Based in her studio in Staunton, Virginia, wearables artist Machteld Schrameyer creates one-of-a-kind wearable art, guided by a lifelong passion for fashion and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. “From early childhood on I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer,” she says. Since launching her label, IOTA, in 1980, she has continually reinvented her practice while remaining dedicated to craftsmanship and individuality.
Originally trained in French couture at the École de Couture de Charles Montaigne in Amsterdam, Schrameyer began her career in New York’s garment district, wholesaling collections to stores across the country. Over time, her work evolved through a series of materials and techniques, from hemp and merino wool to luxurious shearling outerwear.
In recent years, however, sustainability has become her central focus. Today, Schrameyer transforms vintage leather jackets into entirely new garments, carefully deconstructing, reimagining, and reconstructing each piece by hand. “My challenge is to make the smallest change with the biggest impact,” she explains. By preserving elements of a garment’s original character while introducing unexpected details (like a playful ruffle on a tough motorcycle jacket) she creates garments that are elegant and deeply individual without ever becoming a joke.
Nothing is planned in advance. Instead, each piece develops organically through direct engagement with the material. “Everything has to be decided on the spot while trying it out,” she says. Labor-intensive and technically demanding, the process reflects her belief that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible, honoring the history already embedded in every garment.
Collect Machteld’s work at our Northampton Fall Festival 2026, Booth 124.
