About American Happy

American Happy was born out of the desire to bring bits of joy into everyday life. Color and a hearty dose of nostalgia informs this work. The fashion accessories I create and curate are for people who prefer to look for the rainbows and silver linings.

I've been cursed with an insatiable thirst for knowledge so I design with a combination of wonder, inquiry, experimentation, and experience. Whether starting from scratch, or from deadstock textiles, or surplus clothing, the goal is always a quirky twist on things familiar.

I love to collaborate! Want to work together or be a featured designer or artist?

Send me a message here and let's chat!

About Fashion Ground Zero

Fashion Ground Zero is the mother ship for my bite-sized fashion courses developed for busy folks who want to pursue a career in the fashion industry. All of the foundational fashion topics are here, from learning about fabrics, to fashion history, to quick-sketching for new designers. I stick to the absolute basics of what you need to move forward with your dream career.

I hold a Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from Academy of Art University and a bachelor’s in Fashion Design from California State University, Chico. And I've been an instructor of Fashion at Butte College for more years than seems possible (seriously, where does the time go?!)

I currently live, work, and wear my fanny packs in the heart of Northern California surrounded by nature but not too far from city life.

 Thanks for being here!

~Julie DeMaggio a.k.a. Jules