Ellen Van Dusen

Who she is Originally from D.C., Van Dusen graduated from Tufts last May with a self-designed major: “I was studying the brain’s response to imagery,” she says. “Why we evolved to see things the way we do.” It’s not the typical Project Runway contestant background, admits Van Dusen: “I don’t have extensive formal training; I taught myself and improvised.” What she did have was a drive to pursue a career in fashion, and she spent the past three summers interning in NYC for Norma Kamali, Jill Stuart, and most recently, Proenza Schouler before finally moving to Bushwick last August.

What her line is Dusen is not for the timid: This knockout modern womenswear is impeccably cut from colorful and graphic vintage fabrics.

What she makes “My collection is a direct response to my life,” says Van Dusen, who cites modern artists Ben Jones and Chris Johansson, as well as color-field painters like Ellsworth Kelly, as influences. Unsurprisingly, Van Dusen is “drawn to color and really busy prints,” and her capsule collection features retina-popping graphics with a tribal twinge. Since she uses vintage fabrics, Van Dusen focuses on creating contemporary shapes like sleek jumper dresses with exposed zippers, hip backpacks and mini balloon skirts—all of which are hand sewn by and fitted on her.

What's next Dusen’s official debut is planned for spring 2010. “I want to get preorders so I can have more time to produce and work with more stores…and maybe even pay someone else to sew it!”

Where to find it Duo (337 E 9th St between First and Second Aves; 212-777-7044, duonyc.com) and at dusendusen.com.—Erin Wylie

Van Dusen’s picks

Bars and restaurants
• Jimmy’s Diner 2577 Union Ave between North 10th and 11th Sts, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-218-7174)
“This is the best place in the world for brunch. They do lots of exciting things with eggs and Tater Tots.”

Shopping
• 10 Ft. Single 285 North 6th St at Rodney St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn(718-486-9482)
“This vintage boutique’s owner has a similar aesthetic—lots of prints and great colors. Plus, it’s not too expensive.”

• Antiques Garage 112 W 25th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (hellskitchenfleamarket.com)
“I bought fabric for the Aztec skirt from my collection here. Fabric shopping for me is kinda like a treasure hunt.”

Things to do
• P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center 22-25 Jackson Ave at 46th Ave, Long Island City, Queens (718-784-2084)
“I love going to see art. The last show that really spoke to me was by Assume Vivid Astro Focus. The colors were amazing!”

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