by Bailey White
Staff Writer
In a time when there’s a McDonald’s at every highway exit and a Walgreen on every corner, a one-of-a-kind dress shop may seem like a fairy tale. But designer Linda Cunningham has been catering to those who crave custom-made garments in Jacksonville for almost two decades now.
“People don’t make clothes for themselves like they used to,” she said. “Going to a courtier has almost become a foreign concept.”
Her design studio and retail space is on Kings Avenue in San Marco.
“My clients appreciate a good custom fit or might be looking for something completely original,” said Cunningham. “Some people only come in when they need a wedding or debutante dress and I do a lot of important social dressing. But I also have customers who come to me for everything, even their basic needs.”
Cunningham’s career in fashion began at an early age.
“I grew up sewing,” she said. “My mother was a seamstress, and sewing was something we did together.”
After earning her bachelor’s degree in design from Florida State University, Cunningham worked for the downtown Phelps Fabrics as a pattern maker, then started her own design business in 1986.
“It was good training to work in the ‘80s,” she said. “The flamboyance of puffed sleeves and bubble skirts gave me the chance to be daring and take chances.”
Over the years, styles have changed, but what intrigues Cunningham most about the fashion industry has remained constant.
“I’m very interested in dress maker details. People who know me know that I go after the little things that make a fabric or a design unique,” said Cunningham.
While Cunningham does pay attention to the trends — she keeps up with fashion literature and goes to New York for buying trips — they don’t necessarily affect her designs.
“My inspiration comes from the fabrics. I use a lot of European designs and I love draping the body,” she said. “And, of course, I’m inspired by my clients’ personalities. That’s what really drives the designs. I really enjoy the relationships I have with my clients. Some of them I’ve known for years, and those friendships are wonderful.”
In the last nine months, Cunningham has added a retail space to her store, and carries ready-to-wear pieces from other lines.
She also designs for a collection she sells wholesale to department stores and boutiques around the country, Saks Fifth Avenue included.
“The pieces for the wholesale collection are mostly cocktail and evening wear,” she said.
Cunningham’s work got her noticed by Women’s Wear Daily, and the New York City-based fashion newspaper recently carried an article about her.
“It’s somewhat of a unique concept to have all three aspects — retail, wholesale and custom design — going on at one time,” she said.
Cunningham, the mother of two, said she’s enjoyed growing her business in Jacksonville.
“I grew up here,” she said. “And I have an affinity for my hometown. I never wanted to leave the beach or the river.”