In 2015, Cincinnati-based artist and designer Shailah Maynard started an art experiment named Working Girls. But what began as an experiment soon evolved into a concept brand featuring tongue-in-cheek accessories and clothing items that are inspired by ’80s and ’90s music, film, and pop-culture. Socks, t-shirts, and a resin toilet seat with flowers are just some of the items you can find in Maynard’s online store.
“Working Girls isn’t just one type of craft or product. The brand as a whole is a concept,” she explained in an interview with the Urban Outfitters blog. “It started as an art experiment. I had an idea for a line of pool floats in the shape of body parts, and I had to make the idea come to life. Once I got going, I found I had to buy a ton of them to hit the minimums so I built the brand around it. In addition to the products we sell, I’ve made a number of site-specific installations locally, and overseas.”
Talking about her artistic background, Maynard added: “My history comes from the fashion industry, and over the past 13 years I’ve lived all over in New York City, Boston, and London. I moved back to my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio … and shortly there-after, Working Girls was born.”
“The things that inspire me have always remained the same, but my style has definitely evolved over the years,” she added. “I’ve done anything from printmaking to quilting to weaving… There will always be an undertone of satire, and female-forward thinking, because that is who I am. My focus now is mainly design and installation, but I love teaching myself new skills, so who knows what the next thing will be.”
Check out some of her tongue-in-cheek designs and follow her Instagram page for more.
