Spotlight Feature: ParaNoire

Today I want to introduce you to Eva of paranoire-design.com


Sara: Hi Eva! Please tell me a bit about you and your background?
Eva: My name is Eva Wenig and I come from Germany. I was born in Erfurt on a Sunday morning in 1988 and I’m currently rocking the city of Hamburg.


S: How did you get into arts and crafts?
E: Even when I was a small child, I would grab a pencil or scissors and paper to create something artsy And I’ve always been a pen and paper girl until I turned 17. Then, I first thought of actually making one of the garments I had drawn so many times. At first I was really scared by the cast-iron sewing machine monster of my Mom but I quickly taught myself how to handle it. I do still use it today, even if it’s way older than myself!

S: Did you study fashion at college?
E: Actually, I just started a few months ago in April 2008. After launching my label ParaNoire in 2007 I realized that here in Germany I’ll be better off with a college degree if I really wanted to make a living from what I love to do.


S: So where can we buy your wonderful creations?
E: I’ve been selling my work online since May 2007, first on Etsy (ParaNoire.etsy.com), later I discovered the German platform Dawanda (de.dawanda.com/shop/ParaNoire) and in the near future I’ll also sell my products on my own website (paranoire-design.com). My handbags can be bought in the “magasin populaire”store in Cologne, Germany. And you probably met me at the Kleidkunst fair in Berlin (27th and 28th September)!

S: Where do you find your inspiration?
E: The style of past centuries truly inspires me! Clothing has never been more stylish and elegant than in the 19th century. I adore the time and craftsmanship that has been put into those elaborate gowns and I try to bring some of this elegance to modern women’s wardrobes

S: Tell me a bit about your latest collection.
E: My color scheme for the collection winter 08/09 will be mainly black, but I’ll play with textures, transparency and patterns. I’ll also add some garments for the modern gentleman, so keep your eyes open!



This review can also be found at as part of my contributions on DIY City Magazine.

Sara x