Who we are: The Modiste
Hi! My name is Keri and I am the creator behind this fabulous brand!
The quick read is that I am a bubbly creative that is passionate about inclusivity in fashion which is why I started this business. I wanted a shopping space where folx felt size and gender affirmation in the pieces I offered.
Here is the long version. Starting as a wee tot, I was playing with my mom's fabrics and sewing machines. I learned so much from her and ended up making my first big project in middle school: a jester costume!
From there, it never stopped. We made clothes, accessories, and especially ren faire costumes! It wasn't a far throw for me to lean into the rennie life when it was presented to me.
I have always struggled with clothes, particularly fitting into the mainstream sizing and especially in costuming. I have curves, none of them are average, and I range from Large to 3XL depending on the brand. It is frustrating and not pleasant, which is why I tend to either make my own costumes or buy knowing I will be altering everything.
Two summers ago, I volunteered as a bartending wench for the Washington Ren Faire. I met many others who experienced the same size experiences no matter where they were on the range. I found it even worse for those not on the mainstream sizes as they rarely, if ever, found their sizes.
So, I worked on bodice patterns until I found one that I could expand to scale sizes that fit our whole team at that time (XXS-4XL).
In doing so, I found such joy in providing this opportunity for my new clients to get custom fitted bodices in stunning fabrics.
I then went further and made the bodices reversible so that each one purchased was really two! It made these a better investment. Lots of mockups, testing on all sizes and body types later, and the business was started: The Dark Modiste.
I love being able to work at my sewing table almost every day. I love designing new patterns and learning what is going to work best and fit with the brand. Mostly, I love seeing the joy on the face of someone who tries on a bodice and sees themselves in the mirror. That moment of gender affirmation. That moment of loving their body. That moment of joy. That is why I do this.
Who we are: The Assistant
Asha started volunteering in the spring of 2024, squeezing into my tiny studio apartment art space. While watching hours of Bridgerton, laugh-crying over seam ripping, and cutting endless layers of fabric, we started this business together.
Asha started her journey in the sewing world over 25 years ago. One of her mom's friends helped her create her first dress and she was hooked. Since she has sewn half her wardrobe filled with dresses, skirts, jackets, and more. Her knowledge has provided inspiration and guidance in the growth of the patterns, organization and overall improvement of the studio.
I can't thank her enough for the hours of labor and outpouring of love Asha has given to The Dark Modiste.
Who we are: The Seasonals
We have now opened seasonal positions for the booth! This is such a fun PAID experience and depending on the event, we offer similar perks to our volunteers.
If the event is multiple days and provides perks to the participants, seasonal employees receive all of those: badge entry, camping, parking, and any after party ($150-190 value).
Drinks, water and light snacks are provided during shifts.
Meet our 2025 seasonal employees:
Cassius D. (He/They)
”I'm a queer crafter and fiber arts nerd who loves to spend most of their time crocheting or playing D&D/LARPing. My interests are a bit all over the place; I love heavy metal music, regularly practice Brazilian Ju Jitsu, love costume/cosplay crafting (especially for the post-apocalyptic genre!), watching anime, and much more!”
Kianna (She/Her)
Kianna is an events specialist jack of all trades! She enjoys being everywhere all of the time and dressing full of whimsy at every given opportunity. Be sure to ask for a glitter blessing or sticker when you see her next!
Jasmine (She/Her)
Jasmine is a mom to two amazing teens, an artist, photographer, and lover of nature. She handcrafts gemstone jewelry and creates art with real insects, celebrating the beauty in both life and transformation. Inspired by the earth’s natural elements, her work blends organic textures, light, and energy—inviting others to find magic and meaning in the natural world.
Who we are: The Volunteers
As the business is still small and building, we have opened opportunities for volunteers to help at events in the booth! This is such a fun experience for everyone and no one leaves empty handed. Depending on the event, we offer quite a few perks to our incredible volunteers.
Every event worked, a volunteer will receive a bodice or belt from the collection ($95-160 value).
If the event is multiple days and provides perks to the participants, volunteers receive all of those: badge entry, camping, parking, and any after party ($150-190 value).
Snacks, drinks and water provided during shifts. We ensure dietary restrictions are met and offer a cooler of non-alcoholic drinks, plenty of water to stay hydrated, and so many snacks!
Our volunteers work hard, but also have so much fun at every event! We are offering incredible experiences for our customers and each person who sizes, laces, and cheers them on are contributing to that in a massive way!
If you are interested in volunteering for future events, keep an eye on our social media or discord channel!
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!