your workday?
I love arriving to a quiet studio in the early morning. Our studio is a great old building in the “dogpatch” which is occupied by artists, designers, filmmakers and architects. The studio is a light and airy workspace, has incredible bay views, and is surrounded by mostly abandoned ship building facilities and car lots inhabited by feral cats and a friendly family of skunks. When the day gets stressful, I take my dog Lucy on walk down the Pier.
I love arriving to a quiet studio in the early morning. Our studio is a great old building in the “dogpatch” which is occupied by artists, designers, filmmakers and architects. The studio is a light and airy workspace, has incredible bay views, and is surrounded by mostly abandoned ship building facilities and car lots inhabited by feral cats and a friendly family of skunks. When the day gets stressful, I take my dog Lucy on walk down the Pier.
Tell us about your design and production process. Where do you source materials for your line?
I work with amazing artisans in India and Uruguay. We source lux natural fabric and use water-based and natural dyes.
I work with amazing artisans in India and Uruguay. We source lux natural fabric and use water-based and natural dyes.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Everywhere!
Everywhere!
Favorite designs of all time?
Favorite new designs available now?
My favorite has been Reach pattern—which I wear all the time in both cashmere scarf and a robe. I love how people see this in different ways and at first glance many don’t realize that it is hands.
I’m also partial to Ritza’s Ranunculus which was one of the first patterns I ever designed, and still very popular.
Favorite new designs available now?
My favorite has been Reach pattern—which I wear all the time in both cashmere scarf and a robe. I love how people see this in different ways and at first glance many don’t realize that it is hands.
I’m also partial to Ritza’s Ranunculus which was one of the first patterns I ever designed, and still very popular.
You’ve made a splash with your scarves and robes—what’s next?
I am so excited for our silk pajama set that will be coming out this fall. I have been living in them—both inside and outside my house!
I am so excited for our silk pajama set that will be coming out this fall. I have been living in them—both inside and outside my house!
What is the best part about running a business in San Fran?
The entrepreneurial spirit in this city is contagious. People here love new ideas and everyone is searching for the next great one. While this level of competition can be intimating, I think San Francisco is remarkable in that it is actually an incredibly supportive atmosphere. People here want to help, collaborate, and see you succeed.
The entrepreneurial spirit in this city is contagious. People here love new ideas and everyone is searching for the next great one. While this level of competition can be intimating, I think San Francisco is remarkable in that it is actually an incredibly supportive atmosphere. People here want to help, collaborate, and see you succeed.
Favorite local spots in San Fran?
Restaurants, shops, watering holes?
As Quoted for breakfast and lunch. Aatxe and Heirloom café for dinner.
Shopping favorites are The Podolls, Paxton’s Gate, and St. Frank. I’m really excited for Hero shop to open in late summer, which I think will be an amazing addition to and influence on San Francisco fashion.
And for outside adventures, I go to the presidio, lands ends, or over the bridge to Muir Beach and Bolinas.
Restaurants, shops, watering holes?
As Quoted for breakfast and lunch. Aatxe and Heirloom café for dinner.
Shopping favorites are The Podolls, Paxton’s Gate, and St. Frank. I’m really excited for Hero shop to open in late summer, which I think will be an amazing addition to and influence on San Francisco fashion.
And for outside adventures, I go to the presidio, lands ends, or over the bridge to Muir Beach and Bolinas.
We love checking out your new designs on the app. What do you love about House Account?
I love seeing what is happening across the country. I travel a lot and it has been a great resource for discovering gorgeous stores whenever I’m on the road.
I love seeing what is happening across the country. I travel a lot and it has been a great resource for discovering gorgeous stores whenever I’m on the road.
Stevie Howell
San Francisco, CA
Stevie Howell is an artist and textile designer who turns everyday moments, from the weeds behind her studio to the view from an airplane window, into her own sublime recreations. Her vision is to make the ordinary a little less so. The fervency of the patterns she creates comes through saturated pigments and painted imagery that demonstrate the loving press of the hand. Printed on tunics, scarves, robes, pillows and more, Stevie’s stunning patterns have graced the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vanity Fair, among other powerhouse publications.