The beginning.

The first launch of this year begins and I am thrilled beyond words to present it to you. This release is significant to me because it represents my best intentions set for this company. The luxurious part of this process was taking time and allowing design to develop slowly. I began working on these pieces last August, in the middle of an intensely busy month. Shapes I dreamed took form in my mind and were officially put down on paper. Hopefully you will enjoy my best work ever!

I wanted to create designs that felt original to my soul – a little mix of old and new that is tasteful, striking and spectacular. I researched the simplicity of older eras, specifically the drape and ease of non-fitted cuts meant for work, play and dressing up. It wasn’t my plan to create basics. I wanted to create extraordinary pieces made from inimitable fabrics with the hope that they fit into your wardrobe seamlessly, becoming an elevated essential.

I thought about color – what is lovely on it’s own, what is soft and striking against skin, and what certain color pairings evoke. I speak about color often; I think it’s the most thoughtful approach in the art of dressing. Stated best, Claire McCardell said, “Color is, perhaps, the most imaginative touch you can afford.” I thought about shapes - shapes that were structured and architectural but distinctly casual. I thought about the roles of fabric and texture – everyday luxury is something as simple as owning an ordinary jacket made from the most extraordinary fabric.

Midnight Cropped Sweatshirt & Voyage Skirt in gingham.

Expanding the design collection was a primary focus. For this first launch of the year, I created a new dress design that has long lived in my imagination– the Studio Dress. I revisited a skirt from an existing dormant idea – the Market Skirt. I brought back a short work-wear inspired jacket – the Runabout Jacket and a great season-less, modern mid-length jacket – the Leisure Jacket. The Campbell Coat - a coat that makes me giggle every time it is worn, is an idea proposed to me by a fabulous client Ms. Campbell. I created a blouse in a shape I’ve been longing for – unfussy, sleek and striking on the body - the Gentlewoman Blouse. Last but certainly not least, many signature pieces in limited edition fabrics and a few classic colors have been restocked, now available for order.

All Women are Gentlewomen

A new program has been in development and testing for over a year. I am very proud to offer a complimentary bespoke service in all extended sizing for the infamous Gentlewoman Pant/Trouser/Short and Runabout Culotte.

All of the particulars are listed online under each specific item, a brief breakdown is: For all extended sizing measurements, 1-2 muslin samples will be developed for all 1st time orders prior to fulfilling your actual order. This service ensures your garments fit your body perfectly and is on-the-house! The only cost to you is shipping each muslin sample back to the studio. Stay tuned for the full story on this service soon!

Traudie Tank in marine, Gentlewoman Pant in tamarind.

In the background throughout the development of these designs, this music played in my ears. Through sketching, painting, patterning and sewing I found I kept going back to this curated set list. Likely it is what I will be listening to when I work on your orders for these pieces. You can find the playlist here https://open.spotify.com/user/zpingyqydhptnjba1kbbz250y/playlist/6Uk5vXjixA34swmDJsPYck?si=PLh6Rm5wRn6_uMGOb6IXAA. Step into this world with me, will you? Let’s begin...

None of this imagery would be possible without two women. I’d like to say a huge thank you to my photographer, Susie Delaney (@susieq) for creating such gorgeous imagery and thank you to our incredible model, Irene Ashu (@irene_ashu) for your inspiring creativity and movement.

Set List No. 1 via @revellecollection on Spotify.

Lisa HarbottleFebruary 1, 2019