Katy Perry Wearing A Vintage Inspired Mandate of Heaven Romper At MTV Appearance
You may or may not know who Katy Perry is, but she’s the hot singer who, when not kissing girls wearing cherry Chapstick, is helping to bring back the vintage romper. Since authentic vintage fashions are difficult to come by, even in Katy’s smaller size, the pop star wouldn’t be able to sport nearly so much vintage glamour if it weren’t for new fashion house, Mandate Of Heaven, and it’s cool designer Carissa Ackerman.
I’ll admit it; Mandate Of Heaven vintage inspired rompers are so pretty, that I’d kiss a girl wearing them — no matter the flavor of her lip balm. Smitten, I decided to track down the designer to see just what inspired her…
Deanna: You have a number of rompers in your collections… Can you share what inspired them?
Carissa: I’ve been collecting vintage clothing with my mom for as long as I can remember. The matching 2 piece or, more prevalently, one piece outfits with shorts that my mom called “playsuits” were always among my favorite finds. Originally created for sports and playwear, playsuits were always adorable and rare to come by, perhaps in part because of their functional use. I’ve loved them ever since- I’m a feminine girl, but my klutzy tomboy side adores a pair of shorts. I guess I started making them myself as soon as I figured out how to do it properly.
Fashion Designer Carissa Ackerman In Her Own Vintage Inspired Creation
Deanna: How long have you been creating fashions?
Carissa: I’ve been into art and fashion for as long as I can remember. I started Mandate of Heaven with my former partner, Nick Olsen (also a collector of beautiful things), in January 2001.
Deanna: Did you notice that what, a year after your rompers appeared on the runway, Betsey Johnson and a few other designers had rompers (or onesies) in their collections?
Carissa: Playsuits have been around since the teens of the last century, although they have drifted in and out of fashion. While I’m very flattered by the comparison, I would hazard a guess that Betsey Johnson has made a few before in her 40 or so years in business 
Nevertheless, they were certainly not in style in the least when I made my first version in 2004; and I do think that, particularly here in New York, Mandate of Heaven was among those that helped encourage their resurgence in popularity.
However, as with all trends, there were many factors involved. For one thing, a general trend in collecting vintage fashions had just hit the mainstream, adding considerably to the number of girls who, like me, were thrilling to the original versions. Moreover, a related, more general trend toward wearing dresses had just gained popularity, partially displacing the preference for mix and matching ones own separates that was so de rigeur throughout the nineties. Once people wrapped their heads back around the idea of wearing one garment as an entire outfit, playsuits were a natural progression.
Carissa Ackerman's Vintage Hat Collection
Deanna: Many of your designs have a vintage throw-back edge. Who/what/where/wear inspires you & these designs?
Carissa: My mom has amazing style, and was my original role model and inspiration. She introduced me to all things visual and artistic, and I think I took what she taught me and began pursuing additional visual inspiration independently at a pretty early age.
My style now is a summation of what I think is the best of everything I’ve come across, combined and tweaked to create the best items I can with the materials available.
Ackerman: "One of my favorite things - a red plaid metal vintage picnic set with matching thermoses - as it appeared in a recent photo shoot." (See above photo.)
Deanna: Do you collect anything?
Carissa: Vintage fabric. I used to collect vintage anything, but now all my cash goes into my line!
Most of my pieces are constructed partially or completely from vintage fabrics and/or recycled clothing; thus, the materials I use are both specifically limiting, and specifically vintage related. Not all of the recycled clothing I use is vintage, though; I work with anything I can find in a thrift store. However, I think the secondhand aspect gives a certain “vintage” feeling to a lot of my garments.
I don’t believe that creation happens in a vacuum. I think we are all a composite of the experiences and influences we’ve been exposed to. People have been making clothes for thousands of years; I think to ignore the existing wisdom of this tradition would be both arrogant and ultimately impossible. My aim is to use all of my favorite influences from the past and present to create my ideal wardrobe for the future.
Deanna: Will you continue to make rompers?
Carissa: Absolutely.
Deanna: Awesome; because I need some more time to get my behind romper-ready.
Because her creations are very limited, keep up with Carissa & Mandate of Heaven fashions at the official blog — so you don’t miss a thing. And don’t forget to buy her vintage inspired designs (you’re supporting a fellow collector, you know!). The studio/store is located at 406 Lorimer Street, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, NY; and you can shop online too.
Paige Wood Wearing A Vintage Inspired Two-Piece Set By Mandate Of Heaven
