On March 28, 2013, Chelsea Stumo, an ISU apparel, merchandising and design alumna, will host a trunk show with Portobello Road Boutique. The trunk show will feature designs from her spring and summer 2013 line.  

Stumo describes her RubyBritt line as one that caters to the contemporary woman with a fast-paced lifestyle. Her line offers a transitional style in which pieces can be worn going from one event any given day to the next.

“My pieces are something that a woman can carry in her wardrobe for a long time,” Stumo said, “and also wear a number of ways.”

Stumo takes classic designs and brings them to the modern day to make her customer look put-together and up with the trends.

In the spring line in particular, Stumo said she focused on contrasting bright tones with something dark.

Stumo expressed that she is excited to partner together with fellow alumna Talia Jensen. The two apparel majors graduated from Iowa State in 2009, and Jensen is now the owner of Portobello Road Boutique.

“The possibility of having my line carried in the local boutique in Ames is exciting,” Stumo said, “instead of my usual boutique in a big city.”

It did not take Stumo long to establish her own line after graduating from Iowa State. “I knew I wanted to have my own clothing line one day,” Stumo said. “And once I graduated, it kind of just seemed like the right timing to venture out into my own business.”

Stumo was recently declared a top 10 finalist for Texas’ Next Top Designer. Along with this accomplishment, three RubyBritt designs were used in a feature film to be released this year, “Rumors of Wars.”

She had never thought of working in film until a Hollywood costumer/stylist expressed interest in her line. “He understood my brand concept.” Stumo said. “My whole goal is to produce great garments to make women feel like a million dollars.”

Stumo was pleased to announce that the costumer wants to continue working with her. She also said following the shoot, the main actress in the film bought every dress she had worn.

She is excited to see how her pieces will look on the big screen.

“Having stuff like this happen organically is really cool; you just don’t know what to expect,” Stumo said.

The pieces chosen for the film were selected from Stumo’s spring and summer 2013 line, which will be the same line featured at the Portobello Road Boutique trunk show.