Angela Allen (pictured left)

Line: Angela Allen Design
Available at: angelaallendesigns.com
Studying at: New York Fashion Academy, Class of 2011

The creative spark: The Queen Anne–based designer is all about juxtaposition: hard and soft, natural versus industrial. Her tactile, earth-tone designs merge solids with classic patterns like houndstooth. “While I find inspiration in nature for my designs, my biggest inspiration has been my family, namely my mother and sister. I’m 29, my sister is 33, and my mom is in her ’50s; we all have different styles. My designs transcend generations and still look flattering on all of us.”

The collection: Allen utilizes earthy neutrals like moss green and burnt orange in transitional women’s pieces that are flattering on most body types. “I design for literally every body. The little black dress was designed to look beautiful on a multitude of bodies. It has a cowl neck that is universally flattering and a belt that pulls it all together in the middle to accentuate curves.”

Biggest fashion faux pas: “When I was a kid, my mom used to run fashion shows for Nordstrom, and I would model for them. In sixth grade, I was on a print mailer that went out to everyone I knew. I was wearing this hideous ’80s getup with saddle shoes, and my hair was in two buns on the top of my head. It was pretty traumatizing.”