An interview with Flapper Girls’ Christine Blystone and her amazing Lady Ties

It was love at first sight when we discovered the delights of Flapper Girl’s Etsy shop. Owner Christine Blystone, with her love of vintage and art, has created an eye-catching and quirky collection of lady ties. With a mixture of patterns and print, ranging from plaid and polka dots to cat print and floral, these neck ties will put a retro twist to every outfit.

The Upcoming spoke to Christine about her inspirations, styling tips and plans for 2013. 

How did Flapper Girl initially start?

I began sewing in 2006, but it wasn’t until my old band, The Jolenes, broke up in 2007 that I started thinking about selling what I was making. When I stopped playing music, I needed a new outlet to focus my creative energy into. And, since I was enjoying sewing so much, it was a natural transition to just sew more. That is when Flapper Girl was born. I imagined my own Etsy shop filled with vintage-inspired clothing and accessories that mirrored the attitude of the women I admired from the 1920s: rebellious, fun, flirty.

If you could pick three words to sum up your brand what would they be?

Playful. Retro. Stylish.

What are the inspirations behind your lady ties?

In May 2011 I was writing a term paper for my History of Graphic Design class at Portland State University. “Choose something or someone you feel a connection with,” my professor instructed us. For me, it was a no-brainer. The Chrysler Building [in New York City] is a gorgeous work of art that I have always admired – and I was excited to learn more about how German expressionism, early car culture, and the art deco movement influenced its design.

In the middle of my research, lost in the eye candy of one of my favourite decades, I got side-tracked by all the amazing fashion of the 1920s. I love all the flappers of the era, and while looking at old photos of Marlene Dietrich, I thought to myself, “Oh my goodness! I forgot how sexy and cool Marlene Dietrich looked in her neck ties!” Now I realize that Miss Dietrich is technically a 1930s icon, but I think she embodies the sass, sexiness and overall bad-ass attitude that the flappers were known for. I wanted to capture that essence for myself; and for me, it was all about that neck tie. I knew I couldn’t pull off Dietrich’s signature bow tie, or the long neckties other flappers were wearing in the photos I was admiring while I was supposed to be writing my term paper. No, I was envisioning something else – a sleek continental-style neck tie. Lady Ties are all about the love and sass – I want women to feel powerful and gorgeous, just like Marlene Dietrich.

What would you recommend your Lady Ties be styled with?

Flapper Girl Lady Ties look great with button-up shirts and collared dresses, but I also encourage others to wear them with whatever they like to create a unique style all their own. Here is my Pinterest board, full of beautiful bloggers rocking their Lady Ties:

http://pinterest.com/theeflappergirl/lady-ties-in-action/

How much do you enjoy what you do and what are your plans for 2013?

I am still blown away by how many women have expressed excitement over Lady Ties over the past year. My heart is so full of happiness and gratitude. I feel inspired and excited, and I am forever thankful for all of the love and support I’ve received from customers, bloggers, and fans.

Over the past year, Flapper Girl’s tagline has become “Retro Neckwear for Women” and in 2013 I plan to expand on that theme to include different styles of ties; and I’m going to try my hand at some collars, too. Lots of plans are in the works, and I will be sure to share what I’m working on as these things unfold on my blog:

http://flappergirlcreations.wordpress.com/ 

It was great for us to get a real insight into the world of Flapper Girl, and to learn how much thought goes into hand-making the pieces. Shop these amazing Lady Ties here.

 Bethan Williams