Designs on Denim

During the height of pandemic-era fashion when sweatpants and hoodies were the norm, artist SYDNEY DURRETT FALKNER had a Bob Ross-style “happy accident.” Her days were spent furiously painting; at the end of each day, she’d understandably be sporting half of her paint palette on her clothes. The abstract, accidental design caught the eye of her friend, ASHLEY GAUTREAUX.

“My friend Ashley really liked the look of it, and she bought us a couple of jean jackets to paint on. Inspired by this, I conceived abstract designs, keeping them loose and worn-in with splatters of paint for added flair,” Falkner says. “We would throw the denim jackets over our workout clothes or sweats to feel cute again. During that time period, our style as a society was lacking and for me, it made fashion exciting again.”

Falkner had to study and practice the best methods for keeping the paint intact and often relied on a palette knife plus intuition for layering. Too much paint can cause cracking, which she learned the hard way. The trial-and-error approach allowed her breathing room to test out designs, color combinations, and splatters before publicly showcasing her new medium.

Falkner’s artistic ability has always been intuitive, and she describes her parents noticing her penchant as soon as she could hold a crayon. Although an artist throughout her younger years, she pursued interior design in college. This later prompted the creation of Durrett Designs, an umbrella business showcasing her art alongside interior design. As she grew as an artist, her calling to pursue art full time only increased. Seven years ago, with the encouragement of her husband, she took the leap.

“One of the biggest misconceptions when I say I’m an artist full time, people think it’s just about painting. But I’ve discovered the ebbs and flows that come along with doing what you love for a livelihood and figuring out that hard balance,” she says. “I was not one to show people my artwork and bring it up in conversation, that was something I did behind the scenes. Knowing that you don’t have that option to hide behind it makes you appreciate what you do even more.”

Falkner’s preferred medium and foundation of her business is acrylic on canvas, with lush, rich designs spanning from florals to cityscapes and travel.

“Experimentation is key for me,” she explains. “I’m wary of pigeonholing myself into one particular style; I believe creative freedom leads to the best ideas. The more I allow myself to explore different avenues, the more fluid and dynamic my artistic process becomes.”

She debuted the jean jackets on a whim, posting a few photos on Instagram of her and her best friend sporting them. Soon after, her direct messages were flooded. The unexpected surge in popularity prompted her to come up with a made-to-order business model consisting of four different jacket styles and six color combos.

“I’ve since expanded my repertoire to include blazers and bomber jackets. Every piece is meticulously hand-painted, ensuring no two are alike. They strike a balance between practicality and uniqueness, making them perfect for mixing and matching with everyday basics,” she says. “I strongly believe in embracing our originality and quirks. It’s like business in the front and party in the back! Each jacket embodies this ethos with its own distinct personality. They’ve become a symbol of creativity and individual expression.”

The jackets have also let Falkner explore the intersectionality of art and textiles, especially how this merger is an example of her evolution as an artist. What started as a way to add necessary zhuzh to doldrum outfits prompted her to push her limits as both a creative and a business owner. Falkner’s jackets became a sort of personal brand and walking billboard. Yet this also inspired her to reflect on her growth and what art truly meant to her.

“Art can permeate all aspects of life if you allow it to. It’s liberating to pursue various forms without feeling confined. Whether it’s fine art or wearable art, it’s important to follow what excites you,” she says. “What fascinates people is the evolution of the artist, how it evolves over time. My art before motherhood, in the thick of motherhood with no sleep, my art now, it all changes. For me, that included merging art with textiles. Each piece of art is a story fragmented in time.”

While acrylic on canvas still remains the bread and butter of Durrett Designs, Falkner is eager to explore other forms of wearable art and accepts custom commissions for her jean jackets. She’s most excited about her current plans to expand into the realm of home décor and textiles.

To view more of photographer and stylists Drewe & Kate’s work, go to dreweandkate.com

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