Summer Camp for Clothiers
It doesn’t matter if you are young or merely young at heart. Walk into Cheryl Fudge Fashion Camp and you will immediately feel like a kid in a candy store. Sure, there are racks of clothes and accessories for sale. But the real draw here is a row of tables and chairs that remind you of the arts and crafts room you once found at summer camp.
And that's the idea. Since opening her first location on Nantucket in 2002, owner Cheryl Fudge has been helping shoppers foster their creative spirit with classes that allow them to customize their wares. Walk into Fashion Camp with an item you wish to retool or purchase one there. Options range from tank tops, t-shirts, shorts, pants, skirts and dresses with accessories from bobby pins to custom necklaces. Five embellishments are included with the base price, which ranges from $2 for a custom bobby pin to $98 for a dress. And then the fun begins with accouterment including patches, lace, denim, ribbon, colored thread and other various recycled materials, which is another running theme of the store. And the best part is, you don't even have to know how to sew — there's people for that (though sewing classes will be offered soon).
Now Fudge has brought her brand of fun to L.A. with a Santa Monica flagship and, through the end of the month, a weekend pop-up at the Malibu Country Mart playground. We caught up with the East Coast transplant to learn more about this novel concept.
SSLA: How did you get started in fashion?
Cheryl: When I was very young, I cut up my doll clothing and put it back together. Then when I was in 5th grade I started on my own closet. I guess that was the start of it. My mother and sister can't sew a button on so no one is really sure where it came from.
AT THE CANTEEN: Recycled fabric from uniforms, flags and scarves are just a few of the options campers have when customizing their creations. (all photos by David Kuhn)
What are your biggest motivations?
Everything. I am inspired to continually grow my business so I can provide jobs right now for people I care about. This leads to wanting the best store in California, and looking at everything and always wanting to improve. I am inspired by all of the great people I have met, like Bob and Suzanne Wright who started Autism Speaks and tirelessly give of themselves. I am inspired by the next generation of talented designers that work for me. I am inspired to recycle and be as green as possible in my designs and in my stores.
You have a partnership with Itsera, an organization that employs women at risk of human trafficking in a handbag factory. Such a do-gooder! What are some other organizations you are involved with?
We just provided the clothing for an upcoming TV episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. We donate free fashion camps to kids with Autism and their families on Nantucket. I am on the board of The Theatre Workshop of Nantucket. I do a lot of charity fashion shows in the summer for lots of different organizations— I just did a prep school fundraiser in Simi Valley this past weekend where we brought Fashion Camp to their event. We do what we can.
NOT YOUR AVERAGE ARM CANDY: Istera handbags are sold in the shop and are made by woman in at-risk communities.
How do you find your materials?
We search high and low; we like to support local hospital thrift shops and places like that to buy vintage materials. We have people that buy for us and know what we are looking for.
What is your favorite item in the store?
Our reversible scarf halters. They are easy to pack, and you can dress them up or wear them with jeans and still feel dressed. They are made out of vintage scarves so no one else will have it!
CAMP MASCOT: Malibu Midge, who hangs out in the shop.
You're a Nantucket gal. How do you like California so far?
I already consider it home. I have friends that live here so that helps. It is perfect. I can't believe how many beautiful places there are to discover— Point Dume is amazing!
What is your idea of the perfect Saturday?
Driving along the coast to Malibu, without traffic, on to Point Dume. Stopping wherever we feel like without a game plan is best.
Santa Monica: 1010 Montana Ave, Santa Monica. Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (310) 393-3333. cherylfudge.com