I first met Terri Musatti from Come To Mama when I was fifteen working at a boutique in Venice ca. I was an impressionable teenager who craved artistry and in Terri I saw how it could be achieved. Terri was an actress, young mother (first woman i met who chose natural child birth) and designer back when Venice was inhabited by the homeless, gangsters and few bohemian spirits. Terri introduced me to a European theater off main street where I suddenly was exposed to all the things I was searching for like German Expressionist plays. Terri has always been an artist in the sense of creating a romantic, beautiful environment in the midst of ordinary life. Her store in Silverlake Come To Mama was a fixture in vintage finds, and now she is continuing her amazing designs and work as a tye dye queen. By using vintage fabrics, and doing everything by hand, including the washing and drying of her material she truly is a local green mermaid! These photos below are of her new line and were taken by the talented Christina Belle.

1) How did you become such a magical tye dye artist? I was born a color whore. Growing up in Chicago in the 60’s & 70’s was a super psychedelic experience that still informs my color sense today. I’m Aquarius. I love the liquidy magic that is over dye. Its a flowing, mutable experience. That suits my sensibilities. I like the freedom & originality in creation & design that hand dying offers. The possibilities are endless.

4) What is a beauty item you swear by? Breath of God by Lush. It’s a fragrance.

5) What book is on your nightstand?

6) Do you ever worry vintage slips and pieces will disappear from the planet? No never. I always believe today’s designer is tomorrow’s vintage and that keeps expanding.

7) what advice do you have for new designers in LA? To be resourceful. To recycle if you can and use everything. Trust your gut and when in doubt be fierce.