The Edgy South
Jamie Lin Snider is quite the pistol.
CHARLIE catches up with the fashion designer and entrepreneur just days after the grand opening of her store, JLINSNIDER, on Upper King, and in between fittings for New York Fashion Week-bound Charlestonians.
We chat via a series of email conversations on her newly acquired iPad (“I’m not that savvy with technology,” she confesses. “It’s highly convenient now that I’ve learned though – I can send you a receipt by email, how neat! Save the trees!”)
How she does it all remains a bit of a mystery. But as the sole purveyor of avant-garde styling in the Holy City, we’re sure glad she’s doing it.
Snider grew up in Anderson, SC, an upstate town more known for manufacturing than fashion.
“I was addicted to Marshalls and TJ Maxx – the best shopping in a small town!” says Snider of her high school style, “I was up for best dressed my senior year of high school, but took the crown for class flirt.”
While inspired by some more macabre elements of beauty (currently natural bone, and in her Fall 2011 collection, cemeteries and old cathedrals), Snider’s character is bubbly with healthy dash of Southern charm. There’s that flirtation, still echoing in her adult life.
“I look forward most to dressing Charleston,” notes Snider. “I was a wardrobe stylist for several years. I love piecing looks together and making someone feel great about themselves.”
The freshly opened JLINSNIDER on Upper King reflects her novel approach to fashion.
It’s a library of vintage goods and impeccable design – tooled leather purses line one wall, while another is occupied by a very striking black feather-like coat retailing for under $100. Across the room, items from the Fall 2011 collection hang perfectly above chain and gemstone harnesses.
We’ll go ahead and note now: Don’t be afraid of the phrase “chain and gemstone harness.” It goes quite well over a classic black shift. Or, over nothing…if you’re that kind of daring.
When asked if she thinks her style is too brassy for what was once a quaint southern town, Snider’s quick to retort, “ I definitely do not think it’s too edgy. I’ve always thought Charleston is a very open-minded and fashion-forward city. I am constantly inspired by it’s residents and hope I can do the same.”
Well Jamie Lin, you already are.
jlinsnider.net
jlinsnider on Facebook
Story by: Caroline Millard
Photos by: Cyle Suesz and Ed Kavishe/fashionwirepress.com
