Readers of the Week: Shannon Kramp and Ashley Maybach

This tutu-designing duo dances onto the fashion-forward stage

By Aynsley Karps
Published: August 25th, 2008 | 1:40pm

When Ashley Maybach made a tutu for her 8-year-old sister to wear at dance class, all the other little girls wanted one too. So Maybach, 20, and best friend Shannon Kramp, 21, began making the ballerina staple for children’s dance recitals. In May 2008, the two Buffalo, New Yorkers decided to take the tutu to the next level, creating Lady Love Tutus — a custom tutu-making business. With clients ranging from dogs to young girls to women and styles varying from rocknroll to classic, the team works around a theme with the customer to construct the perfect piece of wearable art. The designers chat here about their differing styles, most memorable projects, and upcoming fashion trends.

What’s the coolest tutu you've ever made?
Ashley Maybach: I made a rocknroll-inspired tutu made with red and black tulle and adorned with pyramid studs, metallic chains, and a zebra-print bow. The inspiration allowed me to have no limitations and make it over-the-top.
Shannon Kramp: My favorite was a birthday-inspired tutu. I made it with multiple layers of tulle using three shades of hot pink. Then I added strips of hot-pink ribbon and ice cream–cone- and cake-shaped buttons. It’s one of our most voluminous styles and very fun and girly to wear out!

What’s the most outrageous order you've had?
A.M.: Since Halloween is just around the corner, we've been getting all kinds of wild requests. One client who wants to be Marie Antoinette requested a tutu made with 20 yards of tulle — it usually takes six to 10 yards — decorated with one pound of diamond gems and 2-foot-long bows.

What inspires you when you’re trying to come up with decorations to add?
A.M.: My main inspiration is nature — I’m an ocean lover. But I particularly love to use diamonds and other glittery embellishments.
S.K.: My main inspiration is rocknroll. It influences my personal style and it’s the music I grew up with. And when I think of rocknroll, I picture leather, metallics, stars, grommets, and chains.

Dancewear as streetwear is pretty popular right now, especially with ballet slippers and leggings. Can you predict what dance accessory will be the next trend?
A.M.: I think tap shoes will be the upcoming trend because patent leather is so classic and taps make it mainstream. I just love the idea of people dancing and tapping wherever they go!
S.K.: I foresee sequin shorts and stirrup pants as the next trend since lame/leather leggings are so in now.

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For more info about Lady Love Tutus, check out myspace.com/ladylovetutus.

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