If you’re looking for an edgier new wardrobe with a metal feel, than Laurie Lay is your girl.
If you’re looking for an edgier new wardrobe with a metal feel, than Laurie Lay is your girl.
She’s the woman behind Lone Crow Couture, an online men and women’s clothing and accessories label based here in RVA.
Lay has been making clothes for herself and her friends since middle school, but over the last few years she decided to take it to the next level.
“I’ve owned a number of different businesses and it just makes since at this point for me to venture out in this direction,” Lay said. “Combining my entrepreneurship with my artistic interests.”
Black leather vests, burgundy and black velvet hot pants, leather pants, jackets and necklaces are just a few of the pieces in Laurie’s vintagey line. Lay said the style comes from her many interest and she’s already has a 70s-inspired line coming out in the fall.
“My pieces are contemporary with a nostalgic flair,” she said. “Inspired by my many and varied interests, the first collection that I’m releasing for the fall will feature elements of 70’s-era motorcycle and occult films!”
Lay officially launched Lone Crow Couture on June 6 and sells her line on Etsy, which was launched in 2012 according to her page. She said she plans to start hitting up the festivals and small boutiques soon to sell her clothing line.
“I’m talking with a few boutique stores in New York City to carry some of my pieces and I plan to participate in Renegade Craft fairs around the country starting this fall,” she said.
Lay added feedback on her line has been very positive. Last month, she took her line to a local pop up market and it did very well.
“I did a pop-up shop hosted by City Baby, which is another local artisan, a few weeks ago and was able to show off some of my designs and sell a few pieces too.
Lone Crow Couture pieces range from $20 for tops to $200 to $500 for leather pants or jackets.
“I make everything myself,” she said.
Aside from Lone Crow, Lay has also made custom clothing for bands.
“Those projects come through a different company called Kyla Custom Rockwear, run by my friend Kim Dylla,” she said. “ We work with major bands across the world, such as Machine Head, Children of Bodom, Kreator, Arch Enemy, and Journey to name a few! Most of these clothing creations are made for stage performances.”
The 32-year-old is a Virginia native and living in Richmond for the past eight years. Lay never attended fashion school, but has quite the diverse background.
“My resume is all over the place including owning restaurants, teaching as a university professor, working on organic farms all over the world, a master’s degree in psychology, acting, modeling, and other obscure professions,” she said. “I enjoy new challenges with the mantra of “carpe diem, what’s the worst that could happen?”
Lone Crow is her main gig, but Lay also works part time at Helen’s restaurant.
Lay said ultimately she would like to have a brick and mortar boutique for Lone Crow where she can also have a studio space. She also has more plans to add to her current collection.
“Ideally I’d like to release a collection or two a year of new designs, but then have the time to focus on more elaborate custom-made pieces,” she said.
Her website will go live in the next few weeks. In the meantime, check her out on Facebook, and Instagram.
