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Designer Spotlight:
Neva Opet
Passion & humor.
Not to mention answering messages so fast it makes our head spin. That – plus her exquisite design sense and craftsmanship, of course – are just a few of the reasons why designer Rachael Riedinger has won Firecracker’s heart.
Growing up outside Atlanta in what she dubs a “typical suburb”, whatever they put in the water out there must be good: although Rachael left right after high school to attend college and has made the Peach City her home ever since, her hometown “gave me great appreciation for my fellow artists and small locally owned businesses (rather than the typical chain stores and plethora of shopping malls).”
After graduating in 2011 with a BA in Art History, the desire to make creative endeavors rather than simply study them took root in Rachel’s mind.
"All my pieces feature tones and textures arising from my exploration of traditional, classic material treatments - hand dyed leathers, beeswax treated canvas, and individually painted designs. Every item is intended to grow more character and distinctiveness over years of use."
The student becomes the master.
Wielding her decade of sewing skills like a sword, Rachael plunged headlong into the accessories realm and started to pursue leatherwork. Inspired by music, design & art history, she makes each bag with one guiding image in mind: that of the woman who will carry it and how she will use it.
“Seeing a design go from sketch to tangible object, knowing that I have created something for a woman to carry everyday and fill with her most personal of possessions is absolutely rewarding for me as a maker.”
Favorite all-time creation?
"A sculpture project I did at the Savannah College of Art and Design. It was a three foot tall Sugar Daddy. The candy... to be more specific." (See? Funny.)
A proud resident of Atlanta's Little Five Points neighborhood, Rachael heartily recommends first-time visitors experience Aurora Coffee ("The best around"), the new Beltline trail, food/drinks at Argosy, and the terrific local artisanal goods at Young Blood Boutique.
