Inspired by her Caribbean heritage, South Florida based designer Erica Appleby designs celebrate bold colors, intricate beading, and textures. Introduced to sewing at just four years old by her mother, she transformed a childhood fascination into a thriving career rooted in intention and artistry.
After spending years in the demanding world of fast fashion, she made a bold pivot into bespoke bridal couture, a space where slow fashion meets soulful storytelling. Her mission doesn’t stop at the hemline. Through her Miami-based Luxe Art Tech Studio, she’s creating access to fashion technology and design education for students who have traditionally been excluded from these opportunities. Her studio is more than a workspace, it’s a launchpad for innovation, empowerment, and cultural preservation. Erica Appleby is designing a future that uplifts, educates, and inspires.
In this exclusive Style & Vibes Q&A, she opens up about her journey from New York’s fashion grind to launching her own studio, the challenges of self-funding a creative business, and the moments that made it all worthwhile.
How did you get into sewing?
At the age of 4 my mom introduced me to the sewing machine. She was creating minor alterations to her clothing, saw I was interested and assisted me in making an outfit for my doll.
What made you want to do bridal wear?
I have always been enchanted with weddings and bridal couture. After working in fast fashion for 7 years, I started to feel drained and desired to make pieces that connected back to my customers. Bespoke/ Couture is all about slow fashion and creating for a specific person. It impacts their lives and removes the harsh impact on our planet.
Did your Caribbean heritage influence your career? If so, how?
Very much, most of the pieces I create have a Caribbean flare or influence. From beading, fabrics and color.
When and why did you start doing sewing classes?
Moving back to Miami from New York, I realized the gaps that set the students apart. The realization that the arts were being removed and somewhat gate kept, did not sit well with me. I wanted to be able to teach others a lot of what I had learned and paid so much for, by making it accessible to all at earlier stages.
What are some simple sewing skills that everyone should know or learn?
Learn to alter your own clothing. Taking up a hem, adding a dart. It will save you money, but also allow you to truly see how well fit clothing can change everything.
Tell me about Luxe Art Tech Studio and how new technology influences how you approach design?
Technology is changing the landscape of fashion and design quickly. Luxe Art Tech and the overall vision is in place to bridge the gap between what’s happening in the market and student education. Also a place for students to explore the area of tech and 3D that they may not otherwise have access to at home. My hope is by next year we will have a tech studio in place for students to do so.
What is one of the most exciting moments in your career to date?
Opening the studio for sure! I had the vision in my head for so long that when I was able to step back and see it manifest. I had so much gratitude.
Can you share your biggest challenge in running your business to date? What advice would you give to others?
A lot of times its funding and finances. Everything to date for me has been self funded and sometimes that would have delayed certain aspects of the business or eliminated aspects all together. Those challenges are lessons to creating a better business and leader. So to others I say start early on financial education, ask lots of questions and don’t be afraid to try and fail.
What is an event or person you would like to design for that you haven’t yet and why?
So many, Coco Jones, Solange, Shenseea to name a few. It’s more aligned in energy and freedom and these women are symbols of that in so many ways.
What are you excited for in the future?
Growth, expansion and stabilization. Getting to a place and space where both companies are thriving and assisting as many clients as possible. The goal is to have women thriving in confidence one dress at a time and one student at a time thriving through education.
As she prepares to release her first book exploring the intersection of Caribbean values and global design, it’s clear her vision goes far beyond the sewing machine. She’s shaping narratives, building futures, and empowering the next generation to do the same.
Stay connected and learn more about her work at www.etaluxe.com and sewing classes and workshops at www.luxearttech.com
Follow her journey on Instagram: @luxearttech | @ericaappleby
Leave a Reply