About Us


Artist Statement 

Sharon London is dedicated to easy to wear, individualized eco-conscious fashion. Deeply rooted in a fine art and painters' background we design and make from a formal language of understanding the female figure. With attention to color, line, movement and light we create a contemporary look that is timeless & versatile. Drawing on our history as visual artists, makers and historians of vintage textiles we draw and paint unique patterns that become wearable art. We block print, paint, dye and machine knit our natural fibers, then sew, steam block and shape our fabrics and knits into easy wear,  Our history of working with vintage textiles from across the centuries & around the world have taught us the importance of the intrinsic quality of our materials and ageless designs.

History

As artists living in industrial Brooklyn, Sharon and Carl began sourcing vintage clothing preserving and restoring treasures that otherwise would never have seen the light of day again. This began their deep voray into sustainability and recycling with the creation of a vintage clothing business in New York City. 

With their concern and care for the environment they were on the forefront of  the reconstructed neo-romantic vintage movement in the 1990’s. Starting in NYC at the Chelsea Flea Market selling upcycled, designs using the history and style from previous generations to inform the present and utilizing materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.  

Making vintage contemporary again, they developed a line of reconstructed vintage dresses, which led to the creation of their boutique on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Their reconstructed vintage dresses were a hit with the funky downtown scene of musicians, artists, designers and creators.  They had critical success, won awards and had numerous pieces in TV shows and movies.

This experience inspired Sharon and Carl to develop the Sharon London Designs line of today. To create their line they have incorporated all areas of their creative history in vintage clothing and textiles while being informed by Sharon’s fine art ideas and explorations.  

Sustainability

An integral part of their history in recycling and reclaiming fabric continues with our commitment to use sustainably researched fabrics such as organic cotton, viscose and tencel, made from trees and bamboo. Our Knitwear is 100% Egyptian cotton grown in a responsible, sustainable manner and spun in a small artisan mill in Italy. Avoiding the trappings and waste of mass production, Sharon London dresses and knitwear are made individually in small batches and custom made to order. Their hand drawn designs are knitted and sewn in the Hudson Valley, NY in classic simple fits. Sharon and Carl’s zero waste studio is powered by the sun. 

Awards and Acknowledgements

https://vimeo.com/525740934

Sharon London is pleased to announce they have been nominated by the Smithsonian Museum to participate in their 2021 Craft Optimism online market place to raise awareness of sustainable practices and climate change.
 
Sharon and Carl received the annual award from the Lower East Side Business District for their entrepreneurial spirit and contribution to the creative revitalization of the L. E. S Business District. They have been written about in New York Magazine and were voted the winners of the 'New York Look' for Wish you Were Here, a NYC/London exchange in Carnaby Street, London, UK.  They have been in Teen Vogue, Time Out, Zagat, The New York Post, French Grimbaud, In New York, Racked, WWD and numerous eco magazines and blogs. Their favorite press photos by Ellen Von Unwerth were from the very last photo shoot at CBGB’s alongside Dior, Gucci and YSL.

Sharon London Designs have been worn by numerous musicians including Amanda Palmer, Kate Pierson and Nora Jones. Sharon London clothing and accessories have been used in TV shows including "Sex in the City" and "Ugly Betty",as well as numerous films including"Confessions of a Shopaholic" ,"The Ice Storm" and "A Most Violent Year".

Their boutique was a resource for many designers including Marc Jacobs, Marni, Patricia Fields, Gucci, Manolo Blahnik, Ralph Lauren, Christian Louboutin and Anna Sui. Their collections have been worn by Russian model and celebrity Olga Samodumova, Brooke Shields and many other fabulous women from around the globe being known widely for their innovative ideas, textile designs and design details.

Where to find Sharon London

Sharon and Carl now show at various Fine Art and Craft shows around the USA including the Smithsonian Museum, American Craft Council in Baltimore, Paradise City, Artrider, One of a Kind, Memorial Art Gallery and the Pennsylvania Artists Guild . Check their show schedule to find the latest updates where you can find them in person.

Intention

Sharon and Carl have stayed true to their passion for making art and creating timeless designs.  By creating  a conscious, inventive and sustainable product for women of all sizes and ages that is easy to wear, easy to care for, while being stylish, unique and affordable, their work can be worn for a lifetime of enjoyment. 

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