Pamela James

I started at my grandmother's knees, sewing since I was 5 years old. Growing up, I would go into my mother's closet where she had amazing pieces like Carvin and Adrienne Bacciadini, and she would allow me to modify them. I've always liked to do my own thing and have my own style. My Achilles heel, which ended up being a blessing, is that I like really nice pieces, so I always had to think about how many times I could wear something and how to make it work harder for me. I have an undergraduate degree in literature and the arts from the University of Georgia, and I went back and got my certificate from Parsons. I started Paloma St. James 15 years ago with the mission of bringing something different and innovative to women. My first line focused on tailored pieces that could go in the washer, with stretch so women wouldn't have to worry about their clothing at the table making deals. After 2020, I spent about 3 years in research to develop true modular fashion, traveling to Peru for Pima cottons, India for embroidery and glass beads, and Vietnam for heritage silk. I wanted to create clothing that's architecturally designed in interchangeable units, so women can transform their wardrobe without buying entirely new pieces. I wrote 'The Guide to Luxury Modular Fashion' based on my research into color theory, natural fabrics, and the energy of textiles. I debuted with a proof of concept at a museum, then at Paris Fashion Week. I believe fashion design should be intelligent and push forward what's new and different, not just follow trends. My work shows that fashion is art and art is fashion, and I'm championing a future where less can be more through smart, sustainable design.