Fresh Arrival: A Collaboration with my Life Collaborator
No. 9, Living with a creative, a brand new collaboration, and a killer giveaway
I often dreamt about being in romantic partnership with a fellow creative, though uncertain I could find another as steadfast determined and crazy as me. Someone to share in warmly lit all-nighters (like the one I’m currently pulling off to finish this newsletter). A partner who intuitively knows if I’m hunched a certain way in my swivel chair, its best to not interrupt and just text me from the couch. Someone understanding of the feast or famine nature of entrepreneurship and who doesn’t mind when meals become monotonous no frills breaks to catch one another up on their respective Tik Tok feeds before shuffling off to their respective offices.
And then I met a guy with a mess of curly hair, black rimmed glasses, and an infectious smile named Michael. Most of you know the story. Femme meets Boy. Boy is moving to New Orleans in a week. Femme and Boy hang out every day until he starts the engine of his Subaru Outback one chilly November morning, a loaded trailer in tow. Femme eventually visits Boy in New Orleans and falls in love with both the city and the Boy. She gets to keep both.
One decade, numerous aching joints, and a thousand gray strands later we find ourselves neatly nestled into our respective passions. Michael with music event production and myself with clothing and art. And while our conduits for creativity differ, the lines have become blurred, softened by our dedication to help one another and to collaborate. I was there at the very first Couches, Michael’s immersive music event, filling a tiny room in a recording studio with hand-sewn pillows infused with lavender oil. He was there for all of Dopeciety’s successes, building my small fledgling brand into a full-scale business amassing a cult following amongst the creative scene.
In living and working with a fellow creative, there is always an extra pair of hands and eyes and ears to assist with your dreams. Our life is a collaboration which we have carefully designed in tandem. That’s not to say it’s for everyone, or without its faults. We are both artists, thus we are both sensitive beings about our shit. Feelings get hurt. Heels dig in. Arguments over fonts or colorways ensue.
But even with the occasional tussle over creative differences I wouldn’t trade this feral life we’ve made for anything. Bank accounts and 401K be damned, we are wild. We are Lost Boys in our childlike creativity. Every day boasts a new challenge. Every day we choose ourselves, each other, and the work that feeds us.
So when a few weeks ago Mike asked if I’d like to be the first collaboration for his Couches merch store I was over the moon. Well, not initially, I was tied up sewing dozens on dozens of mud cloth tops, but I got there! For those not living in New Orleans, Couches is the type of music show where upon entrance, you know you are in for something magical. From the soft, worn-in vintage sofas of various hues and patterns, to the pit of pillows stage front you can dive into, to the intention put into the cocktails, to even the air, perfumed with spicy and fragrant incense and oils, Couches feels like home. Inspired by the show's ethos and nostalgia that beckon its patrons to sink in, I set myself to designing a vintage couch pattern. The two flowers I use resonate both personal and regional significance. The bird of paradise is a blossom cherished by my grandmother and is quite popular throughout the gardens of New Orleans, the birthplace of Couches. It carries the essence of familial warmth and cultural roots. Conversely, the anthurium, a universal symbol of hospitality, echoes the values upheld by Couches in curating a space that goes beyond entertainment— it invites attendees to a sanctuary of comfort and fellowship.
Our collaborative capsule, Couches x Denisio Truitt, is now available on both TellYourFriends.xyz (Michael’s production company) as well as my own store. Included you’ll find a vibrant patterned crewneck/jogger set and bomber jacket, as well as a heavyweight couch tee & hoodie. And for the first time ever I am offering a homeware piece, a beautiful pillow to accent your space with Spring vibes (a nod to the many Couches pillows I’ve handmade over the years.)
Giveaway Time!
Of course you know I can’t debut a new collection without a lil’ somethin’ fun! Now through the weekend, when you purchase any item in my store, you’ll be entered to win a FREE season pass for you and a guest to Couches. That’s complimentary entry into ALL COUCHES EVENTS in 2024!! While I can’t divulge who will be performing this year… 2023 included the likes of Tarriona Tank Ball, IAMDDB, Annahstasia, Peter Collins, and my dear friend,
, to namedrop a few. ;)*All store purchases between now and Monday, March 4 (ends 12:00a cst Sunday night) will be eligible for FREE ENTRY +1 to ALL 2024 COUCHES EVENTS. 2 winners total - 1 selected by Tell Your Friends, 1 selected by Denisio Truitt Atelier. Winners will be chosen by random drawing and notified Monday, March 4th. Good luck!
love love love! I am also married to a fellow artist and "feral" is such a great term for this lifestyle!
Feral! That’s a wonderful term for a lifestyle.