handmade feature and giveaway | greta pollman

July 7, 2010 separator etsy


The Greta behind Greta Pollman is a real visionary, something expressed in every piece that makes it from sketchbook to hanger. Her fine arts background, including a concentration in sculpture, have really shaped her clothing line, and I think the artsy influence comes across perfectly in the clean, modern lines of “Verb,” Greta’s newest collection. The soft neutrals and strong darks blend seamlessly because of Greta’s signature monochromatic palette and eye for design. Read on for details for details on how this amazing lady moved from sculpture to fashion, and find out how to win one of four Greta Pollman pieces!

Q. What’s the story behind Greta Pollman?

A. I don’t remember ever asking myself if I wanted to be a doctor, a lawyer, or anything like that. I’ve always considered myself to be an artist, taking interest in art and architecture from a young age, learning to appreciate shape, structure, color and silhouette. I went on to study graphic design and sculpture but ended up in the fashion industry and have been happy ever since. Having worked for six years with almost everything from knitwear to swim wear, I started my own label about a year ago, longing for the freedom to experiment and innovate, for the freedom to express my feelings and desires through fashion.

Cotton Blend Racer Back Micro Wet Off White Tank

Q. What is your biggest muse?
A. Fascinated by natural visual effects like shadows, reflections, sunsets, water drops and the way these things can radically change what we’re looking at, I find inspiration in anything and everything. But if I had to put my finger on it, I’d say Roberto Capucci.

Q. Your latest line, “Verb,” focuses more on function than a certain theme, but what would you say is the underlining motif of the line, if you had to pick something? Did you look at it upon completion and noticed some common thread you hadn’t set out to create initially?
A. With “Verb,” I tried to make a very fluid collection, in the sense that each piece should mix easily with any other piece. The fabrics complement each other in forming monochromatic patterns and structures, the result being what I hope to be a very wearable and flexible set of clothing. I think flexibility is what best describes my collection.

Q. If you could have designed the wardrobe for any movie, which would it have been?
A. None – it would have been a series, Twin Peaks.

Drop Waist Micro Wet Gloss Grey Dress

Q. As a successful entrepreneur, what advice can you give aspiring businesswomen on Etsy or otherwise?
A. Striving for perfection always worked out for me. It’s not easy, but do try to explore every angle before you make a cut or a sketch. Always shoot for the best you can think of, and work to make it happen. If you do make a mistake, be prepared to throw everything out and start from scratch. That way when you finish, you can always look back and know you’ve done your best. Personally, I think that Etsy is just as much about contact as it is about product. It gives you the kind of interaction with your customer that only your private studio could in the ‘real’ world. No other online sales platform I’ve seen comes close to that, so do your best to use it. Be present and there, and the rewards will come sooner than you think.

Q. Since you design your own clothing line, you must have really discriminating taste. Who is your favorite clothing designer on Etsy, besides yourself, of course?
A. Etsy is such a great venue for creativity, I find myself wandering about for hours whenever I get the time. There are untold numbers of great designers and crafters onboard, it’s simply impossible to discover them all. With apologies to the ones I haven’t discovered yet, here are my favorites in clothing and accessories: Artlab, Lizarietz, Isobelandcleo, UrbanRevisions, Poaplum, Lamixx, Mydearthing, Blackmarketbaby, Garbagedress, stephanieteague

Black Stretch Velvet mini Dress with Leather Panels throughout

Q. Finish my sentences:
A. Art … is a playground, were nothing is forbidden.
When he sneezes … I take out the umbrella
If I couldn’t … look at it poudly I wouln’t look at all.
Why not … start again?
Blush Cotton Cowl Neck Short Sleeve Top



Q. You have a background in sculpture. How has that shaped (pardon the pun) your approach to fashion?

A. Sculpture is an art that requires a certain discipline of thought and movement, it requires study and planning, it’s an endeavour where mistakes are costly and almost impossible to fix. I love the adventure of building layers and patterns on the human body to form almost a living sculpture while also maintaining and encouraging the freedom of movement we all crave. Having said that, deep down, I’m hoping that every girl or woman who buys my clothes will notice and appreciate the attention and planning that went into making them.

