We chat with the woman behind the thriving label and boutique Squasht by Les
At first glance the name Squasht may evoke thoughts of a vegetable, a racquet sport, or something smashed into a pancake-like existence. Squasht by Les is actually attributable to a lovely, and nostalgic womenswear collection by designer, Lesley Timpe.A Midwest girl to the core, Lesley originally hails from St. Louis, but now calls Chicago home. Leaving the Midwest for school in Colorado, Lesley ventured further from her roots upon completion of her degree at the University of Colorado, as she jetted off for Santiago De Compostela, Spain, where she taught English. Spain sparked Lesley’s love for fashion and she stayed in Spain, completing a two-year fashion program. In 2009 Lesley crossed the Atlantic, returning home to begin her design practice.
Lesley Timpe has just opened up her first shop in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village. Lesley’s store not only carries her label Squasht, but those of other emerging designers, too, many who are personal friends. Leslie wears many hats as a designer, boutique owner, and mentor to young designers. Full of insights and down-to-earth, Lesley Timpe is a pleasure to chat with and she opened up about her line, boutique and even doles out a bit of advice for starting designers.
Samm Mackin: What are three words that describe Squasht?
Lesley Timpe: Handmade, Wearable, and Versatile
S: What is the concept behind your boutique?
L: The concept is to offer the neighborhood a place to buy independent designers. No, I didn't invent this, but the neighborhood is embracing it. It's a place to find well-made independent designers' merchandise. When I opened the store I had a list of who I wanted to bring into it. Most of the jewelry and clothing is from local designers. Most of the designers are my friends.
S:What is your design philosophy?
L:Generally I like to mix fabrications that other people don't use, and colors that clash. I rely heavily on modernized retro shapes that have something that changes it, such as taking elements from different eras and putting them together. I'm not necessarily reinventing the wheel. I do a range of things so Squasht is a mix of design aesthetics.
S:What is the current inspiration that you are working off of right now?
L: I'm always inspired by fabrics. I buy the fabrics, work off of fabrics, and work them into shapes. I love the 80's, little details, and retro inspiration on everything. Mad Men has been an inspiration. Right now I'm running with what is working for the company and what people like.
S: Describe the Squasht girl:
L: Most of my customers are young women who like it [the label] because it’s different, locally made, and fits really well. The Squasht girl is fashion forward, wants to stand out from the crowd, and is modern, and independent.
S: What drew you to open up shop in Chicago?
L: The Midwest connection. My contractors are up here. Even when I was in St. Louis the contractors were up here. Everything is made in Chicago, in Pilsen by a small production team. I wanted to consolidate the production operation. I love Chicago. It's so much more cosmopolitan, and there is so much more art and culture. It feels very neighborhood-y, especially with the neighborhood I'm in.
S: What advice would you like to give to aspiring design talents?
L: My biggest piece of advice that I need to follow myself is, never give up. You need to have endurance to bear the road bumps and move on in the future. I'm happy to give advice to young designers and talk to them over coffee.
