CHARMED, INDEED

Blair Waldorf, eat your heart out...

Alita Edgar and Dana Gramp, the Brooklyn duo behind Charm School Design, create the most arresting headbands around. Their DIY spirit translates to towering floral head pieces, fine-feathered headbands, and even a pink tea set to sit atop ones head. We caught up with Edgar of the charmed ones.
* Scroll down to see more!

Why the name: Charm School Design?
I grew up in the South where attending charm school is a traditional rite of passage for girls. You learn things like how to get out of a car like a lady, how to properly answer the phone. Dana and I went to women's college together so it's a bit of a joke on the old notion of a finishing school being a place where women learn everything they might need to know in the world.

Who's the quintessential Charm School Design girl?
She is definitely inspired by the style icons of the past, like Isabella Blow. She's not afraid of a little drama. She's a modern eccentric, someone you want to look at twice because she's done something original or off-kilter.

What inspired your quirky designs?
I love natural and vintage materials, and recently I've been pushing the envelope with some more outre creations. I built some wild hats this spring for the Easter Parade down Fifth Avenue, which is a legendary gathering of over-the-top headpieces and has been going on in New York since the 1870s!

Can you give us a hint of what you’re working on for upcoming collections?
I am really looking forward to creating some jewelry. The pieces will be somewhat tongue-in-cheek, a little strange, conversation pieces, for sure. Here's a hint—I’ve been spending a lot of time in toy stores lately.
SABRINA COOPER

charmschooldesign.com



This story was published on May 16, 2008.