WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?
My name is Diko Pekdemir- Lewis. I am a professional Fashion Designer born and raised in Germany. I moved from Germany to SC in July 2016. I launched my clothing label Anton & Maxine in 2014 in Germany and relaunched it in Okt 2016 in SC – Columbia. I have my studio / shop in Columbia SC at the Tapp’s Arts Center. Here I design and create daily new garments.

DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.
All process of making a garment happens in house. I start from an idea, make the pattern, cut the fabric, sew it together, all the way to the finished design.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I get inspired daily from art, media and my surroundings.

FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.
I speak fluent and dream in 3 languages.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.
The Riverwalk

WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?
I grew up with creative parents. My Dad is a Tailor and my Mom was a Singer. I was always amazed, that my Dad could make everything I showed him in a magazine or from my sketches and create something just for me….and one day I knew would love to do the same. Now create daily new pieces and make other people happy.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?
Never give up – for everything is a solution!