Designer Spotlight: Marla Parker

Marla Parker was born and raised in Pittsburgh's Friendship neighborhood. A CAPA graduate, she now attends the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. As a fibers major she creates both fine art and fashion-based work.

Marla began sewing seriously in high school when she created looks for CAPA's various fashion shows and recently participated in the Mattress Factory's annual Garden Party fashion show (along with fellow Carousel Couture designers Zoe Collins and Jennie Canning!). 

Intricate detail, unique materials, and a feisty charm characterize her designs. Inspiration comes from a variety of sources, including Japanese textile designs, ornithology, and quilt-making techniques. Marla has an upcoming solo exhibition at a MICA campus gallery in January and plans to design a full line for the College's annual fashion show in the spring.

This will be the first year Marla's work appears on the Madcap Masquerade runway.