Notre Dame alum remarks on God, Country, Notre Dame, and Fashion
What she first thought was a scam email turned out to be the opportunity of a lifetime for Mary Grace Godfrey, Notre Dame alum and founding designer of the South Bend clothing company Anagrassia. The email from second lady Usha Vance’s assistant requested custom wool coats for the three Vance children to wear at the forthcoming Inauguration. Usha had been pleased with a previous purchase from Anagrassia’s Piccolas Collection and wanted to collaborate with Godfrey on creating special pieces for her children.
“Working with Usha and her team was a wonderful experience,” Godfrey told the Rover. Together, they worked to design garments that would be both aesthetic for the ceremonial occasion and practical in the cold January weather: “[The boys] wore navy double-breasted jackets with leather welt pockets, leather cuffs, and gold sailor buttons. Mira wore a burgundy double-breasted wool cape with a wide asymmetrical collar. All the pieces were lined with quilted wool batting and silk to provide extra warmth.”
Little details, like the collar and neckline of the boy’s jackets subtly nodding to Usha’s Indian heritage, were added to make the pieces personally meaningful.
One of the most special aspects of this project was that both the wool and wool batting came from American mills—something increasingly rare today. Godfrey indicated that this sourcing of American materials was so strong a priority, it influenced design choices: “Mira almost wore a pink wool cape, but we switched to burgundy-wine just before cutting. While pink would have been adorable, the pink wools I sourced weren’t from American sheep.” The burgundy decided upon was both locally sourced and a patriotic hue.
Godfrey said Usha’s trust and positive expectations put her at ease throughout the process: “Normally, I make mistakes, or run into challenges under such intense pressure. … But with Usha and her team, I felt none of that.” This trust allowed her to “cut and sew with confidence” just two weeks before the Inauguration. “Hillbilly Elegy captures Usha well,” Godfrey reflected, “She has a unique ability to bring out the best in people.”
Additionally, because Anagrassia’s portfolio lacked boys’ designs, making pieces for Ewan and Vivek was “an exciting opportunity to develop something new.” These designs will likely go into production next year.
Godfrey’s passion for tailoring began as a child: “I was always making and selling things at craft fairs, and my bedroom had a shelf filled with beads and craft supplies.” Her artistic pursuits took a hiatus during her undergraduate experience at Notre Dame where she studied economics, lived in Lewis Hall, and was a member of the swim team. However, in her last year, she purchased a sewing machine. “That’s when I realized this was what I truly wanted to do,” Godfrey remarked.
In 2013, her business took off with the “flower girl dress” —a combination of a leotard and a voluminous tulle skirt: “Before I created it, there was nothing like it on the market. I originally made them for my best friend’s wedding at the basilica on campus. When I posted photos from the event, they quickly went viral.” Since then, Godfrey has made thousands of these dresses and Anagrassia has grown into a flourishing business.
Though she has ventured into the New York fashion scene, Godfrey finds herself always returning to South Bend, where she feels a creative peace that allows her to focus: “I just can’t design and create in other places like I do here.” Notre Dame, likewise, remains a special place for her; she often walks to the Grotto from her studio.
Godfrey’s faith is a central motivator of her work: “For me, fashion without faith would feel empty and could easily become driven by vanity rather than a pursuit of beauty, dignity, and charity.” She added that St. Josemaría Escrivá’s teachings on sanctifying work in the modern world in particular often come to her mind during “difficult or repetitive tasks.”
Godfrey related a tradition from her Ukrainian heritage where women prayed as they sewed, believing that their prayers, woven into the stitches, would protect the wearer. “I’ve adopted this practice myself,” Godfrey said, “Especially for garments made for significant events and sacraments. As I worked on these pieces for the Vance family, I made a conscious effort to pray for them—not only because it’s my custom, but because I appreciate their service. These are difficult times to be serving our country, and I wanted to contribute in the way I know best.”
Godfrey is often motivated by the members of her family. “My 3-year-old daughter is always with me,” she said, “And if you visit my studio, you’re likely to meet other family members as well.” Godfrey’s grandmother, who supported her family by sewing after immigrating in 1950, particularly inspires her.
An emphasis on authentic beauty also inspires Godfrey’s work. “I’ve always admired the independence and creativity that come with knowing how to make clothing,” Godfrey said, “Even high-end designer garments today are often poorly made—using synthetic materials, sloppy construction, or immodest designs that don’t respect the wearer.”
She believes pursuing beauty in clothing—which she describes as “timeless, intentional, and of high-quality”—ultimately elevates us because in doing so, we naturally move away from mainstream consumerism and fleeting trends—both of which contribute to cultural and environmental decline.
Love is at the heart of Godfrey’s work—love for her family, her faith, her craft, and for those who benefit from it: “I started sewing for the people I love, and that will always be at the heart of what I do. I believe in my work, in the dignity of those who wear my designs, and in the value of passing these skills down to the next generation.”
One of Godfrey’s dreams is to create a studio where she can teach young girls sewing and design. She encourages everyone to learn this skill as it brings “both independence and deep personal fulfillment.”
For more information on her designs or classes visit Godfrey’s website.
Annaliese Anderson is a senior from northern Virginia studying Classical Civilization. She would love an Anagrassia jacket to complement her famous sun hat. Send her style recommendations (or fashion-fund donations) at aander33@nd.edu.
Photo Credit: Mary Grace Godfrey
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