I found Grace Duncan on Instagram (@shopfleur.la) and knew I had to share her work with everyone I knew. She hand paints designs on denim jackets — many of them with Louisiana-themes, and they are AMAZING. So today, I’m asking her ALL about her work and how we can get our hands on a custom-painted denim jacket this fall.
Meet Grace! She’s a fashion merchandising student at LSU and the owner and designer behind FLEUR!
Tell us how you got started.
I started painting denim jackets two years ago as a sophomore in college. I came up with the idea when I was outfit planning for Mardi Gras weekend in New Orleans. I wanted something that was unique, fun, and really embodied the spirit of New Orleans during Mardi Gras. I actually didn’t decide to start selling my work until a year later when I painted my first custom Mardi Gras jackets for a pop-up shop at Swoon in New Orleans!
You’re still a full-time student at LSU. How have you worked to get the word out about your business?
Getting the word out there has definitely been one of the biggest challenges. When I first made my Instagram page, @shopfleur.la, the majority of my followers were friends, sorority sisters, and family. Pairing up with boutiques to sell my work through their store helped me gain a lot of exposure! I also have an awesome customer base that recommends me to their friends and family, so a lot of my new orders come from referrals as well.
How does the process work? How do you bring someone’s vision to life?
One of my favorite parts about this business is that every jacket and customer is different. Some people come to me with their design already planned out, down to the last detail, while others only know that they want a painted denim jacket. I take the word “custom” very seriously, I want the final product to be everything you imagined and more! If you have a vision in your head, I will follow your lead; and if you aren’t sure exactly what you are wanting, I will personally work with you until we have designed your dream jacket!
I have all of my customers provide their own denim. This gives you complete control over size, color, style, etc. You bring the jacket, and I take care of the rest.
What have been your favorite designs so far?
My most popular design is hands down the butterflies. Not only are they currently on trend, but they are a fun way to bring some color into your closet. My personal favorite has to be the St. Louis Cathedral (below) that I painted on the back of a jacket a month or so ago. I love it because it’s completely different from all of my other pieces and because it is such an integral part of New Orleans culture.
How can we get our hands on one?!
I accept most of my orders via Instagram direct messages on my page @shopfleur.la. For those who don’t have Instagram I also have an email, shopfleur.la@gmail.com, that I check daily. In the past I have worked with a few boutiques to do a pop-up shop for different occasions! If you are interested in seeing some of my work in person, stay tuned-in to my Instagram and Facebook to see when my next pop-up will be!
Do you paint on other clothing? What are our options?
I’ve just started experimenting with other accessories/clothing items and I’m super excited about it! If denim jackets aren’t your style, there are plenty of other options! For example, I’m dying to do a pair of jeans since fall is right around the corner. I can also paint on canvas sneakers, denim cutoffs, and baseball hats. Purses are an item that I would love to work with as well, but I’m still searching for a paint that will adhere well to leather and faux-leather material.
What other types of art do you create?
When I first created my Instagram, I was posting canvases. Ever since the painted jackets have really taken off, I haven’t had as much time to paint traditional artwork unless it is a commissioned piece. For those who are interested, I would be more than happy to paint original artwork for your home or office. (Is it just me or would a painted pillow look super cool!?) In the past I have also painted sorority canvases and party cups for friends or big/little week.
What’s in the future for Fleur?
As a fashion merchandising major, my life goal and biggest dream is to open up my own boutique in South Louisiana. This online business is hopefully the first step in the right direction towards a career that I love and will support me throughout my life. I have had only the best of experiences in my journey with Fleur so far, and can’t wait to see what else is in store further down the line!
If you could design a jacket for anyone who would it be?
I would choose Ellen Degeneres. Not only is she a native of New Orleans, but she is a source of joy and laughter for millions around the world. Her fun-loving personality and dedication to spending every second of her life meaningfully makes her someone that I would love to paint a jacket for!
As Grace says in her Instagram bio, life is short, buy the jacket! Go follow her at @shopfleur.la