What is Curious Couture & Designs?
Welcome to Curious Couture & Designs, a Portland-based micro-business founded and run by AngelMarie Summers. Established in April 2020, our mission is to elevate the quality, durability, and functionality of sewing goods and apparel while showcasing a diverse range of original art forms.
Driven by a passion for personalized creativity, AngelMarie envisioned a business that truly connects with each customer. At Curious Couture & Designs, we prioritize crafting products that reflect your unique lifestyle and tastes, ensuring a tailor-made experience for every client.
“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to design something special for you or your loved one. There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing how much you love your new product, how it fits into your daily life, and how happy it makes you to receive a customized item.” – AngelMarie
Awards
Allied Design Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival- Regional Award for Excellence in Allied Crafts, 2019
Bob and Dolores Hope Scholarship Recipient, 2018-2019
Allied Design KCACTF- National Award for Excellence in Allied Crafts, 2018
7 Time Recipient of the Meritorious Achievement Award from KCACTF for Costume, Makeup, Hair, and Wig Design
About the Owner, AngelMarie
AngelMarie Summers, a 27-year-old mixed media artist from Portland, Oregon, is the creative force behind Curious Couture & Designs. Her journey to founding this micro-business reflects a deep passion for personalized art and design, shaped by her unique experiences and background.
AngelMarie’s artistic path began during high school when she faced the challenges of homelessness. With the encouragement and mentorship of her high school teachers and her best friend’s parents, she discovered her love for art and began viewing the world through a creative lens.
In 2015, AngelMarie pursued her passion further by enrolling at the University of Portland. There, she focused on Theatre Design with specializations in Costume, Hair, Makeup, and Wig Design, and also pursued minors in Fine Arts and Hellenic Studies. Her academic journey was marked by a fascination with the intersection of human expression and art, which laid the foundation for her future career.
During her time at UP, AngelMarie made a significant impact by designing costumes for nine plays, including notable productions like “Boeing, Boeing”, “Silent Sky”, “Tartuffe”, and “Iphigenia”. Her role extended beyond design to include costume construction, makeup, wig creation, and teaching actors various techniques. Her dedication earned her prestigious accolades, including the Bob & Dolores Hope Scholarship, seven Meritorious Achievements awards, and both the Regional and National Awards for Excellence in Allied Crafts from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.
After graduating in 2019, AngelMarie explored various self-employment opportunities, including nannying and working as a home renovation assistant. These roles, combined with her educational background, reinforced her desire to impact her community through a personalized approach to design. This drive led her to establish Curious Couture & Designs by Discovery in April 2020. Since then, the business has grown from offering ready-made goods to providing custom design services and will soon include community-building platforms for artists and art enthusiasts.
In her free time, AngelMarie enjoys exploring the outdoors, discovering tide pools, picking berries, and searching for seashells. She finds relaxation in reading and sipping tea.
AngelMarie’s success is deeply rooted in the support and kindness she received from many individuals, including her high school mentors, friends, and the UP theatre department. She is profoundly grateful for their encouragement, which inspired her to pursue her dreams. Through Curious Couture & Designs, AngelMarie aims to honor their impact by creating special, personalized experiences for others and paying forward the kindness she has received.
Stay tuned for what’s next!