Leslie Odom Jr. | Family Issue 2019

WHILE THERE ARE SEVERAL
CHILDREN’S FASHION AND
MODELING PAGES ON SO-
CIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS,
THE “DADDY DRESSED ME
BY MG” PAGE HAS A TWIST.
The person responsible for designing and sewing the clothes
featured happens to be the little girl’s father. Michael Gardner
has cultivated and nourished his relationship with his daughter
in a rather unique way, using their love of fashion and sewing.
Michael’s intention to use his talents to lean into his daughter’s
interests has proven to be successful, subsequently evolving into
an amazing wardrobe for her, a website and blog for him, and an
unbreakable bond between the two of them. We had the opportunity
to interview Micahel to learn more about “Daddy Dressed
Me by MG.”
What was your first introduction to fashion?
I have always had an appreciation for fashion and the opportunity
we have to express ourselves through what we wear. Growing up,
I remember observing the women in my family dressing in various
styles, colors, prints, accessories and creative hairstyles and
that inspires me today.
How did sewing in particular turn into a way for you to
bond with your daughter?
One of my main goals as a father was to ensure my daughter loved
herself and felt confident in the way she looked and her abilities. I
was in search of a new way to utilize my creativity while learning
how to be a father, and sewing became the outlet I used to conquer
both goals. I began sewing clothing for Ava, and she would
model all the pieces. This experience has helped us be able to
communicate, encourage and support each other; we are both so
proud of what we can accomplish together.
What was the process you went through deciding to
start this business?
As I began to learn how to share, I would share what I created
on social media platforms. I was encouraged to start accepting
orders to make custom clothing and I opened an Etsy shop a few
years ago. After doing this, I realized I could not commit the time
to make that business a success, and I shifted my focus to solely
sewing for my daughter. I began to blog about it and created
my website. Currently, I only post to Instagram, and I plan to relaunch
our blog in the next few months.
How does your daughter play a role in your design process?
Ava is fully involved in shopping for fabrics, creating ideas, choosing
accessories and does a great job bringing the clothes to life
in photos. She is present throughout the entire process from me
“ONE OF MY MAIN
GOALS AS A FATHER
WAS TO ENSURE MY
DAUGHTER LOVED
HERSELF AND FELT
CONFIDENT IN THE
WAY SHE LOOKED
AND HER ABILITIES.”
cutting the fabric to putting the finishing touches on everything
I create. We sometimes disagree on the details; short or maxi
length, sleeves or no sleeves or what accessories look best, but
we come to a resolution, which is usually Ava getting her way. She
also gives her opinion on the locations to take her pictures. We
are a team and really enjoy collaborating with each other.
38 / THE THE QUINTESSENTIAL GENTLEMAN WWW.THEQGENTLEMAN.COM