Meet Lake Sharp one of Matrushka's primary designers and creative forces which help make Matrushka what it is

I have lived in LA since 2001. I grew up in Boulder, Colorado then came to LA to go to school at Occidental College in Eagle Rock. Soon after graduating with a degree of Bachelor of the Arts in Theater in 2005, I began working for Matrushka Construction. I started as the production sewer and now work as a lead designer making some of the most popular dresses sold at Matrushka. I learned to sew partly from my mother, who would help make my prom “dresses” (my senior prom outfit was an awesome pair of black sequined bell bottoms and a leather tank top). I picked up the bulk of my skills as a seamstress while working in the costume shop in college. Under the guidance of the always patient and talented Tom Slotten, I learned how to make period costumes like corsets and hoop skirts that I would later wear onstage.

My designs are inspired in part by the latest trends in fashion, but mostly by the old Asian ladies I see at the church by my house in Echo Park, who can layer prints like nobody’s business. As a thrift-store junkie, I am always rethinking vintage styles and classic cuts. I hope my designs are innovated, funky, flattering, and ultimately wearable.  I am very proud to be designing for Matrushka, a truly unique store.  Everything at Matrushka is absolutely one of a kind, and maybe the only store in town where you can meet the women who make the clothes and feel proud to support a fair and friendly local business. 

Apart from designing, I am a passionate bike commuter. If you want to know if I am at the store, look for my blue SR chained up outside. Every summer I also go on a bike tour with my dad. I am an amateur vegetable gardener, novice filmmaker, kombucha grower (need some mother?) and visual artist. I am also a proud member of the LA based dance troupe bodycity and a working actor….whew!

I'd love to hear feedback from you so email me at lake.sharp@gmail.com.