Artists

Swankety Swank is comprised of over thirty artists who are consigners or co-operative members. We will continue to focus on the artists here, so come back and visit to see who’s next in the spotlight!
Deborah Sciales is the designer behind DAS clothing and accessories. Our shop manager STORM, describes wearing DAS as giving you a regal feeling of “kingliness, fit for performing Shakespeare in the park”. Her men’s clothes and accessories are amazing in their fit and original patterned style from waistcoats to spats, making sure a gentleman is dapper for any occasion!

She spares no expense on materials or time with the ladies as well. Her excellent skills are evident in her shoulder, messenger or evening bags along with arm gloves in silks and leather and textured tapestry, all from “cultural excess”: vintage, and rolls from recyclers and resellers. DAS one-of-a-kind silk and taffetta bustle skirts and shrugs are colorful and popular being smartly size adjustable. The DAS apron dress (shown below) is another every day item of luxury and comfort that fits many sizes.

Deborah says of influences from the past, “I am always completely amazed how clothes of many ages ago were so much more of what I would call advanced and more beautifully ornate than today’s “Gap styles”. To me there is a real sense we all have that tells us that the clothing and architecture being generated by contemporary society is in a downward arc. She and her co-hort Oliver Lowe (who works with her on lovely mad hattery, OWL designs) seek to “elevate the everyday” by increasing one’s potential for living well by living well in DAS clothing. She says, “When you are wearing fine textiles and clothing, you can’t help but acting like your inner fine-clothes-person”.

Read more about DAS and OWL in SwankSpeak! Volume I, Issue II.

Shiela Zuni of Zunique designs is an amazing dressmaker for ladies of all sizes. Specializing in frills and embellishment galore, her ostentatious style is found in jackets, gorgeous lacy gloves and dreamy dresses. Whether you’re headed to the dusty playa or your best friend’s wedding, a Zunique design will surely have you dressed to the nines!
Sheila has spent time in France and New York, finding inspiration in vintage clothes and lifestyle. She says, “I find hand sewing very relaxing and often apply this method. It takes much longer, but allows me to have more control while adding a layer of delicacy that is missing from today’s culture. I love French couture and appreciate so much the work of all the people behind the scenes who apply their magic with embroidery, beadwork, and specialized sewing skills to make the designers look like the geniuses they are.”