A little more Greta…

_____________________________________

The Giveaway

Essential Jewel Neck Cotton Long Sleeved Thong Bodysuit

Four (yes – 4, cuatro, IV) aspiring fashionistas will each win a great piece from Greta Pollman! If you don’t own anything by an indie designer, here’s your chance to start your collection, though I guarantee it won’t end with this one piece… Two winners will receive an Essential Jewel Neck Cotton Long Sleeved Bodysuit in Pink Champagne (size 0-2 for height 4’11”-5’3″). Another lucky lady will get a light cream pair of Stretch Cotton Blend Biker Detailed Leggings (size 4-6 for height 5’3″-5’6″). Finally, the very generous Ms. Greta is giving one of you a pair of Stretch Denim White Biker Detailed Pants (size 10 for height 5’3″-5’6″). This is a $145 value from one of the coolest up and coming designers on the web! This giveaway will end at midnight on Sunday, July 18 and is open to everyone.

  • To enter visit Greta Pollman, and select a favorite item. Why do you love it? Also tell me which item (of the giveaway items above) you’d like if you win. This step is mandatory, and please make sure to leave your e-mail address in your first comment.
Additional entries (Leave one comment for each entry.):

  • Finish my sentence: If I couldn’t …
  • Become a follower of Shrimp Salad Circus (the blog) using one of the blog subscribe options on the middle sidebar or at the top right under the search bar.
This is up to three entries per person. Feel free to help me spread the word by Tweeting, blogging, Facebooking or grabbing my button for your blog’s sidebar!

157 comments

  1. I love the VNeck Cotton Blend Pleated Dress, it gives off such a relaxed vibe but the pleating makes it so unique.

    I’d love to win the Stretch Cotton Blend Biker Detailed leggings!
    [email protected]

  2. My favorite item is Off White Silk Blended Extreme Padded Pencil Dress because it’s cool for summer parties

    I would like to win a bodysuit

    hindandhare [at] hotmail [dot] fr

  3. My favorite item is Off White Silk Blended Extreme Padded Pencil Dress because it’s cool for summer parties

    I would like to win a bodysuit

    hindandhare [at] hotmail [dot] fr

  4. I like the Black Stretch Velvet mini Dress with Leather Panels throughout and I’d like to win the leggings.

    annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

  5. If I couldn’t, I’d work till I could. And if I still couldn’t, then I’d move onto something else. Realist > idealist in this regard.

  6. I love the olive cotton blend and draping velvet contrast full sleeved dress (wow that’s a mouthful!). This dress is a beautiful marriage of what has been accepted in the fashion world for many decades and the contemporary designs that are now beginning to emerge from indie designers. I love the color and the slimming fit, and the fabric looks so deliciously comfortable!!!

    If I was to win (hopefully!) I would love to have the Essential Jewel Neck Cotton Long Sleeved Bodysuit :].

  7. My favorite item is the Essential Jewel Neck Cotton Long Sleeved Bodysuit in Pink Champagne because I love the color and it would go with a lot of things I already have.
    I would like to win the bodysuit.
    [email protected]

  8. I love the Anthracite Cotton Blend Stretch Pleated mini Dress .. its so unique and grunge! But id love to win the Stretch Cotton Blend Biker Detailed Leggings

    contact email: tsgiveaways(at)hotmail.com

  9. I love the Anthracite Cotton Blend Stretch Pleated mini dress beacause it’s not flashy yet unique in it’s style. And I would like to win the Detailed Leggings!

    sturberry @ gmail.com

  10. If I couldn’t get want I want today, then I’ll try again the next day until I succeed!

    emiliana.sison AT gmail.com

  11. The Dark Grey Pleated Cotton Blend Pencil Dress is my favorite at her shop because it is a trandy fashion must have for a great evening look!

    I’d love to win the Stretch Cotton Blend Biker Detailed Leggings

    emiliana.sison AT gmail.com

  12. I love the Anthracite Cotton Blend Stretch Pleated mini Dress. I love the pleats and the fit. I’d love to win the Stretch Cotton Blend Biker Detailed Leggings, but I think a size 4-6 would be too big for me so I’d choose the body suit.

