backstage meet & greet
Welcome to First Fittings, a New York City-based company founded by two theatre professionals: Molly Seidel and Natalie Hratko- that’s us!
We first met in 2016 working Off-Broadway on the critically acclaimed and award-winning show, Underground Railroad Game. Working together backstage (Molly as the Wardrobe Supervisor and Natalie as the Assistant Stage Manager), we became fast friends and dynamic collaborators. Since then, we have been creative pen pals, sending each other crafty finds and inspiration from our travels all over the world.
When the pandemic hit and the lights on Broadway went dark, we became two of the countless professionals in the entertainment industry whose careers were put on hold indefinitely. This sparked an idea to team up and keep our creativity alive during such a difficult time.
As new and doting aunts, we've noticed that there is a need for baby clothes that are not only adorable and unique, but sustainable, designed for comfort, and allow for versatility and adjustability for growth. We decided to tap into our years of experience and technical expertise and start hand-making itty bitty clothes for your itty bitty stars! Our garments are all designed with your little one in mind: made for movement and built to last.
Think of each of our collections as a limited run show on Broadway; just as those performances are special, numbered and few, so too are our garments! Limited runs also mean new, fresh, and exciting designs are always on the horizon, so don't stress if the piece you want is gone...there are always exciting new productions waiting in the wings! So curtain up, light the lights and let's get your little one's First Fitting underway!
A portion of our proceeds is donated to Covenant House
SUSTAINABILITY in Small Runs
We devote our time to producing quality over quantity and are committed to following sustainable business practices, connecting with our customers and giving back to our community.
Molly Seidel
Co-Creator
As a multifaceted artist and designer, Molly has an eye for detail and loves to problem solve, striving to find the best solution for any tricky creative situation. Between painting fabric, applying prosthetics, or building puppets, Molly’s background in fine art has played an integral role in her time working in the New York theatre scene. She first got her start as a costume designer at a non-profit children’s theatre, and since then has designed shows Off-Broadway, regionally, and in educational theatre. Molly’s passion for art, love of theatre and experience working with children have all led to First Fittings. She is the proud Aunt of Aviv, and considers spending time with him the best part of her day…especially when he insists on showing off in his First Fittings’ designs!
NATALIE HRATKO
Co-Creator
Natalie’s earliest days in the arts started as a dancer. A life in tights and leotards taught her to value a garment’s flexibility, versatility, and fabric quality. Her artistic career has been filled with a variety of job titles and adventures. As a stage manager, she has toured internationally with dance and theatre companies. Despite years on the road, Natalie has always found time to give back to her grade school and high school arts programs. It is there she has found joy collaborating with other passionate educators whose mission is to inspire confidence through the performing arts. Natalie’s role as aunt to her nephew Jack continues to be an integral part of the creative process and has helped turn a passion project into a reality.
This production is a team effort and many thanks are due.
Thunderous applause to those who help run this show; and to our family and friends for their endless love and support!
CREW:
Ruthann Baler, Contributing Content Writer
Heather Best, CPA
Daniel R. Seidel, Esq.
Melanie Suder, Graphic Designer
Alexander Suder, Photo Editor
Nick Vincenti, Graphics