Idaho has a history of clothing makers – from pioneers making their own, to commercial production of winter hats in Ketchum to western-wear hats in the Treasure Valley. From coats made in Caldwell decades ago to VOXN Clothing designed and made today in Boise. Meet four Idaho clothing makers.
Arin Arther – Screenprinted Textiles. Arin creates the designs, screen prints the fabric, and sews this elegant and sophisticated clothing. Arin has a Bachelor of Fine Art and found that textiles are her passion. She creates her images from nature and cityscapes. Doing this work for 20 years, Arin has been selling wholesale designs to museums and, in the last 10 years, selling clothing directly to consumers via shows and online. Arin’s goal is to have wearers of her clothing feel comfortable and beautiful in the timeless and seasonless designs. Because the clothing is made from all natural fibers it is durable and easy to care for. Instagram: @ArinArthurTextiles
Erica Becker – VOXN Clothing. Erica designs and has made dozens of men’s and women’s clothing styles. She also carries other lines in her downtown Boise location, BoDo, which has been open since 2017. Working with the State of Idaho and local non-profits, she has furthered job creation in the fashion industry in Idaho! voxnclothing.com
Joni Packard Hess – Peepers Children’s Clothing (named after her daughter’s childhood nickname). Girls and their 12-inch dolls will love these dresses and outfits. Joni started sewing for her daughter when they lived in Randolph, Vermont. She made 5 or 6 dresses and took them to the town’s farmer’s market – and they sold out every Saturday. “I have a love for sewing. I am really picky and that’s why I have always kept the business small.” High quality fabrics are selected. Joni wants the clothing to be affordable for young parents. Nine years in the Treasure Valley, find Peepers at the weekly Capital City Public Market on The Grove and at Boise Art Museum’s Art in the Park. Sewing in between spending time with grandkids, Joni produces these adorable dresses! Instagram: @peeperschildrensclothing
Sam and Eric Stephenson launched Fireside Pine in July 2022 in Meridian, Idaho. Eric is a Veteran medic and x-ray tech of the Army National Guard, thus the focus on supporting Veteran non-profits. Sam and Eric have been fond of what nature does for them, “soaking in scenery and sunsets help us realize that there is more to life than the stresses of each day.” In stressful careers, they both sought reminders of the point of life and discovered that putting images on clothing and designing outdoor clothing came together to show the healing power of nature which then morphed into Fireside Pine. Bring your memories of happy outdoor experiences with you, through the American-made clothing you wear, that has finishing images and embroidery added in Idaho. September 2024 is the targeted opening of a Fireside Pine store in collaboration with Zero Dark Thirty Coffee in The Village, Meridian. firesidepine.com
Creating Idaho-made clothing? Let us know your story!