    [email protected]

  13. I love the V-neck Cotton Blend Pleated Dress!

    If I win, I would love the leggings- thanks!

    butterflyrouge(at)yahoo(dot)com

  14. If I couldn’t … I would try again and again.

    And I forgot to mention – I would like to win an Essential Jewel Neck Cotton Long Sleeved Bodysuit in Pink Champagne.

    queen-of-pain(AT)yandex(DOT)com

  15. I visited her etsy and fell in love with the V-Neck Cotton Blend Pleated Dress. Why? I love dresses and it’s just an understated piece that could be used year round. I love that!

    I would love to win the Stretch Denim White Biker Detailed Pants !
    kkondek at gmail.com

  16. I love the Blush Cotton Blend and Velvet contrast Drapping Dress! so pretty
    karitsaj at gmail dot com

  17. i love the detail of Anthracite Cotton Blend Stretch Pleated mini Dress
    and i’d like to win the Stretch Denim White Biker Detailed Pants
    black11angel at yahoo dot com

  18. If I couldn’t…take pictures I’d feel like I’m missing out of those special little moments in life!
    brooke{dot}foster12{at}gmail{dot}com

  19. I love the V-Neck Cotton Blend Pleated Dress! I love how flowy it is and that you can layer a long sleeve under it for the fall/winter! It’s so versatile!
    I would love to win the light cream pair of Stretch Cotton Blend Biker Detailed Leggings! They look wonderful!
    brooke{dot}foster12{at}gmail{dot}com

  20. fave: Blush Cotton Blend and Velvet contrast Drapping Dress
    I love the draping layers
    want to win: biker stretch pants
    deannalw47 @ hotmail.com
    xoxoxo

  21. I think the V-Neck Cotton Blend Pleated Dress would be so great to have. It looks like it would look great on everyone. ambrerose(!at)aol.com

  22. I like the Olive Cotton Blend and Draping Velvet contrast Full Sleeved Dress because it is very unique, modest and could be worn in the winter without having to add a jacket or sweater.

    I would love to win the Essential Jewel Neck Cotton Long Sleeved Bodysuit.

    ajmizen(at)hotmail(dot)com

  23. Enter me please! MY favorite item is V-Neck Cotton Blend Pleated Dress. I like because it’s very preppy. If I win, I’d choose an Essential Jewel Neck Cotton Long Sleeved Bodysuit in Pink Champagne

    Ana Belén R.M
    fisiwoman(at)hotmail(dot)com
    Spain

  24. i love the cotton blend drop crotch jumpsuit because it looks so URBAN! 😀

    I would like to have the Stretch Cotton Blend Biker Detailed Leggings (size 4-6 for height 5’3″-5’6″)!!!

    fingers crossed!!

  25. I love the Anthracite Cotton Blend Stretch Pleated mini Dress, sleek design yet it looks comfortable too. Any of the items would be fine with me, but the one I would most like to win would be the stretch denim pants.

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

  26. If I couldn’t make a difference doing what I’m doing, I’d find another way.

    sallybway at suddenlink dot net

  27. If I couldn`t…well, that`s crazy, I`ll try again. There`s no such a word “couldn`t” in my dictionary!

    ladyvogue_cannaria(at)yahoo.com

  28. My favorite is the Drop Waist Micro Wet Gloss Grey Dress! Actually I love them all. I think I`d choose the Stretch Cotton Blend Biker Detailed Leggings…

    ladyvogue_cannaria(at)yahoo.com

  29. If I couldn’t make today the best day of my life so far, I’d have to try again tomorrow. c:

    vesipisaroita [at] gmail [dot] com

  30. My favorite item from the shop is the ‘Strech Cotton Blend White Pencil Dress’. ^^ I love the neckline and the detailing on the front. The fit is amazing as well! c: From the giveaway items, I would love to win the ‘Stretch Denim White Biker Detailed Pants’.

