Out with the (c)OLD! and in with 30% off spring styles 🌷🌷 SHOP SPRING CLEANING
I started Athena Newton for a very simple and personal reason: I didn't feel confident in what I wore. I was working a nine-to-five corporate job. My days were long, so I wanted to look chic without compromising comfort or trying too hard or thinking too much about it. I found it difficult to find stylish pieces that I wouldn’t have to spend a fortune on. The clothing I wanted, I couldn’t afford. And what I could afford fit poorly and didn't last long.
Nothing really flattered my hourglass shape—most pants were too tight along the hips, butt, and thighs, and tops were too short and snug. I became tired of overspending on “disposable” fashion. So, I began drawing (very) rough sketches during work hours, on company stationary and Post-its. At home, I practiced by draping on a $5 mannequin I bought at a flea market and laying out fabric scraps in different pants and dress shapes.
A few years later and a few failed attempts at working corporate, I realized that it was now or never to start what I actually wanted to do. From that point, my goal was to create transitional pieces for women, capable of lasting in quality and aesthetic.
If you could change one thing in your own industry, what would it be?
To shed more of the spotlight upon well-made, seasonless garments. I think the fashion industry is doing a good job at paving the way for sustainable and ethical fashion and along with that should come seasonless. The movement can help significantly reduce the amount of waste the industry already puts out and has the capacity to completely change someone's point of view of their spending habits and style choices.
Talk to us about slow fashion.
Slow fashion is one step closer to potentially saving our planet and treating people fairly. Slow fashion prioritizes transparency which allows consumers to know where their clothes come from, not to mention encourages sustainable practices, as well as ethical working conditions. It also reduces water consumption, energy, and the industry's carbon footprint.
Since starting Athena Newton what have you learned about yourself?
I am way more resilient than I thought. I'm impressed by my own persistence. I don't give up no matter how many obstacles, tears, fights, pain I endure.
I've learned to laugh at myself and not take myself too seriously (retail fashion can be very stressful and very deadline pressed).
I've learned to allow myself to make mistakes, learn from others, and simply enjoy the process as much as I can. People can feel when you're tense, and your creations can suffer.
I do the very best I can with what I have and listen to myself when I need a break.
Also, how much I truly care about my business and my customers.
During the summer/spring months, I live in my net top and cover up because it goes with literally everything.
The wrinkle-free dress is a new addition that I'm obsessed with—its the ultimate transitional piece
