Designer Olga Degtjarewsky moved to New Orleans after Katrina, lured by a love of its history, the architecture, its people, and its artists. All of her pieces have some aspect of them that directly comes from the city, both in spirit and in locally-procured components. 
Tell me about how you originally got into your craft, Olga.
About 2 years ago for Halloween I decided I wanted a burlesque costume. I searched everywhere online and just wasn't finding anything that A) I could afford or B) that I thought was cute enough to purchase. Nothing represented me or my taste. I looked through my closet and found an old Victoria Secret corset that I had and never wore. I bought some feathers, appliques and fringe and voila! I had a costume for Halloween.
This of course inspired me to make more costumes because I thought others would appreciate them.
What is your favorite thing to do in the whole wide world?
Sit on the couch with my boyfriend and cat, drink a glass of wine and watch a tv show that we love.
What is your biggest challenge when it comes to running your business?
Time and keeping up with my orders. I always seem to misjudge how many feathers I need and which corset will be popular.
When you were a kid, what did you think you were going to be when you grew up?
Oh god! How do I just pick one! I really love the KALI.
What item in your collection would you most like to receive as a gift if someone were shopping for you?
A veterinarian
What other artists out there do you love?
What kind of artists?
Musicians: R.L. Burnside
, Arcade Fire, Neutral Milk Hotel, Tom Waits, Jolie Holland
Directors: David Lynch
, the Coen brothers
, Wes Anderson, Woody Allen
Pretty much all Burning Man
artists
Musicians: R.L. Burnside
, Arcade Fire, Neutral Milk Hotel, Tom Waits, Jolie HollandDirectors: David Lynch
, the Coen brothers, Wes Anderson, Woody AllenPretty much all Burning Man
artistsWhat does your future hold?
Hopefully my business will grow and I can quit my day job.
