Created and run by Artist Representative Danielle Cohen, Missing Piece is an artist representative agency that represents designers specializing in custom-made wearable art. Bringing to the table a Marketing background in the Home Mortgage and Loans industry, Danielle began Missing Piece first as a marketing venture with designer friends, but later evolved into an artist representative agency housing the Bay Area’s talented and upcoming designers and artists of today.
With the aim to connect San Francisco’s cutting edge clothing and costume designers with clients who desire unique, custom wearable art, Missing Piece simultaneously fosters the growth of emerging artists and creates a sort of incubator and home for designers and artists alike.
For San Francisco Fashion Week, Missing Piece presents the following designers: Jeremy Parr, a graduate of FIDM in San Francisco, returns to SF Fashion Week after his debút as a 2006 “Emerging Star”. Monica Wontorski studied fashion at Columbia College in Chicago, and utilizes recycled, refurbished and earth-conscious materials, including hemp and natural dyes. Molly Rebuschatis holds a Master’s degree in Costume Design from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and her B&W dress collection was recently featured in “Fashion for Karma” benefitting children with cancer at the California Modern Art Gallery. Lara Grant creates experimental uniforms, felted jewelry, Victorian-inspired wearable art and transformable clothing.
I recently tracked down Danielle Cohen and the Missing Piece designers presenting at this year’s SF Fashion Week. First up is Danielle Cohen with her thoughts on Missing Piece, fashion, and other fun topics. Stay tuned for thoughts from designers Jeremy Parr, Lara Grant, and Molly Rebuschatis.
Danielle Cohen, Missing Piece Artist Representative
So Danielle…
Tell me exactly what the Missing Piece concept is.
Missing Piece is an artist representative agency. As an Artist Representative, I connect San Francisco designers with clients who want customized, one-of-a-kind wearable art. I broker deals for the designers, as well as produce and book shows.
How do designers become part of Missing Piece?
There is an open call once a month where designers can bring in their portfolios, images, sketches, and/or a resume. In selecting a designer, I look for three things:
1) A desire to create and give art in service to others. The designers I choose must be able to interact with people and be client-focused.
2) Formally trained in sewing, illustration, pattern making, and wardrobe styling skills.
3) Creative uniqueness. Designers must bring something unique to the table.
What are some reoccurring themes that the Missing Piece designers portray?
Missing Piece tries to stay away from themes. Our designers all have different skill sets, backgrounds, and aesthetics, which is good because we need variety to accommodate the various requests of our clients.
What do you think is missing in women’s design wear world? Is there an unmet need?
I think that the fashion industry creates needs and people follow it, trends for example. The point is to listen to what people need and want and to meet these needs. This is what Missing Piece is all about.
Typical day in the life of Danielle Cohen. . .
I go to the Design Guild SF where I run the gallery. Most of my time is spent on the phones following up with custom clients, event clients, and clients who are looking to book designers for gigs and shows. I schedule art for new openings, find work for the designers, and follow up with new, potential designers.
Book you’re reading right now, or last book you read.
Harry Potter.
What songs would be on the soundtrack of your life?
I’ll have to think of that one. There was something that I saw on the back of one magazine that asked readers to submit soundtracks they’ve created. My idea was for a soundtrack entitled, “I ♥ Boys” or “I ♥ Boys” with a broken heart. All the songs or artists would have the word “boys” in their names, and it would be an eclectic selection.
Piece of clothing or jewelry you could not live without?
Motorcycle boots and my Aunt’s white, gold, and diamond ring, which is a family heirloom.
If you had to choose between sleeping, eating, or being clean, which would you choose, and why?
Eating to keep my sanity. I become a maniac if I don’t eat.
Best part about being an Artist Representative? Worst part about being an Artist Representative?
The best part is when a deal finishes, and there are direct results for the designers. For example, seeing a designer’s first show and their face beaming. I love that feeling and having something to do with that. The worst part is the stress with production work. Production is comparable to giant puzzle pieces, which need to fit together to create a cohesive product.
What are you obsessing on these days?
Entourage–the show and SF Fashion Week.
Advice you would give for people trying to break into the industry.
Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
First is San Francisco. Second is Paris.
If you weren’t an Artist Representative, what would you be doing instead?
Producing independent feature length films.
If you could have anyone’s wardrobe (dead or alive), whose would it be?
Holly Golightly.
Favorite holiday.
Halloween. Any holiday where you get dressed up and eat candy–I’m sold.
Favorite part of the day.
Night time. Pajama/winding-down time with my monkey slippers.
Where can we find the Missing Piece items?
At our Wearable Art Sales, which takes place at galleries every two months. We usually try to combine it with some other form of artistic promotion.
Next up are thoughts from Missing Piece designers Jeremy, Lara, and Molly…
