As a nursing student at Santa Fe College, Cori Kate learns modern medicine. But as a designer, she’s inspired by the past.
The 25-year-old sews and sells upcycled clothing at The Eclectic Co. Vintage & Resale Shop in downtown Gainesville, where she’ll debut her new fall collection from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. Her line is called GOSH DARN.
Kate usually makes summer clothes, but this show will feature darker colors, leather jackets, leggings, sweaters and winter dresses.
Even though the line is new, Kate’s no amateur.
She started designing about five years ago to pay off her credit card debt, but when that was paid she kept sewing for fun. This summer, Kate moved her business to the vintage shop, which is owned by Loren Keldsen and his wife.
“Cori takes great vintage fabrics and remakes them into something totally cool, totally unique,” Keldsen said.
She mixes floral patterns, velvet, clashing colors and varying textures, and she’s influenced by ’80s styles.
When she first started designing, Kate didn’t spend much money on supplies because all the materials she used were old clothes. These days, she also buys from thrift and online stores.
“Nothing is brand new,” she said. “Everything is made from something that would have otherwise been thrown away.”
Her economical fabric choices keep prices low — most pieces range from $5 to $50. Kate said she won’t make anything she couldn’t afford herself.
“That’s why we love Cori,” Keldsen said.
Even Saturday’s event won’t cost much. From the host to models to makeup artists, the workers are all Kate’s friends and volunteers.
Allison Garnsey, 24, will emcee the fashion show. She said Kate designs because she loves it, not for money or attention. GOSH DARN targets shoppers who are environmentally minded and have funky senses of style.
Right now, Kate’s goals are to continue to sell the line at the store and maybe move online in the future.
“I don’t ever want to make it into a large business because it will lose part of the fun,” she said.
Cori Kate sells her upcycled clothing line, GOSH DARN, at The Eclectic Co. Vintage & Resale Shop.
