Yarrow Pleasanton
Untamed
imagination is the secret to yarrow's creativity.....and a true dedication to beauty, style and finesse. "The details are often
missed - that is where I dance my very best." Preferring to be in the background
at Silks the Wanda Way, Yarrow has dedicated much of her time to creating beautiful, wearable, whimsical prints....quietly.
Yarrow's career began in early childhood. She was forever busy painting,
creating, molding, changing everything and anything she could get her hands
on. "I am a gypsy, a native to change, a lover of seasons. I feed on history. I am
nourished by spirituality. I devour art." It has always been this way for her. Growing up as the child of a Naval Officer father, and
former model mother, Yarrow's stage was set perfectly for her future career.
She began to study fashion at 15, when a friend lent her a VOGUE. "The rest
is history," says yarrow. "I wanted to be a portrait artist, but I also
wanted to eat, and be independent." Fashion captivated her immediately. She
studied VOGUE, STYLE with Elsa Klench, and books of costume history all
throughout her adolescent years. "I wanted to work in Paris, for the couturiers. My grandfather promised to introduce me to our
in-law, Dianna Vreeland- AFTER I graduated from college. It made me even more hungry to
succeed." Unfortunately, Diana died the week Yarrow went off to the Art
Institute of Fort Lauderdale in Florida.
That didn't stop her drive. She focused 100% of her energy into her schooling, interned with the national bridal chain, "David's Bridal" and
assisted them with fashion shows, promotional events, she worked in the
sewing room, anything to learn more about "the business." It was a great
second education. She modeled for an Air France contestant from her college,
and worked with other photographers who were building their
portfolios. "I wanted to know every angle of this business, so when I eventually hear, "oh
you can't do that." I can smile, and say, "really? Diversified experience in
one's field of expertise is key." That drive, tenacity, and dedication
continued in future years. She graduated, with honors, in 1991, and one of
her fashion illustrations travels in the school's promotional portfolio.
Life after college was challenging for this designer, with an ongoing recession and high unemployment. "It taught me many lessons in
REVERENCE for one's employment, and my diverse background helped me to stay working. I had
to hustle every job I got - they weren't going to come to me," she says,
smiling coyly. "I learned to keep going no matter what - making lots of money
or little money, nothing stopped me. I honed my skills in sewing, pattern making, beading and embroidery. I hand painted anything anyone gave
me. I was determined." It paid off.
In 1992 Yarrow was hired by Sea Urchin Designs (children's wear). She helped
a maternity designer get on her feet with design boards, fabrics, good
patterns. "I like assisting other people with the same dream as I have.
There is nothing like the smile on their face when it all comes together."
She went on to freelancing for a woman's sportswear manufacturer in Orlando.
All during this time, Yarrow designed, cut, sewed her own line of funky,
junior oriented sportswear and accessories. Then in 1995, Wanda Baxter
called Yarrow for a meeting.
"It was a dream job, a great opportunity - I got addicted to immediately."
Yarrow's dreams of painting, and being a fashion designer merged with Silks
the Wanda Way. Originally hired to be an advisor to assist with slumping
sales, Yarrow soon found her way into the painting studio and learned the special
techniques of silk painting. The inspiration for Yarrow is endless. "I adore
the freedom. I don't have to go through the fabric boys in NYC. I don't have
huge minimums to meet, nor do I have to create endless color separation
diagrams, and repeat charts. I just pull 5 yards and paint to my
heart's content!"
In addition to being the chief designer for Silks the Wanda Way, Yarrow is a
published co-author (with Rusty Fischer) of the fun and funky book, "Buzz On Fashion."
(available at Borders, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon). She has appeared
in the March issue of Seventeen magazine, lending her suggestions to prom
queens across the nation. Yarrow also is currently working for Hisland &
Cassidy Land Management, of Raleigh NC. as a design consultant for their
properties. "I turned the kitchen into HEAVEN! I painted the floor and walls
with clouds - it's like flying!!" she says gleefully. Interior decor is a
passion of Yarrow's, and she plans to continue her work in this field for
years to come.
Important to Yarrow Pleasanton is her spirituality. "My Higher Power has
provided me with so much inspiration, so much opportunity, I know it is
infinite and in me, but not "of" me. There is a difference. Every print
begins with a prayer, every color from the One True Source. I am merely a
channel." This is her foundation....the rest just comes.
So what's next? Stay tuned - come back and visit the site to see! This
dynamic duo of DIVAS are always up to something - hands in the proverbial
cookie jar of life...giggling all the way.
