SLUG Style: Brennah Strange

Brennah Strange is a local designer crafting stylish, functional pieces fit for a mountain biking excursion or a science fiction film set. Her recent collection, Intrepid, is inspired by the the potash evaporation pools found in southern Utah.

Every month, SLUG Style features a distinct member of the community and asks them why they do what they do. Exploring more than just clothing, SLUG Style is an attempt to feature the people who give Salt Lake City flavor through personality and panache.

What are your stylistic influences? This could be a band, decade, fictional character—anything.

I am inspired by my surroundings, specifically outdoor settings and the use of what I intend to make. I am inspired by the sports I do and how I feel in the clothes I wear to exercise. I am also inspired by the books I read. I read a lot of science fiction. I like to style my designs like it might be found in a science fiction novel.

Tell us about your designs that we’re featuring. 

My most recent collection, Intrepid, is inspired by the potash evaporation pools, potassium sulfate ponds in southern Utah. The pools have unique colors and change throughout the evaporation process. The pools are surrounded by red rocks and have cool lines and shapes that I used a lot in my latest collection. The collection is by far the most cohesive and inspired set of pieces I have ever made. The three pieces that are featured are from Intrepid.

Describe your approach to designing. What sort of things are you considering when making your pieces?

I usually start with seeing something that inspires me—other clothing, a color, a silhouette. Then, if I need to develop my thoughts more, I will print out inspiration photos and tack them up in my room. Then I start drawing. Sometimes, ideas come to me, and I can quickly develop them without needing to do these steps and I just go straight to drawing. I always make sure to consider the use of the garment. I push to make my pieces functional and stylish. For me that means making sure my bike kit has a chamois or all my raincoats are 100% waterproof. I also think that the sewing stage can sometimes be part of my design process. I like to make things not knowing what it may look like and develop it as I am sewing and see it come together.

What are your interests or hobbies? What is the hobby or interest that you have that no one would realize to ask you about?

I love to trail run, bike, ski, camp, read and make things! Basically anything having to do being outside, I’m down for. One thing I love that people may not know is I love to write letters! I have roughly six pen pals who I write with, and I really enjoy it. Most of my pen pals are friends who have moved or people I have moved away from. It’s my favorite way to stay in touch with them! I love sending and receiving stickers or drawings, too. Something about the casualness, having something handwritten, and a physical artifact to hold, I love.

Are you always “on” or would someone see you at the grocery store, for example, with less elements of your style?

I for sure am not always in my best fits! I rarely wear leggings or sweatpants but Patagonia baggies and a basic tank top are my go-to lazy outfit.

Why is functionality important to you in your wear?

I want the clothes that I make and wear to be able to do all the things I enjoy. I want them to be durable and functional. In the outdoor realm, you have to make your clothes to hold a certain standard to support the athlete. I really like sleek looks with no bulky pockets, so I am excited to explore sleek functionality a little more. 

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would those be? 

Adventurous, thoughtful and diligent.

How has your personal style evolved over time? How has it been influenced by your work? 

I think my personal style is actually pretty different from my design style. I like to wear a lot of earth tones with hints of ’60s and ’70s inspiration. I love big funky glasses, I have five pairs including a red and green pair. My personal and design styles are always developing, and I do like to experiment a lot with my personal style. I wear a lot of black while I purposefully choose to avoid black in most of my designs. A lot of my clothes I design could be worn as athleisure, and I commonly wear denim and cottons.

Read more SLUG Style features:
SLUG Style: Katie Child
SLUG Style: Kalei