Garo Sparo is a couture fashion designer based in the East Village. Specializing in corsetry, custom clothing, costume design and made-to-order bridal, Garo designs for and collaborates with private clients, celebrities and artists.Born into a line of old world artisans skilled in beadwork and lacemaking, Garo started making clothing at 11, working as an apprentice to a Native American costumer on Long Island. At 14 he designed and created his first commissioned dress, channelling his fascination with nature and science fiction into a fledgling fashion line. In 1995, Absolut Vodka sponsored the Garo Sparo Collection, launching a series of fashion shows at downtown New York City venues such as Limelight, Webster Hall and the underground nightclubs Click+Drag and Jackie 60. In 1999, Garo was named one of fashion’s most innovative rising stars by Gen Art, the premier national organization supporting emerging talent in the arts. In 2000, Garo opened a boutique on historic St. Mark’s Place. A contract with Park Avenue couturier Pratis soon followed, along with a gig designing for Victoria’s Secret “Rock Chic” collection. By 2004, Garo had branched out into bridal wear and, wanting a break from the cut-throat industry attitude, decided to focus solely on his couture collection and custom design for private clients.Garo’s designs have been featured in museums, television commercials, Hollywood films, Vatican weddings and innumerable stage performances. He is the resident designer for New York production company Screaming Queens Entertainment, and has fabricated costumes for the Metropolitan Opera. His collection pieces and custom apparel have been worn by a long and growing list of dedicated clients from all walks of life, and his Sundance Channel reality show, “Unleashed by Garo,” continues to be enjoyed by countless admiring fans. His current atelier on Avenue B is open by appointment only, for private consultations and custom fittings. Specialties: Specializing in corsetry, custom lifestyle clothing, costume design and made-to-order bridal.