    Thanks! c:

    vesipisaroita [at] gmail [dot] com

  31. If I couldn’t…look in a mirror ever again, I think life would be much less complicated.
    panicxduh[at]yahoo[dot]com

  32. The Cotton Blend Off White Pleated Pants caught my eye! So clean chic for work or a day spent in the city.
    panicxduh[at]yahoo[dot]com

  33. I love the Anthracite Cotton Blend Stretch Pleated mini Dress in grey, because it’s simply elegant, the curves of the cutting lines and material of the dress exactly fits the body so the shape of hips are shown as elegant but sexy 🙂

    from the listed above, I like
    Essential Cowl Neck Cotton Long Sleeved Thong Bodysuit

    judith

    [email protected]

  34. My fave would be the Drop Waist Racer Back Off White Cotton Blend Dress as it’s simple with artistic flair!
    I would like to win Stretch Cotton Blend Biker Detailed leggings!

    [email protected]

  35. I love the Blush Cotton Blend and Velvet contrast Drapping Dress! It would be a beautiful dress to wear to an upcoming wedding I am going to!

  36. If I couldn’t smell that first pot of coffee brewing in the morning, I’d have to find another reason to smile.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

  37. I love the off white extreme padded pencil dress because it’s adorable and so versatile. You can dress it up or down.

    If I won, I’d like the Stretch Denim White Biker Pants.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

  38. I love the Drop Waist Micro Wet Gloss Grey Dress, it’s very bold and so my style. The Stretch Cotton Blend Biker Detailed Leggings would be my pick. I only have a pair of black leggings as of now and 6 is my pant size!

    [email protected]

  39. My favourite is V-Neck Cotton Blend Pleated Dress, because it’s just gorgeous. I’d like to win the Stretch Cotton Blend Biker Detailed Leggings.

    tupzunaator(at)gmail.com

  40. I follow your blog with google friend connect!
    Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

  41. If I couldn’t play piano I’d be really sad
    Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

  42. I love the Anthracite Cotton Blend Stretch Pleated mini Dress
    Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

  43. i adore the Micro Wet Cotton Blend Gloss Grey T Shirt…the fabric is super unique with that shiny finish! and the color is really cool/edgy too!

    i’d love to win the Stretch Denim White Biker Detailed Pants…they’re my size and on her etsy shop they look so gorgeous on the model!

    thanks!

    [email protected]

  44. I love Anthracite Cotton Blend Stretch Pleated Mini Dress.

    If I win I would like Stretch Cotton Blend Biker Detailed Leggings.

    carethediva[at]hotmail[dot]com

  45. V-Neck Cotton Blend Pleated Dress is so cute, sexy and looks oh so comfortable.

    If I win I would like Essential Jewel Neck Cotton Long Sleeved Bodysuit in Pink Champagne. That looks really nice.

    gingerpye at gmail dot com

  46. I love the Anthracite Cotton Blend Stretch Pleated mini Dress from her shop. I’d love to win the Stretch Cotton Blend Biker Detailed Leggings.

    aikychien at yahoo dot com

  47. My favorite is the Cotton Blend Racer Back Micro Wet Off-White Tank. The style is simple and carefree, looks very comfortable and very practical for daily use. You can never go wrong with white, goes extremely well with anything.

    I’d like to win the Stretch Cotton Blend Biker Detailed Leggings, another comfy and lovely addition to the Summer Wardrobe.

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    [email protected]

  48. I really like the Cotton Blend Off White Pleated Jumpsuit. It’s such a great canvas to accessorize, isn’t it? It seems very versatile for running errands or dress it up for a fun day out shopping.

    If I won, I don’t know what I would pick! Probably the body suit, or the leggings. (:

    Thanks! annaojordonez[at]gmail(dot)com

  49. I love the V-Neck Cotton Blend Pleated Dress because the shape and style is cute and unique! Love the sleeves too! Definitely a one of a kind dress 🙂

    I would love to win the Essential Jewel Neck Cotton Long Sleeved Bodysuit in Pink Champagne (size 0-2 for height 4’11”-5’3″). Thanks!

    bunnybx at gmail . com

  50. My fav item on her shop is the Blush Cotton Blend and Velvet contrast Dress
    If I win I would like to receive the
    Essential Jewel Neck Cotton Long Sleeved Thong Bodysuit

    my email is erica(dot)terranova(at)gmail(dot)com

  51. My favorite:Dark Grey Pleated Cotton Blend Pencil Dress

    What I wanna win: leggings

    A_C_E_ at hotmail dot com

  52. if i couldn’t, i’ll try again and again and again.. until i could!

