Three Crows Textiles offers custom made clothing ranging from Gothic club wear to historical reproductions from the 14th to 18th century. I first met the designer, Kit, while DJing at one of the rare clubs inhabited by the small but loyal local scene. While most were wearing their Hot Topic best, there she stood, wearing a hybrid of classic Gothic and Elizabethan styles. Naturally I was compelled to ask and she was willing to answer, so over late night gin and tonics (Sapphire for me, Hendricks for her) the story of Three Crows Textiles unfolded.

“I have a family of artists and musicians. This was the form that stuck to me. I’m a fifth (possibly sixth) generation tailor, and began my training at five years old, and made my first sale at seventeen. Three Crows in its present incarnation is a reflection of the things I’ve learned over the years – taking the best of techniques dating back centuries, applying them to modern designs, and sometimes keeping them in their original context in reproductions and interpretations of original garments. It’s all my mother’s fault. She taught me how to sew by hand until I was 16. My first solo work came when I had to alter my prom dress. The bodice was too big, and I was having none of that. It was taken in on my great grandmother’s treadle machine. My specialty, in reproductions, lies in 14th and 18th century clothing, but I’ve been branching out into Tudor, Elizabethan, and Edwardian styles recently.”

“At present I’m using a 1970s vintage machine that I found here in Las Vegas. I also own one from the 1950s that works beautifully, and had belonged to my step mother’s grandmother. My favourite is the 1898 treadle that I bought with all the original attachments in their original velvet lined box. Despite it’s age it’s easier than anything to keep running, and it will sew through just about anything. Probably wood, maybe steel, with the right needle.”

“As a textile worker, I do sort of feel bound to spiders, threads and weaving, fabric used for guile and entrapment. I also will not allow spiders to be killed in my presence, and have no fear of picking up most of them to move them to safety. Arachne and Athene (whose name is more commonly used?) – Athene’s temples are in ruins. I think Arachne survived that ordeal a little better than Athene, actually.”

“ So far my largest showing was at Convergence this year, as part of the Phoenix Parade. Aside from that, the majority of my work is on a personal basis for friends and people who find me by way of my website. I’ve been known to do consignment work for local clothing shops as well. I’m currently working on a show of new and current designs that will be taking place here in Las Vegas in December. I’ve begun sketching for designs to show at Convergence next year that continue along classical lines with just a hint of steampunk. For now however, everything there is to know can be found at my website. I’m generally way too shy and expect my dresses to speak for themselves. I’ve since learned they do speak for themselves, but no one knows where the voices came from.”

With empty glasses and third eye images of things to be, we parted company for the night. In a world of off the shelf cloned clothing and trends that are as stiff as the cardboard they arrive in, I believe we are fortunate to have something to look forward to. If the photographs and sketches you see on this page are any indication, the future looks most elegant and promising for both Three Crows Textiles and the people adorned in its creations.