Classical music is rooted in rich history, formality, and tradition – but does the musicians’ concert attire still have to be? Blackstrad founder and professional flutist Mercedes Smith thinks it is time for a change of pace in performance wardrobes. In episode 110, hear how she is designing new concert black attire that resonates with the individuality of modern musicians while keeping the harmony of a unified ensemble.
Mercedes Smith has served as the Principal Flutist of the Utah Symphony since 2012, having previously held the same position with the Houston Grand Opera and Houston Ballet Orchestras.
She has performed in Carnegie Hall, throughout Europe and Asia, and at renowned music festivals including the Grand Teton Music Festival, Tanglewood, Music Academy of the West, Verbier Festival Orchestra, and Marlboro.
Never one to idle, Mercedes turned the pandemic into an opportunity, obtaining a real estate license and earning an M.B.A. from the University of Utah. Her latest endeavor is the creation of Blackstrad, a line of concert attire designed for the modern musician. She resides in Salt Lake City with her husband and three very silly dogs.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- The role fashion plays in music performance
- The challenges musicians face in finding concert attire
- The gender inequality of concert dress codes (it’s not what you think)
- How Mercedes got started on her brand
- How to know when a design is done and get over perfectionism
- What surprised Mercedes by how difficult it was
- Why Mercedes wishes she had trusted her patternmaker more
- Why Mercedes doesn’t like the term “sustainability”
- The unique business model of Blackstrad
- Mercedes’ plans for Blackstrad and her own future
People and resources mentioned in this episode:
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