Elise Fife

Over the years, I have become sought after by musicians and performers on the world stage for my ability to create iconic looks. My goal is to give clients the confidence to become the best version of themselves. Below are some highlights from my career so far.

For the past 11 years, I have been working with THE AVETT BROTHERS, re-envisioning the band’s style for stage and red carpet. During this time, we have made 6 music videos together as well as an epic live DVD featuring all custom clothing I created for the event. I discovered these clothes filled a niche I’ve found in the menswear marketplace. Taking additional inspiration from my historical body of work, I launched my ready to wear collection as Albion Thorne on July 21, 2015. The Avett Brothers played a very special acoustic set in NYC which was absolutely perfect, as they are my muses.

In 2003, my work caught the attention of DAVID BOWIE’s stylist, Jimmy King. With great joy, I collaborated with him through 2003-4 to create 26 intricate pieces for David Bowie’s “Reality” tour with my brand Lichen-NYC. Working with David Bowie was a childhood dream realized and his fearlessness in approaching the creative process continues to inspire me to this day.

When I moved to NYC in 1998, I embarked upon an eleven-year collaboration with performance artist, Casey Spooner and his troupe of musicians and dancers. The synergy of theatre, music and fashion a perfect fit for me. With FISCHERSPOONER I created countless costumes for stage and screen documented in “Fischerspooner: New Truth” (Damiami, 2014) The highlight of this adventure with FS was the “Between Worlds” performance at MOMA in 2009.

I fell in love with vintage clothing during the late eighties, discovering unique pieces rich in history, enduring quality and incredible design that I could afford. With my obsession for music and going to concerts in the 1980s and my love of fashion, the stage had been set! Nightclub personalities and indie bands such as The Smashing Pumpkins frequented the vintage shop I ran in the 90s and started a passion that still fiercely burns. In early 2000s, I apprenticed with master couturier, Peter Soronen for five years learning patterning, draping, and tailoring.

Born and raised in Chicago, the youngest of six children, I grew up a child of the 1970s in a home were music was playing non stop. My five older siblings loved Led Zepplin, the Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Carol King, Cat Stevens, Diana Ross...to name but a few. One could say Rock-n-Roll is in my DNA! From an early age, I learned the value and beauty of sewing through my dear Mother, a style icon who remains my greatest inspiration.

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ELISE FIFE

COSTUME DESIGNER & CUSTOM CLOTHING