I'm Melanie. I've been designing and making clothes since the early 1980's when Barbie was my primary client. Growing up with a punk rock/couture fashion aesthetic in Great Falls, Montana gave me many opportunities to exercise my creative and technical skills.  I've been making and selling artistcally fashioned items off and on since 1992, starting with a crazy custom hat line, when I was in college, called flippy lids.

Since then I have traveled the world finding inspiration in the natural and cultural cacophonies I inevitably encounter. I studied art and education and did a brief stint as a Waldorf kindergarten teacher before deciding to return once again to my true passion, creation. 

Melanie Grace Designs was started in 2003 with a passion for creating fun and funky clothes that make women look and feel great.

All garments are one of a kind or limited edition original designs draped, drafted and constructed by me with a focus on quality and detail in construction to create heirloom quality garments that you will love and wear for years to come. I  have things that I made when I was in high school that are still wearable nearly 20 yrs later.

I love to use funky prints and uniquely textured textiles that make a statement without being fussy.
The feedback I get most often from my clients is "Whenever I wear your designs, people notice what I'm wearing and give me compliments and I feel beautiful."  I love to make clothes that are flattering, comfortable and easy to wear. Another comment I often hear is "I wore my skirt on Monday and had to think if I would see the same people on Tuesday so I could wear it again." or "I've worn the 2 skirts I bought every week for the last 2 months, I need more!". I'm happy to oblige any addictions that may arise:).
I do two collections a year and supplement them with "whatever strikes my fancy" garments throughout the year. I sell my line through the art show circuit, trunk shows and in a few select boutiques, as well as online through Etsy (see below).

Sizes are as follows XS (2-4), SM (6-8), M (10-12), L (14-16).

Orders  Due to the limited nature of our garments we are currently only taking orders
 by phone. 
Trunk Shows Contact Melanie if you would like to host a trunk show in your area.

Wholesale Contact me for wholesale inquiries.

ETSY Buy online through ETSY.
 
You can also visit Melanie's "small artist's studio in the forest"
 in Careywood, Idaho.
Please call for an appointment
You can reach Melanie in her studio at (208) 610-1087
or email at melaniebenton73@gmail.com
Thank you for your interest!

 Here I am at a photo shoot.

Melanie Grace Designs on Facebook