    libys11(at)yahoo(dot)com

  53. omg!!!! thanks for introducing me to the site.. their items are so dreamy!!! i completely adore the High Shouldered Dark Grey Layered Stretch Denim Jacket!! I mean, that piece is just pure contemporary lusciousness!

    if i win (even though i’d want to get one of their bodysuits), my size limits me to getting the Stretch Denim White Biker Detailed Pants, which is equally stunning! 😀

    email: libys11(at)yahoo(dot)com

  54. I like Black Stretch Velvet mini Dress with Leather Panels throughout., because this is pretty leather dress. 😀

    sherrygo at hotmail dot com

  55. I would love the leggings. I feel I could incorporate the leggings into my current wardrobe more than the other two pieces, although all are equally cute. Leggings can easily be dressed up or down, whether one wants to be dressy or casual. That’s perfect for me because I am very indecisive!

  56. I love the VNeck Cotton Blend Pleated Dress and it would look gorgeous in the Slate Grey. Of the prizes, I would love the Biker Leggings.

    theresas.treasures (at) yahoo.com

  57. If I couldn’t …live my life…..I would just explode.

    charisscharity at yahoo dot com

  58. I like the Nude Cotton Blend Body-con Pleated mini Dress. It would look great on my small frame, and not many dresses do.

    Also, I like the Stretch Cotton Blend Biker Detailed Leggings giveaway item.

    charisscharity at yahoo dot com

  59. such an exciting giveaway.
    Blush Cotton Cowl Neck Short Sleeve Top is definitely a fave. if i win, i’d choose the long sleeved bodysuit in champaigne.

    thanks! writetoroa (@) gmail (.) com

  60. If I couldn’t… enter fun contests like this, checking my email every day wouldn’t be nearly as exciting.

  61. My favorite item is the Strech Cotton Blend White Pencil Dress – so pretty! And if I won, I’d choose the Stretch Denim White Biker Detailed Pants! Thanks for doing this giveaway!

  62. I love the V-Neck Cotton Blend Pleated Dress, and I’d love to win the pants!

    kristenlaudick at yahoo dot com

  63. omg these clothes are soooo CUTE!

    If I couldn’t speak, I would express my self through interpretive dance!

  64. VIsited the site. My fave is the Anthracite Cotton Blend Stretch Pleated mini Dress. The color and shape are fabulous.

    If I win, I’d prefer the white stretch denim pants, please!

    [email protected]

  65. If I couldn’t drink tea , then I would be very sad .

    tumblemumbo at gmail dot com

    i choose the bodysuit .

  66. Wow!! I would love to own the Dark Grey Pleated Cotton Blend Pencil Dress! I think it is amazing and i just love the colour of it! Grey is one of my favourite colours riht now. And i could see myself wearing this all the time; cocktails, parties, weddings, dates, shopping….

    And If i were to win i would love to have that long sleeved bodysuite! Finally something for us petite girls haha

    [email protected]

  67. My favorite is the Cotton blend pleated v-neck dress. I love the soft color it comes in and it just looks so comfortable. I want effortless dressing and cool resort wear that you can dress up or down and this fits the bill prfectly. My email is [email protected] and I’d love to win one of the body suits.

  68. I LOVE the dark grey pleated cotton pencil dress. If I won, I would choose the “Stretch Cotton Blend Biker Detailed Leggings.”

    thriftypoetATgmailDOTcom

  69. My fav is Dark Grey Pleated Cotton Blend Pencil Dress, great for fall season, in combination with leggins, nicely shaped figure.
    I would like to win the essential jewel neck bodysuit. thanks
    lubaska dot k at gmail dot com

  70. I would love to be the owner of the “Drop Waist Racer Back Off White Cotton Blend Dress” because it somehow reminds me of a ballerina…it also looks light and airy…perfect for the hot summer days!

    If I won, I would choose the “Stretch Cotton Blend Biker Detailed Leggings.”

    shimmering_stardust22ATyahooDOTcom

    <33 Rena

  71. The stretch denim pants are my favorite AND the ones I’d love to win! The detailing is really cool and unique. I also feel like my booty might look amazing in those. 🙂

    [email protected]

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