PDF Print E-mail

Sarah Mortensen is the lead designer and owner of Sarah Mortensen Designs and Retro-E. Born on Bainbridge Island, Washington State USA. Sarah traveled extensively on her own through Europe before pursuing her degree in Fashion Design. Sarah received with honors her Fashion Design Degree from the Art Institute of Seattle in 1997, graduated with honors from Peninsula College’s entrepreneurial training program in 1999, and completed courses from the New York Fashion Institute in Draping Technique with emphasis on Bridal Couture in 2004.

In 2002 Sarah set up her studio in Nordland, WA. This is where Retro-E was born. The first space Sarah rented was small, unheated, had shiny pink walls, and doubled as a laundry room with a shower. Sarah loved the space and worked relentlessly to produce children’s clothing using vintage reclaimed fabrics under the line SALVAGED SEAMS.  In 2003 Sarah formed Retro Eclectro. The business grew at an exponential rate with many stores across America adding Retro-E to their shelves. In 2008, upon the resignation of Sarah's business partner, Sarah’s husband Dylan Wilkins took on the role of vice-president of Sarah Mortensen Designs. Sarah’s studio has moved to their home, along with the addition of professional silk-screening equipment. Now all areas of production are done in Sarah’s studio up to the point the aprons go out to the sewers for final assembly, but many are still completed in Sarah’s studio.

Under Sarah’s direction, Retro-E has continued to grow and bring you all the same wonderful products alongside exciting new designs while increasing product quality and eco-sustainability. In late 2008, the first flagship store for Sarah Mortensen Designs named QUE` SARAH BOUTIQUE opened it’s doors offering all your favorite Retro-E products alongside sarah’s exciting new line of women’s wear. Currently Sarah offers Retro-E as one of the lines presented by Sarah Mortensen Designs alongside her clothing line labeled “SMD GREEN”.  Through these labels we intend to offer timeless designs and incredible style for many years to come.