grind and glaze with Tessa Clark
Part of the reason why I am compelled to tell the stories that inspire Mills Rd. is to showcase artistic talent that is right in your backyard. While NYC, Paris, L.A. and London all have creatives in their own right, the artists, designers, entrepreneurs, chefs, and creators who settle in smaller cities and towns across the world have stories to tell that are intriguing, and perhaps even more spellbinding than their counterparts in those larger metropolitan areas.
All of the above is true for Tessa Clark. After competing on season 17 of Bravo’s Project Runway, Tessa brought her artistry back to Cincinnati, Ohio. Originally from Greenville, Ohio, Tessa knows all about the come up from a small town to the big stage and flashing lights.
I was able to spend some time with Tessa in and around her workspace in Cincinnati. A grounded conversationalist, I caught up with Tessa about her minimal - luxurious aesthetic, her time on Project Runway, and why she thinks it’s valuable for creatives to find their way in smaller cities.
Talk about some of your favorite designers. How do they inspire your vision?
When I saw pieces from the Comme des Garçons Spring 1997 collection at the MET — I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer. I realized then that clothing can be art; wearable, functional, and non-traditional. I enjoy any designer that creates a universe and designs based on that universe. To note: Alexander McQueen, Comme des Garçons, Maison Margiela, Givenchy, Dries Van Noten, Virgil Abloh, Ellery, Khaite, and AWAKE mode.
You grew up in a rural area of Ohio. How does your background contribute to your creativity?
My clothing line Grind and Glaze is made from the heart. It’s inspired by my rural upbringing, and I transcend my garments by refining traditional staples, like the apron, to create a collection of sustainably-made, all-occasion pieces.
I was raised by a self-taught ceramicist and a hard-working miller, the grinding of grain and the glazing of pottery intersects with Wabi-sabi aesthetics to reimagine simple statements in an entirely new way. Ethically-crafted in Cincinnati, Ohio, the sacredness of hands pay homage to youthful daydreams to inspire a line rooted in childhood traditions and artistic craft. Grind and Glaze leverages its heartfelt roots to position itself as a forward thinking alternative for the conscious consumer.
How is it having the support of your parents who are also in the creative industry?
I feel lucky! We collaborate all the time, and they inspire me daily. It’s nice to have built in family to brainstorm with and ask for feedback.
What’s the one article of clothing that piqued your interest in fashion?
This dress from Comme des Garçons Spring 1997 ready-to-wear:
What brands do you wear on a regular basis?
Pleats Please by Issey Miyake, Grind and Glaze, Nicholas K, Mara Hoffman, Rachel Comey. . . to name a few.
When you are not creating, what are you doing?
Haha, when am I not creating?
“I’m a huge advocate for young creatives to put roots down in smaller metropolitan cities. Experience the big hubs, and then bring that knowledge back to a smaller city.”
How has life been different for you since appearing on Project Runway?
The exposure definitely propelled my career and clout here in Cincinnati. I feel very supported by the Cincy community!
Being from the Midwest, how do you think you were able to inspire people across America by showing you don’t have to be from a big city to make it in fashion?
I’m a huge advocate for young creatives to put roots down in smaller metropolitan cities. Experience the big hubs, and then bring that knowledge back to a smaller city. You have more of an impact and it’s more affordable. With general accessibility of social media and travel — it’s totally possible to make an impact and create in a smaller area.
Your brand, Grind and Glaze, has been described as minimal and luxurious. Is luxury something you can buy or is it more of a feeling?
Grind and Glaze is the atypical “luxury” — so in terms of GG I think of it as a feeling. If the garment is of high quality materials, exclusive in nature (not mass market), intentionally designed (less is more) — that is luxury. GG isn’t glitz, glamour, and expensive — which I think is often confused for as “luxurious.” Good taste doesn’t equal wealth.
“GG isn’t glitz, glamour, and expensive — which I think is often confused for as “luxurious.” Good taste doesn’t equal wealth.”
You and your family bought Idlewild Woman back in 2018. Your brand is featured in the store with many other designers. What are some advantages of having your brand in a brick and mortar store?
The fact that I manage the store and am the sales director, I’m able to hear first hand what customers want, love, and dislike about my brand — and for themselves in general. It’s an interesting position to be in. Again, I feel lucky.
Any plans on branching “Grind & Glaze” out to its own e-commerce platform?
I sold GG through my website at one point, but with managing Idlewild full time — it was nearly impossible to manage (I’m a one woman show). Small biz is a 24 hour job. So until I can hire someone else, I’ll continue to only sell at Idlewild and select other stores, like SEPT showroom in Dallas.
How do your personal preferences for shopping and styling influence your brand?
I personally like trans seasonal garments — so I tend to design for year round wear. I also prefer quality fabrics and want to make sure ethics are at the forefront of my buying habits as well as my brand ethos.
Can you explain who Sew Valley is? How does Sew Valley attribute to your garments being ethically sourced and sustainable?
Sew Valley is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide small batch manufacturing to designers in the region (but also nationwide). I rent studio space from SV and have access to their many industrial machines.
Can you take us through the creative process on making a collection from start to finish?
Preface: I always refer back to my brand identity mood board. This keeps things consistent and on brand. Brand Moodboard > Inspiration Moodboard > ideation > fabric samples > prototypes/experimentation > patterning > digitizing > sample making at SV > refinement > production.
Who is the “Grind & Glaze” customer?
Honestly? It varies pretty drastically from age, demographic, and size. The common thread though? They prioritize comfort and style.
What’s next for you and your brand in 2021?
So many things 🤪 seriously, I’m #Stressed lol.
- Growing Idlewild
- GG collection
- GG production
- The Collective!
Back in March of this year, you revealed some exciting news on your IG about a new reality series called, “The Collective.” Could you tell me more about this? How and where can people watch?
Yes! Long story short: 15 celebrity designers from all of the top fashion reality tv shows, like Project Runway, Making The Cut, and Next In Fashion are coming together as “The Collective” to put on a Fashion week of sorts in smaller metropolitan cities across the USA — launching in Cincinnati this July! Viewers can attend the events in-person or tune in via livestream! We are filming EVERYTHING and making a pilot episode to pitch to networks. There will be fan favorite winners.
Any words of wisdom for aspiring fashion designers/entrepreneurs?
“Notice what you notice.”
