I am and always will be passionate about the fashion industry and the artistic geniuses that create all of the beautiful, special things that I get to wear every day!!! When I was younger I had the great honor to be able to work directly with people like Calvin Klein, Donna Karan and Domenico Dolce. There really isn't anything quite like sitting next to Domenico Dolce at a meeting...to me he is a fashion God. How about flying across country on Donna Karan's private jet...yes, I pulled the lucky straw, but who cares, it was a great experience. Perhaps my favorite moment however, was meeting Valentino...you almost want to curtsy and kiss his hand as not only is he fashion royalty, but he is larger than life!!!!
Since I have dedicated myself to working with emerging brands in the last year, there is perhaps less interaction with the fashion legends (of course I am working with the up and coming legends), so you can imagine how excited I was to be included at a small sit-down with Tory Burch. The company decided to invite a tight group of fashion bloggers and eZine editors to a private morning get together with Tory at her MePa store. It was to give us direct access to her thoughts, to her vision and to listen to her speak about her product in an intimate practically one-on-one session. It was a great experience that reminded me once again about how passion and a clear point-of-view can propel one to greatness.
In five years, she has created a fashion miracle...she has built a global brand (almost impossible to do). Tory Burch, the brand has become a testament to American fashion. She has converted her lifestyle into something not only aspirational, but 100% accessible, by creating product that woman relate to and can afford...now this doesn't mean basic and boring. The Tory Burch collection is not for a fashion wallflower. Bold prints, to die embellishment and colors that range from the good old red, white and blue to fantastic brights and the neutrals every woman should own. Her signature tunics and caftans are richly detailed and inspired by other cultures...Tory Burch explained how her passion for travel and for experiencing other worlds has really defined her designs. She admitted to a love affair with Asia right now, so it will be exciting to see how she brings that to her collection. She really shared a lot of info with us (I could probably write for hours), but since I know it is Friday and you are off to do whatever you do on the weekends, I am just going to share some highlights...
-Philanthropy is at her core...she is deeply involved with Save The Children. She has devloped a CD that can be purchased at her stores, with all proceeds going to support the charity (she also has a deep love of music). Her latest venture is beyond AMAZING...she has just launched a fund that will provide micro-financing to women who are starting or have their own small businesses. She will only be working with women in the USA, which I commend.
-She has just launched her new eyewear line. We didn't get to see any of it yet, but she explained that she really tried to create something 100% unique that women would covet. Now for the best part...each pair is under $200...you have to love that!!!
-She is expanding her handbag and shoe lines. Again look for really accessible prices. By the way the bags and shoes in the store looked GREAT, so if you still only own Reva Ballerina Flats, then you need to make a trip to one of her stores to see the fab expanded collection. The bags are amazing and have really evolved as well. I personally fell in love with the Efram Hobo...perfect size, shape and with super cool plastic tiling along the sides.
-Her jewelry is gorgeous and statement making, so if you never thought of Tory Burch for all of your costume bobbles, then I suggest you check it out ASAP. My absolute favortie piece was a mutli strand necklace with relgious charms attached (only one left at the MePa store) It was to die!!!
-Die hard TB fans, look for an evolution to her signature prints and updated versions of her brand logo...you will love everything.
So ladies, I hope you too have found a deeper appreciation for just how great Tory Burch really is...she isn't just the tunic or Reva designer. Her collection taps directly into who we are as American woman and gives us a sense of personal pride. She empowers us to be forces to be reckoned with...she is truly a role model and is combining her fashion clout with a desire to really change the world we live in. BIG BIG kudos!!!
~Nancy
