Loving local fashion is more than shopping local. It is an act of admiration. It is noticing the care, creativity, and collaboration behind a garment, piece of jewelry, or pair of shoes. In St. Louis, fashion is personal, shaped by people invested in their craft and community.
Every piece begins with an idea. Designers bring inspiration to life, sketching by hand or shaping it digitally. That vision moves to technical designers and pattern makers like Alison Hoenes, where creativity becomes structure and a precise blueprint takes form. Sample sewers bring garments to life, stitch by careful stitch, while fit models ensure each piece moves beautifully and fits as it should. Fashion at every stage is made with intention, patience, and thoughtfulness.
Small-batch factories preserve hands-on craftsmanship and the unique details that make each piece one of a kind. Local photographers, stylists, and hair and makeup artists capture the spirit of every creation, while writers, marketers, and creative teams give it a voice to be discovered. Fashion shows and runway events produced by companies like Brainchild Events, featuring models from agencies like Mother Model Management, connect designers with buyers who curate collections.
Loving local lives with the wearer. When someone steps into a boutique and chooses a piece like those from The Normal Brand, which grew from one store in Clayton to 11 nationwide, they honor the hands, hearts, and stories behind every creation, keeping St. Louis fashion alive, celebrated, and loved in every step.
Alison Hoenes is a St. Louis–based pattern maker who helps women’s fashion brands turn into well-fitting, production-ready garments. Translating creative ideas into precise templates, she ensures every garment is cut, constructed, and sized accurately. Focused on technical precision, Alison gives designers confidence their clothes reflect their vision, values, and quality standards. Learn more at alisonhoenes.com and on her podcast about the pattern-making process.
Mother Model Management is a globally recognized, St. Louis–based agency with over 25 years of experience discovering, developing, and managing top modeling talent. Known for a career-long approach, Mother has launched stars like Karlie Kloss and Ashton Kutcher, earning international media attention and placing models on the world’s leading runways, campaigns, and magazines. Learn more at mothermodel.com
Brainchild NEXT is a St. Louis–based event production company led by Dwight Carter, dedicated to turning ideas into experiences. With 20 years across fashion, music, and live events, Brainchild creates platforms for local talent, and showcases St. Louis’s unique energy. From fashion weeks to design competitions, Dwight creatives vision to fill gaps in the city’s cultural landscape. Learn more at brainchildstl.com.
The Normal Brand is a St. Louis–based apparel company founded by the three Sansone brothers in 2015 to create comfortable, versatile clothing with elevated style. What began in their parents’ basement grew into a brand known for quality casual wear. In 2019, they opened their first store in Clayton, MO, and now have 11 stores nationwide. Learn more at thenormalbrand.com
Loving local lives with the wearer. When someone steps into a boutique and chooses a piece...they honor the hands, hearts, and stories behind every creation keeping St. Louis fashion alive, celebrated and loved in every step.