Working With My Favorite Artist for My AW17 Collection
by Anna Costello, designer at Paradise Laboratory LA
I was recently able to work with my favorite artist, Michelle Thomas, for my upcoming collection, titled "Something Special". Michelle Thomas was my art teacher my sophomore and junior years at Hazelwood Central High School. Michelle's mother was also my English teacher. I know in fact that if I never took Michelle's courses in high school I wouldn't be where I am creatively today. I, for sure, hated high school until I took Michelle's class in 2009. Michelle introduced me to my creative, artistic self. Michelle made me go outside of the box, pushed me hard, and never let me quit what I started. I received a 112% in Michelle's class. When I left St. Louis my senior year of high school and transferred to Venice High School in Los Angeles, Michelle and I never lost contact, and she became more of a mentor to me. I know I'm not the only student Michelle saved in high school; there are a handful of us. Michelle is truly heaven sent! Michelle eventually left the Midwest and moved to San Francisco in 2012. In November 2016 she quit her corporate job in Silicon Valley to find balance in her life and to focus on art. She moved to India for five months and spent time in Stockholm and Barcelona to find inspiration, get our of her usual surroundings, and to see herself clearly. Michelle is now back in San Fran, focusing on painting and a simplified lifestyle. The image above is a watercolor painting by Michelle Thomas. You will see more of Michelle's work in my aw17 collection which I plan to release in October or early November! I'm so grateful for Michelle's help. She's really helping me make "Something Special" really special.