Désirée Marie Townley

Traveling the world in search of handmade, vintage and designer treasures is a pleasurable way to interact with the planet.   Telling the stories of the people I discover along the way is half the fun. As I wander the world and meet designers, craftspeople and industry experts the question on my mind is 'What do they make and how do they make it?'. 

How does one become a weaver in India? What does it take to become a costume designer for Carnival in Venice? Who are these individuals and what are they making? I am learning.

My background in dance and my history with costume design and makeup artistry shape my interests and drive me to take a closer look at the details.
'The truest expression of a people is in its dances and its music. Bodies never lie.'
Agnes de Mille
Since childhood I have been interested in clothing, draping, and fashion.  I told my childhood babysitter (who frequently wore socks with her sandals) that she was an adult and could make her own bad decisions, but that sock with sandals was a 'no no'.  I was always being helpful like that.
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From 1996 to 2000 I worked for The Children's Miracle Network raising funds through the theatrics of a pageant for high school boys.  This job got me choreographing, stage managing, worrying about costumes, sets and performers.  I loved it and found myself happy backstage and behind the scenes.

While attending the University of Oregon,I enjoyed my role as the costume archivist at the Dougherty Dance Theatre from 2002- 2008.  I got to spend hours on end archiving a warehouse size room of tutus and leotards. 
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I received my B.S. from the school of Music and Dance at the University of Oregon in 2008, where I was the recipient of the 2007 Faculty Discretionary Award and the 2008 Dance Achievement Award. Opportunities for work abroad presented themselves in 2009: France, Germany, Scotland, New Zealand and Italy.


In 2017 I became a Diva Guide with The Antiques Diva and Co.; the world's largest antiques buying and touring company. You can find me sourcing antiques and vintage clothing, guiding clients through the Eternal City’s best-kept secret shopping locations. 

I  helps my clients curate their personal style, both home and wardrobe with the goal of increasing lifestyle efficiency and personal confidence, and aim to always put my money where my heart is: sustainable consumerism.