Hello!
My name is Noni and I make cool shit for people to wear and use.
I am a proud Philadelphia native and the owner, designer, manufacturer, photographer, curator and everything else under the sun for EDEN2072.
A long time ago in the early 1970's, I learned to hand sew at the age of 5 and recieved my first sewing machine when I was 8. It was a pint-sized Singer with enough power to crank out a bunch of Noni originals for my Barbie dolls and myself. So began my dream of becoming a fashion designer.
During my Junior year in high school, I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity fell in love with building houses. I decided at that moment, I wanted to be a carpenter.
But the fashion designer still lived within me.
I went on to major in Building Construction Technology at Hampton University and spent the next 20+ years building homes during the day and creating original fashion designs in my spare time. Before I knew it, I had become a self-taught seamstress with a small following of local fashionistas.
I am well known as a tough, gritty city girl with a country girl's heart. You'll usually catch me running around town wearing a dress, my boots and a huge smile. I have an inner tree hugger hippie spirit that can hardly be contained. I love animals and I hug trees. Yes, I really do hug trees. I grow my own food and make my own laundry detergent, skincare and hair care products. I even build sustainable household items such as off-grid space heaters.
It was my tree hugger spirit that inspired me to turn my creative hobby into a business in 2006. The business would be centered around conserving natural resources, protecting local ecosystems, surviving global climate change and my newfound fascination with homesteading and prepping.
In 2012, I finally launched EDEN2072 as an outlet to publicly share and sell my work and also as a means to build stronger connections with other local creative artists, sustainable small businesses and environmental focus groups.
My design inspiration comes from my bohemian survivalist lifestyle, my love for city living and my personal quest to preserve the environment. Every EDEN2072 piece is designed and handmade by me in order to maintain creative authenticity of my work and because hey, I just freaking love what I do. As an avid thrifter and strong supporter of low-zero waste fashion, I specialize in reworking damaged garments, salvaged materials and recycled supplies into unique one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories, curtains, bedding and even upholstery.
Today, the magic of EDEN2072 still happens in my spare time, in my studio in Philly, amidst the sounds of deep house, afrobeats, jazz and old school hip hop with my mug of whiskey spiked peppermint tea nearby.
Please have fun browsing my work.
I hope you see something you like.
Fall in love with it.
Buy it.
And live happily ever after!
Peace and Love,
Noni
Oh by the way, check out some of my favorite affiliations and accomplishments over the years.
- Center for Emerging Visual and Creative Artists (member, 2009-present)
- Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (participating artist, 2009-2018)
- InLiquid's 10th Anniversary Benefit auction event (contributing artist, 2009). My handmade leather clutch sold for $100.00 which was donated to the organization's funds for art programs and artist services in Philadelphia.
- Philadelphia Fashion Week, Sustainable Designer Runway Showcase (participating designer, 2010)
- South Kensington Community Partners (SKCP)(charter member 2009-2013, Advisory Board 2011-2013)
- SKCP Neighborhood Cleaning/Vacant Lot Committee (committee chairperson 2009-2013)
- SKCP Greening Committee (2009-2013)
- SKCP Zoning Board (2009-2013)
EDEN2072 is a sustainable fashion and lifestyle brand that promotes environmental responsibility and awareness of global climate changes, conserving natural resources and preserving the planet. The component of every completed design is composed of at least 80% reused, salvaged and recycled materials. The use and function of each piece fosters a simplistic way of life, even down to the ease of laundering and care. EDEN2072 designs can easily fit into any survivalist’s lifestyle while keeping us stylish and fashionable.