Prairie Underground was founded in Seattle in 2004 by designers Camilla Eckersley and Davora Lindner. This “Hard Times Dress” from 2006 represents a bolder and more confident design direction for the young company. The dress was the first to garner media attention after two Nylon magazine editors became fans of the dress and decided to feature Eckersley and Lindner as emerging designers. Lindner described this dress as embracing an “ugly aesthetic” and was inspired by utilitarian clothing worn during the Great Depression. 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.