Seampoets

Fashion > Forward

by Felicia D'Ambrosio

Michael Persico (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION

$30 to $65 for Summer Warrior tees, seampoets.etsy.com, seampoets@gmail.com, 215-268-2223

Many-colored feathers drape a white cotton, deep V-neckline, which is lined with precise hand-embroidery. A T-shirt it may be, but this garment from Seampoets, worn twice, has drawn more questions and compliments than any other piece of clothing in my stuffed closet.

Seampoets' Michael Roman and Michelle Mercier (pictured), both 25, met this winter at the Independent Craft Market. Michael, educated at Parsons in illustration, was vending T-shirts with a friend, while Michelle, who studied fashion design at Philadelphia's Art Institute, worked the beer table. The two quickly bonded and discovered a natural affinity for collaboration. "We first worked together on the PBR Craft Challenge," says Michelle. "It was so successful — we won first place — that we just kept going." The two founded Seampoets this past February, and their "Indian Summer" collection of tees is now available on Etsy.

"We were thinking of two Indians," says Michael. "We combined elements from Native American and Hindu Indian culture to create the Summer Warrior tees." Every piece is one-of-a-kind, from the layout and design to colors and embroidery. The screenprinting studio lives in Michael's home, while Michelle's house has a dedicated sewing lab. Both artists emphasize that their work is a true joint effort. "We balance each other out," says Michael. "One has the design direction; the other, the layout or colors. We do every part of the process together."

The two friends are already planning their next move — a fall and winter collection inspired by Michelle's nighttime travels. "I dream about endless starry skies, ships going by and people talking to me in many languages," she says. The Seampoets also plan to eventually print on vintage garments, so as to further mix up their artistic skills with fashion.

Asked what differentiates their work from other screenprints in the art-school-saturated Philly market, Michael says, "These are like limited-edition prints ... this is art you can wear." Adds Michelle, "We're here to make original clothing that is individual. People say, where did you get that? I've never seen it." Michael pauses for a second, then says, "This is what I moved here to do."