PORTRAIT

Most recent contestant on NBC’s Fashion Star Season 2, Texas based Priscilla Barroso has had a wild run in the fashion industry since launching Crowned Bird in 2012. No stranger to travel, Barroso flies like a bird between Austin and Los Angeles to produce the collections. Born as a first generation Turkish/Panameña. She understands that despite her less than traditional upbringing in the suburbs of Dallas, Priscilla is happy to have had it shape the nostalgic presence of her designs. Raised in a large extended family, her greatest influences still now come from all the strength and diversity of several generations sharing one home. Inheriting a love for fashion, travel, and forgotten novelties, an unplanned trip to San Francisco found herself with a scholarship studying fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. She became the master of multi-tasking, working hard as a freelance stylist for Levi Strauss & Co, top bespoke custom tailor in San Francisco, and partnering in an organic and sustainable dog apparel line while attending school. Literally  from head-to-toe, she has been involved of every aspect of production. She became known for her  joy specialized in oddities of handmade hats, shoes, men’s suits, and Victorian wedding gowns. Experiences in the industry lead to catching her own ‘Big Fish’, with eclectic designs contributing to the rise in independent fashion. Her valuable knowledge and reference to styling, history, and functionality came from working hard as a woman in a man’s world. Priscilla has proudly tailored the best of San Francisco, with a range of independent musicians and actors, to local icons such as Carlos Santana, Tom Waits, and Billie Joe Armstrong. Now, with the wisdom gained from a fortunate tailoring experience, Priscilla treads a lifelong ambition to unravel traditional garment making through colorful and inspired expression.

LABEL

From classic French retro to quirky animal prints, founder Priscilla Barroso designed a brand that illustrates her mindful avenue of perennial desire. Fathomable. Amused with generous personality. The label identifies a place where youthful idealism replaces the occupied novelty of saudade. Characterized by designer Priscilla Barroso, ” It is a lighthearted escape where comfort and eclecticism depart toward the nearest cosmic destination. Consistent is my approach, inspirations of the line are fragment exigencies of a storybook princess meeting her inner fem-boy novelties. We want to remain in the front of the closet. Trans-seasonal apparel that you can indulge in for years to come.” Boldly captivating and easy to wear, these versatile anchor pieces provide building blocks for future seasons. Allowing for a more natural process of creation, Crowned Bird has a method of crafting designs based on fabric and prints. Inspiration is everything. Using intermingling textures, original prints, and timeless silhouettes, it is the past that relates to us on an empathic level. As if a meaningful expression within one era injects potent fervor by another. In other words, it’s eclectic sportswear that keeps a little Grandma in mind. Thoughtfully made in the USA.