In 2009, Atlanta native and RISD graduate Anna McCraney won first place on a Bravo TV fashion series, then blazed her way through the NYC garment industry, teaching fashion design and operating a boutique on the Lower East Side. Five years after launching a consulting business for other aspiring makers, Blank Canvas Development, McCraney headed south for Savannah, coaxed by the SCAD hub’s close-knit community and “amazing well of talent.” Just recently, her brick-and-mortar storefront and studio debuted on Bull Street. There, she displays wares by herself and her clients—all of which are American made using ethical practices and largely sustainable materials. Below, she shares her vision with Luxe.
How do you help burgeoning makers bring their ideas to fruition? We guide our clients through everything from pricing and technical drawings to patternmaking, samples and finished products. We really refine the idea for production, facilitating the entire process.
What are some home goods your Savannah shoppers are loving? We carry dinnerware by Carmel Ceramica, Amsha baskets hand-woven in Rwanda and soft goods featuring my own designs: There’s one with grass and sky, a “melting flowers” print and another I was inspired to make after a trip to Morocco; it’s sort of Berber-esque.
You released a signature “Savannah toile” textile in 2021; what’s new for 2022? We’re adding new colors to the toile like green and red, and next up is a coastal Georgia vintage map print. Our patterns can be used for pretty much any soft goods—think slipcovers, duvet covers, pillows, napkins or place mats.
