Designer and stylist Trish Martin has spent more than 13 years “building her kit,” or collecting/constructing her storehouse of refashioned clothing and accessories. This collection makes Trish the perfect go-to girl for rocknrollers gearing up for music videos or photo shoots and anyone else with a daring approach to dressing. “People don’t call me if they want something regular,” Martin asserted during a recent conversation. I couldn’t agree more.
Trish first got into the styling business while dating a musician. Maybe this initial connection aimed her work in a rocknroll direction… but five minutes of conversation with Ms. Martin proves nothing dictates her taste beyond the inspired whims and wants of the designer.
Taking a moment to speak with me in the cloistered, chaotic splendor of Punkouture headquarters, Trish Martin has to hold back her three dogs (Henry, Cha Cha and Doodles) with her high heeled foot to grant entrance into the workshop.
I’m immediately awestruck by the number of shoes surrounding me. The collection near the door is dwarfed by a larger amassment at the far end of the room. For Trish, the ensemble begins with the shoes.
Despite the presence of two sewing machines, Martin explains she is not a seamstress. “I decorate.” And, she prefers to decorate what you already have. Trish explains something as easy as changing the color of stitching on an article of clothing can completely recreate the piece. Adding zippers, patches, studs, even spray paint and damage to clothing transforms it into something unique and wondrous.
Punkouture is moving beyond the music video and into the everyday world with readymade clothes like tshirts and (adorably sassy) dresses. A new line of brazen tutus, brightly colored and chain-topped, are sure to be the most mentioned item of the summer swimming-pool-party circuit.
Check out her work through her own website or through her etsy.com shop. Or you can stop by her shop on First Friday for your own sneak-peak into the inner workings of Punkouture. In the meantime, check out Conspire in the Roosevelt District where Martin’s ready-to-wear designs await savvy shoppers.
Whether you’re a musician ready to go to the level of rockstar style or a funky fashionista wanting that thing that no one else has, Punkouture is the place to check out.
Encased in a tiny workshop in downtown Phoenix is a tiny destructive force. Surrounded in spray paint, stencils and studs, Trish Martin of Punkouture can deconstruct your entire wardrobe and return it to you fabulously reformed in high style.
