TFZ sits down with Ivy Frozen Productions

A few weeks ago, I interviewed the designer of Ivy Frozen productions. She was very gracious and took some time out of her busy schedule for the interview. I have been a fan of her work in handmade Lolita fashion for a few years now and was honored to interview her on behalf of TheFrillZone! Please check out the links at the end of the interview to learn more about Ivy Frozen Productions!

How did you come to discover Lolita fashion and why do you wear it? 
I discovered it as a custom order for a friend. I had originally seen images of it, mostly over the top sweet at the time, and it wasn’t really my thing, but the commissioned dress I worked on was more of a classic design, and I fell in love with it. At the time, I mostly made dresses inspired by the ‘40s and 50s. I was searching for a way to bring more antique dress influences into my work, and lolita fit very well. I love period fashion, and lolita fashion takes a lot of the elements I love about these old world fashions and makes them more fun and more practical for wearing in today’s world. I also like the modesty aspect of it and how lolita fashion is marketed as cute, pretty, fun, ethereal and not as pure sex.


Do you have a favorite Lolita style or sub-style?
I’m a style hopper; I love them all. Classic-sweet is probably my favorite style though, as I do have a soft spot for sailor loli and country loli. Lately, I’ve been feeling Gothic a lot though and the whole creepy-cute thing.

Where do you draw inspiration for Lolita, personally, and for your brand?
What influences you?
I draw my inspiration from everywhere, really. Each item I make is made up of various things I like. I draw a lot of inspiration from historical fashions, from medieval times through to the new look era. I particularly like the renaissance, Rococo, Victorian, and new look periods. Music has also been a big influence for me. I’m really inspired by music with a strong sense of character and story. I also draw inspiration from animation, fairy tales, mythology, books, and other clothing. I really do 6 degrees of separation with what inspires a dress. You can check out my inspiration board on Pinterest to see some of the things inspiring me. https://pinterest.com/ivyfrozen/inspiration/

Why did you want to design and create Lolita fashions?
I like all the embellishment I’m able to do with it, a lot of things I wouldn’t get to use doing more mainstream fashion. It also allows me to continue challenging myself as a designer and seamstress.

Do you think the view on homemade Lolita fashion has changed the past few years? Given that the fashion is dominated by Brand clothing (Japanese, Taobao, Bodyline, etc).
The community has always appreciated well done handmade, and it still does. Sewing and crafting is highly encouraged by the lolita fashion.

What is your favorite Lolita item that you own: Brand, off-brand, or your own piece?
The last piece I made. I next piece I make will replace it as my favorite. I always work hard to improve, and so each piece is better than the last.

Can you give us a preview on a future collection or what’s next for Ivy Frozen?
My spring/summer 2013 collection will be inspired by the idea of a unicorn pond in a forest. They’ll be plenty of green, cream, and pink and lot’s of fun things happening on the bodices.

Also, I just got an entry level professional embroidery so they'll be a lot more embroidery, and I can offer custom embroidery as well.

What do you see in the future for homemade Lolita fashion?
It will probably be the same as always.

For more info please visit the follow links:
Ivy Frozen Productions Facebook Page
Etsy Shop

Questions:
What do you think of homemade Lolita fashion?
Do you wear it or sew your own clothing?
Indie brands, what do you think of them and what are some that you like or own?
What do you look for in a homemade/indie Lolita fashion line?