VIOLET VALEN

presents Buddy, the sweatshirt collection

22 November 2008
Downtown Art Center Gallery, Los Angeles


Teddy bears sewn on vintage fabrics

On 22 November 2008 California based designer Violet Valen will present her latest one-of-a-kind cut and sewn woman's hoody sweatshirts that center around a Teddy bear that she refers to as Buddy on occasion of a private event with music by DJs Peanut Butter Wolf and Mike B at Downtown Art Center Gallery in Los Angeles.

Violet Valen's Buddy collection is all done by hand using mainly vintage fabrics she has collected over the years. The average piece takes her about a week to create.

fig.: Buddy Collection by Violet Valen


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About Violet Valen

Born and raised in East L.A., Violet credits her current work to have stemmed from watching her mom sew everything from curtains to costumes as a kid. As a high school senior, Violet interned for the L.A. Music Center’s art dept., where she painted sets and steamed costumes. Throughout college, Violet worked as a teacher’s assistant for a private elementary school that allowed her to teach sewing to 4th graders.

In 2001, Violet moved on to work as an art director apprentice to Sidney J. Bartholomew (of Farrelly Brother films). Working long hours, Violet’s wardrobe evolved into mainly sweatshirts.

“I figured if I could spruce up all my hoodies enough to wear them out on the town, then I wouldn’t have to sacrifice their comfort.”

This is what gave birth to the first Buddy sweatshirt. A few years later, Violet went full time into Buddy and produced her first runway show in 2005.


Buddy Photo Contest

On her website she calls for photographers to send their images with the most loved Teddy bear. You can win a Buddy tee http://www.myspace.com/violetvalen.