You may have recently noticed that Couture in the Suburbs has expanded into the local arts and culture scene with our newest segment, Couture in the Streets, written by our lead blogger, Skyler Scott. With this new focus on the art scene, I have begun to look at fashion through the eyes of an artist. When I came across the line Magnetic Threads, I immediately recognized it as an incredible fusion of art and fashion.

Getting to know the designer behind the brand, Meggen Connolley, gave me insight into how wearable art (i.e. high fashion) is created. After showcasing her line at Tucson Fashion Week, Connolley has garnered major attention for her designs, including an invitation to participate in the Latin Grammy Gift Bags.

Photo courtesy of Magnetic Threads and Roland Bosma

If you are a lover of either art or fashion (or both!), we are sure you will appreciate the innovative approach Magnetic Threads takes to design. We wanted to know more about how the line got started, what TFW did to promote the brand, and where Magnetic Threads is heading next. See our interview with the designer below, as well as a video of their show at Tucson Fashion Week 2014.

Photo courtesy of Magnetic Threads and Roland Bosma

CitS: Tell us a little bit about how Magnetic Threads got started. 

MT: I began by putting my artwork on t-shirts, and soon after met a girl named Myah Hubbell who had a clothing shop in Bisbee, AZ. I asked her if she would carry my t-shirts and she obliged. Eventually I began working for Myah and she taught me the basics of clothing construction. I quickly learned that I enjoyed creating clothing, and that my designs were actually desirable to other women!

Soon after, Myah decided to move back to North Carolina, and I took that as an opportunity to buy the infrastructure of her shop and begin my own clothing shop in the same location.

Photo Courtesy of Magnetic Threads and Pupsa Lohmeyer

I opened my shop in 2012 and have been designing ever since. Our clothing is now available at our store in Bisbee, two stores in California, online at our website (magnetic-threads.com), on Etsy and Facebook.

Since the creation of Magnetic Threads, amazing opportunities have been presented to myself and my husband (who is co-owner of Magnetic Threads). Recently we were asked to participate in the Latin GRAMMY gift bags.

Photo Courtesy of Magnetic Threads and Pupsa Lohmeyer

CitS: Who is the Magnetic Threads customer?

MT: The Magnetic Threads customer is any woman (or man) who feels comfortable wearing a unique piece of clothing that is going to make them stand out in a crowd. Our market varies widely in age range from teens to women in their 60s and 70s. We strive to make beautiful designs for all ages and sizes.

Photo Courtesy of Magnetic Threads and Pupsa Lohmeyer

We have a solid line of unique ready-to-wear clothing that is comfortable, unique and modern. We also have a growing collection of high end couture pieces for the sophisticated clothing connoisseur; including wedding dresses and designs for proms, Quinceañeras and other formal occasions. We offer custom made designs for all, including film/ play costume designs.

Photo Courtesy of Magnetic Threads and Pupsa Lohmeyer

Photo Courtesy of Magnetic Threads and Pupsa Lohmeyer

CitS: Where do you find inspiration for new designs?

MT: I find inspiration from everything all the time! It is very hard to narrow that down into a few words. However there is a constant theme of spirituality, freedom, nature, modernism, and shamanic mystery in my designs. I also derive a lot of my inspiration from the designer Alexander McQueen.

Photo Courtesy of Magnetic Threads and Pupsa Lohmeyer

Photo Courtesy of Magnetic Threads and Pupsa Lohmeyer

CitS: How has being a part of Tucson Fashion Week help grow your brand?

MT: Tucson Fashion Week gave me the opportunity to showcase my fashion as an art form in front of a large audience. At Tucson Fashion Week 2013, I led a team consisting of myself (as the designer), Catie Fisher (the makeup artist) Lanae Williams (the hair stylist) and Eddie Pain (the mixologist) in presenting an art/ fashion installation entitled “Ice and Extinction” (see designs here).

Photo courtesy of Magnetic Threads and Roland Bosma

My team won the “Betsey’s Choice” award for the ensemble presentation portion of Tucson Fashion Week from the famous designer Betsey Johnson. (Remember when Couture in the Suburbs got to interview her at TFW? See the story here.)

Since then, I have been asked to join (and have presented) in the runway shows at Kansas City Fashion Week, Santa Fe Fashion Week and El Paso Fashion Week. I also presented in a runway show at Tucson Fashion Week this year with Project Runway designers.

CitS: What is next for Magnetic Threads?

MT: At the moment we are focusing on increasing the inventory at our shop in Bisbee (located at #2 Copper Queen Plaza
Bisbee, AZ. 85603) and we are looking into participating in trade shows to increase our brand exposure nationally. We have been asked to participate in NY fashion week and other fashion shows and we are considering these opportunities. We are always looking for new and exciting challenges to grow our business.

Photo Courtesy of Magnetic Threads and Pupsa Lohmeyer

Photo Courtesy of Magnetic Threads and Pupsa Lohmeyer

We are sure that Meggen Connolley has a successful future ahead of her. We can’t wait to see what innovative designs she comes up with next. To find out more about the brand, visit Magnetic-Threads.com or Like their Facebook Page Here.

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Fashion Editorial Photo Credits:
Photography: Puspa Lohmeyer
puspaphoto.com
Art Direction: Meggen Connolley
Fashion Designer: Magnetic Threads
magnetic-threads.com
Model: Lilusha Bravo
Makeup: Lilusha Bravo
muafreelance.com
Hair: Elle-Ditta Sciarrone
elleditta.foliohd.com

Tucson Fashion Week Photo Credits: