Prairie Underground was founded in Seattle in 2004 by designers Camilla Eckersley and Davora Lindner. This “Nomi” jacket is from their second collection in Fall of 2005. At the time, Eckersley was still sewing all the sales prototypes and sewed this garment. The design is detailed and complex so initially they had a challenge finding a local contractor who would sew them for production. The style is named after the New Wave musician Klaus Nomi because Eckersley and Lindner went to see a documentary together about his life. As Lindner explained, “the jacket references his blend of futuristic shapes and Victoriana that stand outside of time.” Both designers wore this protype on sales trips to LA that year, and later it was Eckersley’s personal garment for many years. Prairie Underground aims to incorporate sustainability and ethical business practices into all parts of its production process. The company works to sustain Seattle’s existing resources and strengthen its manufacturing, in an era after the local apparel industry suffered decades of decline. All pieces are made in Seattle, in small editions each season. The sewing contractors all live within 25 minutes of the city. Fabrics are dyed in a sustainable process and frequently made from organic fibers.