© Jody Domingue

It started with a skirt back in college.  Houstina Summers was attending California State University, Northridge and majoring in Graphic Design with a minor in Music education, far from clothing design.  But after taking a sewing class, Summers made the skirt and fellow students were soon clamouring for one just like it. “I was known as ‘Campus Couture’,” says Summers.

Prompted by her best friend Lai Lai, Summers entered the University’s coveted 2004 Fashion Showcase featuring indie designers. “Here was my opportunity to prove myself to my fellow student body, friends and respected alum…  To this day, ‘First-Class’ Fashion Showcase is still the talk of the campus!”

Riding on the wave of success, Summers developed Cowgirl Heaven, a handmade line of clothing and accessories, more appropriately defined as ‘wearable art’. “Everything I create, even the people I meet, I believe comes from the heavens.  From the colors I use down to the thread I sew with,” says Summers about her inspiration.

Given her heavenly inspiration, it is no surprise that her favorite material is taffeta.  “I love, love, love taffeta.  I know, I’m a big 80’s baby,” remarks Summers, referring to the decade she was born in.

“I like the way it [taffeta] feels and looks.  It’s easy to contour to a women’s body and its stiffness is useful when I want to experiment”.  Indeed, her latest clothing line features cotton candy-esque fluffy taffeta peeking out from under sultry dresses.

After twelve years in fashion, Cowgirl Heaven fans remain loyal despite the recession. Summers has even worked with celebrities such as singer Destenee McKenzie, Mercedes Yvette Scelba-Shorte and Joslyn Pennywell from America’s Next Top Model, and Katrina Darrell from American Idol.

And what does the future hold for this rising star? Whether Summers chooses to evolve her current line or collaborate with an up-and-coming musician, prepare to be surprised. “I am constantly changing our flare to surprise my ‘fans’, so look out for my Fall/Winter 2009 collection!”

For more information, visit www.cowgirlheaven.etsy.com