In the world of fashion, where trends come and go, Annie McCurdy stands as a beacon of authenticity and sustainability. Born and bred in the Hudson Valley, Annie's journey from NFA to FIT graduate to sustainable fashion advocate is nothing short of special and a true testament to her individuality. In a candid chat at Downstate, a local coffee shop on Lander St., Annie shared her story, her vision, and her relentless pursuit of reviving fashion's soul in the heart of the Hudson Valley.
The Hudson Valley: An Epicenter of Creativity
When asked to define the essence of the Hudson Valley, Annie's eyes lit up with a sense of nostalgia. "I think of the Hudson River School painters and the scenes of lush vegetation they depicted, an idealization of the wild landscape soon to be shaped by industry" she quipped. For Annie, the Hudson Valley isn't just a location; it's a state of mind, a creative haven where the wild meets the artistic. She dismissed the notion that Westchester could ever encapsulate the true essence of the valley, drawing a territorial line from Ulster to Albany. She remembered distinctly getting into disagreements at FIT about the specifics. To her, Newburgh was the end of the line. A sentiment I can get behind.
FIT Days and Vicki Island Dreams
Annie's journey into fashion wasn't a conventional one. Being a Newburgh native, she attended NFA where she built her portfolio. From there she studied fashion design at FIT which took her to Milan, Italy where she fell in love with the vibe and culture. “The work life balance is just different,” she says, “there’s more of an emphasis on joy and an appreciation for life outside of work, and it’s mandatory to take a lengthy relaxed lunch break. No working like here in the states.”
After graduating from FIT, she didn't immediately dive headfirst into the industry. Instead, she danced on the outskirts, taking a road trip to California and Colorado and back again, exploring odd jobs and dabbling in various creative ventures in between. It wasn't until fate intervened in the form of a chance encounter with her brother's high school friend, Daniel Giordano, a local artist and also Newburgh native, that Annie found herself drawn back heavily into the world of fashion. Daniel's family history, rooted in Vicki Island's storied past, ignited a spark within Annie that would soon become a blazing fire of passion and purpose.
So tell me about Vicki Island.
“Well, that’s what we call it, “Vicki Island,” she said. Located on the corner of Liberty and Gidney, It’s the former home of Vicki Clothing Company, a coat manufacturing company started right in Newburgh in 1953. It was started by Daniel’s grandfather, a first generation immigrant to the states from Italy, and named after his Aunt Vicki, still a Newburgh resident. His connection with seamstresses in Italy made it a no brainer for him to start a clothing company. The coat manufacturing business flourished for decades, shipping out thousands of coats for major brand names and employing over 80 skilled workers.
But, in 1998, because of offshore competition, the coat biz was out, and they pivoted to making custom boat enclosures for a few years until the next market crash in 2008.
Fashion and Family
As Annie delved deeper into her family history, she spoke fondly about her relationship with her mother. “When I was growing up, she would take me to vintage shops, thrift stores, and The Manhattan Vintage Show in Chelsea. We used help each other pick out outfits.” She credits her mother with fostering her love for fashion. Her father on the other hand also has deep family entrepreneurial roots in Newburgh, running a company her grandfather founded, GTI Graphic Technology on Dupont Ave. She remembered back at FIT, GTI’s light systems would be in the photo lab.
A Sustainable Future: So Vicki and Beyond
In Annie's world, sustainability isn't just a buzzword; it's a way of life, proven by her commitment to using deadstock materials and other sustainable design methods. Through So Vicki, she's redefining the fashion landscape one deadstock garment at a time, proving that style and sustainability can coexist harmoniously. As she looks ahead to the future, Annie envisions a world where fashion's soul is revived, where creativity flourishes, and where the Hudson Valley serves as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come. Recently, she became the COO of Hudson Valley Sustainable Fashion Week, an organization that aims to mend the relationship between fashion and nature by showcasing local designers and inspiring conscious consumption.
Annie McCurdy's journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity, resilience, and authenticity that defines the Hudson Valley. As she continues to forge ahead on her quest, she reminds us all that true innovation begins with honoring the past, embracing the present, and daring to dream of a more sustainable future.
You can find Annie and what’s next for So Vicki at www.sovicki.fashion or following @sovicki.fashion
Be sure to check out artist Daniel Giordano at www.danielgiordano.xyz and on instagram @danieljgiordano
