Peggy Noland is an amazingly talented fashion designer based in my very own hometown of Kansas City. I became aware of Peggy’s designs when she began selling them at some local fashion boutiques that I was also involved with (Revue, Spool). I also had the pleasure of modeling one of her rompers in a fashion show. Since then Peggy has totally blown up. She has made outfits for many performers (aka famous people!) including lovefoxxx of css, and Tilly and the Wall. She has been featured in Oyster, Dazed & Confused, Nylon, Spin, WWD, and XLR8R, just to name a few. I was recently able to catch up with Peggy and do an Interview. Here it is.
Me: How long have you been designing?
PN: I began sewing in high school, like a lot of people, and although my background is not rooted in fashion or design, it somehow is what i found myself doing professionally for 2 years now.
Me: how did you get started?
PN: My boyfriend at the time – Cody Cricheloe bought me a machine for my b-day. I think he just wanted his pants tighter.
Me:What inspires you?
PN: My bored friends. Kansas City has a knack of creating its own fun and projects.
Me: What would be the most fitting song to be played while your clothes are on the runway?
PN: hmm, I’ve never thought about that. SOMETHING LOUD!
Me: How many collections do you do a year?
PN: Last year I did three. One for the brick and mortar store -Peggy Noland Kansas City, One for Lovefoxx of CSS, and One for SSION (for those of you that don’t know, SSION is an amazing KC band, one of my faves.). Each have taught me something important – PNKC has taken me deeper that i ever expected into a retail world as well introduced a world of collectors I didn’t know existed. Lovefoxxx has given me oodles of editorial experience, and SSION has introduced collaborations and the exclusivity of unique pieces. The SSION looks were never intended to be sold, but when request came pouring in, why would I say no?
Me: Who is your favorite designer?
PN: There are so many people i admire really. Most often i am inspired by the designing of ideas and dedication that those i admire put into something – whether it is more classic, traditional styles or trends that come and go before we’ve picked up on them in KC.
Me: If you could have anyone in the world model your clothes, who would it be?
PN: Personality has a lot to do with the clothing i make. it would make most sense to have someone in the clothing that embodies the same energy as the intention behind them. Someone who seriously doesn’t take themselves seriously.
Me: What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
PN: taco bell. do they have those in AU? i guess its dependent on how much shitty meat and paper beans you guys have lying around. ewww. i just changed mind.
ME: omg, do I miss taco bell. I can’t wait to gorge myself when I come home.
Me: Do you have a personal style icon?
PN: Am I the only one who loves it when people look like shit. Who seriously don’t give a shit. I mean, is there anything more awesome than a mom in holey sweat pants and a bleach stained t-shirt at Walgreens? That’s punk.
Me: Who did you go to prom with, and what did you wear? (I never got to go to a prom, so I like to hear about them).
PN:I went to prom with 2 boys. my bestie and my boyfriend. Neither of them was down with that idea- do you blame them? My outfit was the only thing i cared about – There is a Christian Roth piece in Kansas City owned by a prominent art collector, I was her dog walker for one reason. Can you guess the reason?
Me: What is the very best memory from your career in fashion thus far?
PN: I’ve been so lucky – there are many. i suppose opening my shop is a biggie because it put an element of ambition in my work that i was lacking. The opportunities that have poured in and out of that space are vast and continue to unveil a specific path. There is an instillation component i am allowed at the store, than feeds my design work, as well.
Me: What is your favorite city and why?
PN: Right now, Branson, Missouri. Have you ever been there? omg – full on freakdom.
Me: Yes, I have been to Branson for a few dance competitions back in the day. Pretty fucking amazing.
Me: Future career goals?
PN: I have a very specific, intentional path in mind I would like to follow – in the meantime I’ve just accepted a teaching position at the Kansas City art institute for fall. Through the summer we are neck deep in producing for several tours, as well as preparing for a couple of popup shops and some lucky collaborations! whew!
Wow Peggy, thanks so much! You make me proud to be from KC!
peggy with a boobah.
Check out peggynoland.com
