Check Out Brian Atkins’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Atkins.  

Hi Brian, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a child, I always loved fashion. I remember cutting up my brother’s sweatshirts and creating doll clothes for my friends at daycare. I was also constantly sketching what I called “pretty dresses.” I watched pageants and old movies, just to see the elaborate gowns. It wasn’t until much later in life that I decided to pursue my dream. I took a basic sewing class learning how to make aprons and purses. From there I learned basic draping and pattern drafting and began my journey into the fashion world. As a primarily self-taught designer, I strive to learn something new every day. I began my journey in 2015 showcasing at NC Fashion Week. Since then, I have won multiple awards, including 2016 Goodwill Rock the Runway and Best Couture Designer at the 2018 Big Hair Ball. 

Studio B strives to make every women feel beautiful and designs for all sizes. A Studio B custom design will always have an element of drama in each of them. I love the unexpected and pull my inspiration from many different areas. All of my garments are created uniquely for the customer, when you order a Studio B garment, you will own a custom unique piece, guaranteed to Make a Statement. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As mostly self-taught, the biggest struggles are not having a degree in the industry, I had to learn all of the industry standards and various language. 

When you graduate from a design school, you leave with industry contacts. 

I’ve had to find that information on my own. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When I won Goodwill Rock the Runway in 2016, I showcased a custom ballgown made from over 500 neckties. Seven years later, I still get recognized by the necktie dress. 

For my brand, I’m known for my high fashion and avant-garde pieces. 

I like for each look to have a level of drama, that could be a signature sleeve or an oversized collar, and I love a good train on a gown. 

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The pandemic was a horrible crisis, and we all lost people that we love with COVID. What I saw during the pandemic that was so inspiring is people learning new trades, stating new businesses, and seeking new adventures. 

The pandemic taught people to come together more than ever before in a virtual environment. 

For the first seven months of COVID, prom was cancelled, no one was ordering custom garments for events, so designers came together and made face masks. 

I sewed over 4000 face masks during the shortage and mailed them to hospitals all over the country, 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.studiobdesignsnc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiob_nc/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/StudioBGreensboro 

Image Credits
Rob Saunders
Suzanne Snuggs
Anke Sturhahn
Kevin Higgins
Vince Artz