MONROE — Chicago native Deborah Ruschmeyer has spent more than 30 years in the fashion and textiles arts world. After obtaining her BFA in Fashion Design in 2001 from The International Academy of Design and Technology in Chicago, she spent several years as the head seamstress of a bridal boutique with views of Marshall Fields and Carson Prairie Scott in downtown Chicago. 

Looking to escape the hustle of city life, she opened her first brick and mortar in the Main Street Monroe district in 2017. 

“I settled in Monroe because of the charm of the square. It’s very inspiring. And as an artist that is something I need,” said Ruschmeyer. That inspiration took her back to city life. 

In January, after delays because of COVID-19, Ruschmeyer traveled to London, where she competed against designers from all over the world in the Fashion Open Category for Embroidery in 2022. The annual competition is organized by Hand & Lock, which identifies as “the world’s finest providers of hand embroidery since 1767.” 

She took first place, beating two designers from India on Jan. 19. The international panel of seven judges was comprised of educators, practitioners, and specialists. Ruschmeyer’s project, a bridal gown, was created using shopping bags, plastic bottles, silk scraps, and garment bags. 

First submitted in the fall while still in progress, as required, it advanced as one of six finalists. Other entries were from Argentina, the UK, and Sri Lanka. At the live prize-giving, the panel judged the completed embroideries. Judges had the opportunity to review supporting research materials to form a comprehensive understanding and speak with finalists to review techniques, influences, and gain an understanding of how artists arrived at their work. 

Factoring into her first-place win is Deborah’s mission is to inspire others with bespoke gowns. Her one-of-a-kind creations promote sustainability and combine classic tailoring with inventive textile design. 

“I looked to the waste that I have in my own studio and allowed my creativity to find a new purpose for it,” she said. “I believe that if we can begin to look at our problems differently, we can find new solutions that produce beautiful results. Mother Nature is constantly working to break down and purify what can be put to better use.” 

For the actual piece itself, other than machine sewing of garment sections, Ruschmeyer only used the hand techniques of spinning, lace weaving, hand stitching, and embroidery. She allowed the fabric to sit in the sun and enjoy some natural discoloration. She said it was surprising just how many ideas flowed one to the next.

“I would love to be able to provide a quote that really does justice to Deborah and her work of art, but I don’t think anything could do it justice,” said Main Street Monroe’s executive director Jordan Nordby, who has known Ruschmeyer since just before opening her store. “I will say how incredibly proud I am of Deborah and her representing Monroe and the United States and that she’s here. What she brings to Main Street is why I love this job and Monroe and why people do too. How beautiful is it that right here we have someone so incredibly talented competing and winning on the international stage?”

The winning creation will be exhibited in London Nov. 16-19 this year at the Bargehouse Coin Street Exhibition Center along with others from different categories. Cash prizes are awarded to further the designer’s work. Ruschmeyer hopes to return to London to attend the exhibit and collect the dress. If not, it will be mailed back to her. When it is, it will be displayed at her downtown Monroe studio.

The studio is located on the north side of the square at 1615 10th Street. The Artful Dressmaker will continue being active in the Main Street community, including participating in Main Street Monroe’s upcoming spring wine walk on Friday, April 28. Ruschmeyer also plans to continue having her downtown Monroe studio being bridal gown specific, but will be more retail focused moving forward. A variety of vintage dresses are for sale. Her current collection includes pieces spanning from the Victorian Era to modern day with some designer names mixed in like Oscar de la Renta. Local clients have trusted her knowledge to successfully redo sizing of dresses to make them as functional and fitting as the customer needs.