IU Theatre and Drama alumna launches 'sweet' lingerie line
To some, revenge is a dish best served cold.
Indiana Univeristy alumna Catherine Fritsch prefers it sheer, lacy and adorned with polka dots.
Photo by Polina Osherov
Flirtini cotton print camisole and capri pajama pants by Catherine Fritsch for Sweet Revenge.
After 12 years working in theater, the Ohio native traded stage lights for a sewing machine in January when she launched Sweet Revenge, a custom line of lingerie.
The undergarments range from '20s-style two-pieces to soft camisoles sporting her "obliterated heart" logo. Sweet Revenge hit the shelves of Indianapolis-area stores after Fritsch fashioned the brand for her apparel business, Mercurious Designs, in Noblesville, Ind.
"I'm a big fan of comfortable lingerie, which may seem like an oxymoron," said Fritsch, who received her bachelor's degree from Indiana University's Department of Theatre and Drama in 1994. "I don't want women to be like, 'Ouch! Underwire!'"
While she has seen the tangible result of her recent success through profits and personalized "Thank You" notes, Fritsch said her professional transition wasn't easy.
In 2007, she faced an uncertain future when she left a steady position at the Indiana Repertory Theatre to pursue her entrepreneurial passions.
"I started designing clothes just for fun, and things took off from there," Fritsch said. "Not coming from a business background makes it like feeling around in the dark."
Creating garments -- from hand-picking fabrics to concocting patterns -- came naturally to Fritsch, who is well-versed in costume design for theater. Creativity is ingrained in her artistry, she said.
Julia Rutland, owner of Aesthetic Design Style, an Indianapolis-based company that represents independent designers, said she met Fritsch during Midwest Fashion week and fell in love with her work.
"It's affordable, and everyone can wear it," Rutland said. "Cathy's target buyers range from 18 to 40, but I've heard of older customers wearing and loving it as well."
Now Rutland works with Fritsch to entice larger audiences with Sweet Revenge.
"I only see the line getting better from here," she said.
For more information on Sweet Revenge, see http://sweetrevengelingerie.com/.
