Material Witness

It’s no small challenge to weave into words the properties of a scarf that’s been hand-dyed and hand-woven by Debbie Barrett-Jones of Billy Sue Textiles. One might turn to literary allusion, charting the transitional flow of multiple colors in each piece as a kind of Homerian epic, but this approach obscures the very real science behind the art. The name value of cashmere and tencel always loom, but the fact is, these primary materials of hers are only as remarkable as the hand that manipulates them. In the end, we find ourselves borrowing the words of the masters themselves, such as Michelangelo’s: “I saw the angel in the marble, and I carved until I set her free.” This is the glorious tension of all art, really: to capture is to liberate, and vise versa.

Folks around Kansas City might know a little something about Barrett-Jones’ ability to unlock the potential in fabric, being that she’s been commissioned to weave numerous textile pieces for public display, but her scarves, available on Etsy, were and are a Joy to discover. Tabbed with delightfully unpretentious product names such as Turquoise in the Middle with Red, Brown to Navy, and Just Around the Corner with Red and Orange Baby or Me, this line of scarves is every bit as luxurious, practical, and wonderfully unique as the crisp colors of the photos suggest, and considering the intermingling of colors within each scarf, the element of versatility is obvious. After all, who wouldn’t want a scarf that adapts to the fashion whims of every woman? For a larger introduction to Debbie's extraordinary textile stylings, visit Billy Sue Textiles.

International Delights

It’s stunning how often over the past few weeks I’ve come across a why-didn’t-I-think-of-that item. Whether that reflects the resourcefulness of contemporary designers or my own design restraints, I’m not sure. But for a case in point, here’s a delightful hypothetical: What if an Asian-themed garment top had to pass the Roman Holiday test (imaginable on the shoulders of Audrey Hepburn)? Leave it to an Italian designer to answer that question. The Kimono Knitting Mini Vest, apropos on windswept streets splashed with fall colors but even lovelier against a snowscape, is a wonderful find.

Connecting the traditional Japanese values of ideal beauty and elegant urbanity with the fearless Western extravagance of 100% Merino wool, Coccole Di Lana’s cozy creation would probably elicit sighs of envy just about anywhere. (What’s more, the woman finds time to fill custom orders! Check out the Bottone Scarf for a gorgeous example of what can be done with wool when a truly gifted designer is given the right blueprint. Sorry ladies, this one is taken!) You may not have ever associated a kimono cut with cool weather before, but isn’t there a first for everything? Maybe Gus Portokalos was on to something in My Big Fat Greek Wedding: “Kimono is from the Greek himona, is mean winter…”

Shades of Peacock

As I consider the merits of the versatile, volatile silk Aunt Judy dresses by Heidi Merrick, two thoughts fold together as naturally as the chiffon petals on the ruffle front these two exquisite dresses have in common. One, I am certain that whoever Aunt Judy is, she doesn’t spend much time knitting socks or rolling out dough for apple turnover. Two, it is difficult to imagine a pair of dresses anywhere that more effectively blends the virtues of latent sensuality, feathery elegance, and post-Stepford girl power as Merrick’s form-celebrating duo.

While the Aunt Judy Krinkle Chiffon could probably find limitless applications depending on accessories and styling, there is something about this particular shade of peacock that calls for a brassy, classy lipstick—think coral or perhaps amaranth—and a joie de vivre on the part of the wearer that outpaces the wonderful maturity of the color itself. Its less complex counterpart, the powder blue Aunt Judy Crepe de Chine, achieves a similar grace of adaptability, yet succeeds in a way that says “lady” as surely as the Chiffon purrs “woman,” the one seditious note in the former’s constitution being a hemline that stops well above the knee.

Boardroom or boardwalk, one can’t go wrong bringing Aunt Judy along. Props to Heidi Merrick for reminding all of us that “cute” and cultured really can be the best of friends.

Modern Antebellum

It isn't every product that channels antebellum Georgia and the Parisian society-scapes of Georges Seurat in the same breath, but designer Anisa Makhoul at Makool Loves You has found a way. The classic, almost equestrian lines of the Late for Tea Dress criss-cross multiple eras with delicate ease, evoking secrets between friends, misty afternoons, the unbridled spirit, and yes, even a little Scarlett O'Hara—all the while appearing incredibly wearable. The latter quality is the difference between clothing and costume—and at the end of the day, is why I'm convinced this dress would be just as much fun to own as it is to describe.






I love the Gray Sparrow Dress, on the other hand, for its simplicity—not in the sense of plainness, but in the sense of inspired reductionism. On its own, the dress is charming enough, gathered in slender handswept bunches that actually work by defying symmetry. But for me it's the sash, snaking regally/wickedly from hip to shoulder and accenting the modest gray with a perfectly timed splash of personality, that takes the piece from isn't-that-cute to wow status. I thought about where I would wear this dress, and decided that this is the kind of dress that would probably decide for me.

Visit these beauties at Makool Loves You or their Etsy Shop by the same name. Two great products, one great designer. We love you too Makool!