BORN IN HOLLYWOOD

In the summer of 2000, Jill Schliesmann entered the doors of Western Costume. Four years earlier ~ leaving behind an engineering career on the east coast ~ she arrived in Los Angeles with nothing more than two suitcases, a love for fashion, and a desire to be a part of something big.

After years of struggle, Jill finally achieved a coveted spot at the renowned costume house, Western Costume. Surrounded by a treasure trove of silks, velvets, and embroidered textiles, she began her journey into the world of Hollywood.


Once settled, Jill began to notice something quite troubling. Celebrity clients and costume designers were often leaving empty-handed… that is, if they needed anything related to 1920’s fashion. Jill discovered that aisle after aisle of fragile fabrics were losing their battle against time. She resolved to find a solution ~ and somehow bring back the magic of all those vintage treasures.

The Birth of E-commerce

Leveraging her access to L.A.’s expansive garment industry, Jill embarked on a mission. She scoured the wholesale district for anything and everything with a 1920s vibe - curating her first collection, LeLuxe, which she launched on eBay.

As technology advanced, so did Jill's business acumen. Her engineering background and experience with Ralph Lauren were invaluable as her eBay listings evolved into an eBay store, and eventually...her own website. This marked the beginning of her flourishing e-commerce journey.

An Academy Award

With her business growing, Jill began designing her own pieces, sourcing the finest craftsmen from around the globe. Alongside a select group of designers in Los Angeles, she pioneered the vintage clothing reproduction industry. Her creations quickly caught the eye of the entertainment world, featuring in numerous theater productions, TV shows, and films. Her most notable contribution was to the film "The Artist," which won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design. Her designs were also featured on Dr. Who, The Color Purple, Mayfair Witches, The Great Gatsby (film and Broadway musical), and 1923 (among others). 

The Deco Haus Is Born

As trends shifted, Jill envisioned a brand that transcended its role as a costume resource, catering to modern vintage lovers. She aspired to create heirloom-quality clothing that would be equally suitable for a Gatsby party as to a contemporary cocktail gathering. This vision led to the birth of The Deco Haus in 2013, a brand that blended vintage design with modern styling. 

Fast Forward To Today...

Today, Jill resides in Southern California with her two daughters, her sidekick Lucie (a fox wire terrier), and her family of rescue pets.

Twenty years into her journey, she remains dedicated to her craft and hopes to inspire the next generation of vintage clothing lovers.

Thank you all for being a part of this journey!