Fashionable Thinking
Eileen Fisher, NYC fashion designer spoke to a small group of people via a Meet up hosted by Fashionista (source for the latest fashion news) at Space 530 in NYC with spring in the air. I was happy to attend this intimate evening to listen to Eileen speak about her journey from the beginning to where she and her label are now and where they are going in the future.
Spring 2016 NYC
First impressions when Eileen was quietly ushered into the room by Fashionista’s Dhani Mau, moderator for the evening, were positive yet surprising. Eileen Fisher, 65,was elegantly dressed in classic Eileen Fisher style, she exuded quiet confidence and warmness with an underlying shyness…hence the surprise. My expectation of a very successful veteran fashion designer would be that she carries “shtick” or some protective armor but her casualness and warmth permeated throughout the room. Eileen seemed genuinely touched that there was so much interest in her and her brand but was also curious to know who was her audience. The attendees were comprised of fashion students and people who work in the fashion industry many with a keen interest in sustainability and the role it plays in fashion. …this evident during the Q&A portion of the evening. Also noted, many attendees were young which was surprising since the Eileen Fisher brand demographic is predominately the more mature woman…. of which only a few were in attendance…yes I was one of those.
Fashionable words
The scene inside Space 530 NYC
NYC Fashionista’s asking more questions
This NYC Meet up was a perfect opportunity to re-invigorate and gain a new and fresh perspective of NYC fashion, Eileen Fisher and her brand, in addition to hearing inspiring viewpoints regarding sustainability and the relationship it plays in the fashion world. I am a long time supporter of this label, of which I have a few pieces and recommend to my clients. The premise is EF garments are simple pieces made from good quality fabrics. The EF brand allows women to dress easily, comfortably in style lines that compliment and project elegance in sophisticated uncomplicated silhouettes. The EF garments are investment pieces …you pay a higher price initially but the benefit is the garments last season to season and become integral “go to pieces” in your wardrobe, which provide a low cost per wearing reinforcing the purchase a good investment.
Spring 2016 offers a selection of beautiful garments made in organic linens and cottons in addition to other pieces made in silk and rayon. My particular favorite from the “System Collection” Icon Silk Duster in Bark (CA$ 557.00) teamed with washable stretch crepe pant (CA$235.00) also in Bark. Worn together (or separately) they provide you with a classic, elegant and flattering silhouette that can be worn year round. Elevate this look by adding a scarf or a statement piece of jewelry.
EF Icon Silk Duster in Bark from the System Collection
EF Washable Stretch Crepe Pant in Bark
The Eileen Fisher line can be purchased locally at Shepherd’s Fashions, Nordstrom’s and online most pieces are available in petite, regular and plus sizes.
Eileen Fisher spoke eloquently; listening to her you want to be her friend and to support her brand as well as her sustainability vision. What was intriguing about the talk and for me paradoxical was that in order to achieve sustainability we need to consume less which means consumers buying less ….I would say that is Fashionable thinking.
There is a great deal of buzz about sustainability in the fashion world; it cannot be ignored, so please check back for future blog posts on this topic. You can also find a link to the recent Fashionista article “Where Eileen Fisher Is Taking Her Fashion Career Next” on AQ On Your Mark Images FB page. My hope is that there is sustainability for Eileen Fisher, the brand and their fashionable thinking.
