Charlotte Guice created an original skirt five years ago in her senior year of high school when she was preparing for her interview at the College of Design. Guice, now a senior in design, said she decided to make something to wear to her interview that would allow students to show school pride and still be stylish during games and tailgates. She embroidered her own version of Mr. Wuff’s head on the front of the skirt, along with the words ‘Wolf’ on the front and ‘Pack’ on the back. Five years later, she is now designing the skirt she wore to her interview for her own apparel label.
“When one of my brothers moved in his freshman year, I was sitting at his desk watching while he organized, and I picked up some colored pencils and started sketching. I sketched my own version of Mr. Wuff off of a sticker he had and he wound up keeping the sketch,” Guice said. “I thought it would be great to have ‘Wolf’ on the front and ‘Pack’ on the back, and then [I] decided to use the wolf head.”
High-wasted and of a classic design, Guice’s original skirt appeals to female fans of all ages. She said they are unique because they are based off of her personal style. Making the skirts, Guice said, is time intensive because they are hand-sewn from a pattern she designed. And because demand has increased for the skirts, she said she has started looking for mills to produce them because she can’t make enough on her own.
Claire Davis, a sophomore in fashion textile management, said she was impressed with the amount of dedication Guice puts into making the skirts.
“I’m sure it takes a lot of time and effort to make the skirts, especially for a full time student,” Davis said.
The best aspect of the skirts, according to Guice, is their versatility. They are nice enough to be worn to an event, and in cold weather, they look great paired with boots and tights.
Guice started selling the skirts after overwhelming compliments and inquiries when she wore her original. After getting into the University, she wore it to football games, tailgates and basketball games.
“A lot of people asked where I got my skirt, but I was hesitant to start selling them,” Guice said. “I’ve always wanted to have my own business and this one naturally developed.”
Guice said she wants to add other products to her line and offer other schools in the ACC and SEC collections. She plans on adding women’s scarves with the Mr. Wuff logo, men’s barbeque aprons that are stain resistant, a children’s line and a men’s line to her label. Guice said the process of adding other schools is slow due to the licensing process. The children’s line is likely to be her next endeavor.
Adrienne Johnston, a sophomore in art and design and textile technology, said Guice’s work is inspiring to design students.
“It’s motivating to see one of my peers be able to expand their design into a business, especially a design that has school spirit,” Johnston said.
