Charlie

Stepping Out from Behind the Seams

It’s been a long winter of tall boots and wool scarves.

And pardon us for being frank, but we’re ready for something completely different.

It’s about time for toes wiggled in the sand, sunset cocktails sipped dockside, semi-bare midriffs and sun-kissed shoulders.

Thankfully, we have your new favorite outfitter for such occasions.

Meet Suite 33.

Designer Emily Papuga has been a sort of undercover agent in the Charleston design community for the past four years. Playing the part of seamstress extraordinaire for several designers, including local Sarah Acker’s Sarah Maxwell line.

Now she steps from behind the scenes with her own line, Suite 33, to make her debut this coming Thursday with a runway showing at the Sale Soiree.

Papuga is no amateur. A student of textiles, apparel and merchandising at West Virginia University, after graduation she spent time studying in Milan furthering her design education.

That expert attention to detail is seen throughout her samples. Perfectly flowing fabrics seem to flatter all the right curves, while the lightest touch of femininity is prevalent throughout her designs. Soft fabrics, soft layers, elegant details.

“I was inspired by fabric in general,” says the designer. “I like combining different textures and colors to create an original vision. Working styles, lines and layering pieces, for me, helps to provide unlimited options in design.”

Papuga takes much of her influence from her design studio, tucked into the buzz-worthy Cannonborough neighborhood.

It’s a well appointed location, clean cream colored walls accented with inspiration boards, perfectly organized spools of bright colored thread, and a myriad of dress forms. The sort of glamorous organized chaos that makes you a little jealous.

Papuga remains pretty low key about her space and it’s influence on her collection. “The name Suite 33 is a reflection of my workspace, a reminder of how far I have come and what I can accomplish.”

She looks forward to her premier year as a recognized designer in Charleston, one already set to be filled with several fashion shows and shopping events.

But for now, Emily Papuga simply has her sights set on her collections premier Thursday night. And so should you.

Welcome to the limelight.

The Sale Soiree to Benefit PAR
Thursday, January 27
7:00pm, $10/advance, $15/door
Memminger Auditorium
56 Beaufain Street, Charleston, SC 29401 

Suite 33 on Twitter

Story by: Caroline Millard