Designer Spotlight
Katie Brierley:
Isoude Grand Opening Party in Newport R.I.
by Ian L.
Katie Brierley:
Isoude Grand Opening Party in Newport R.I.
by Ian L.
When one thinks of Newport Rhode Island, one can't help but think of the glamour and wealth of the Vanderbilts and other prominent Americans of late 19th and early 20th century. Their former summer homes such as The Breakers, Rosecliff and Marble House are the tops draws in this historic seaport town. Visitors also enjoy yachting, polo, golf, shopping and exclusive grass court tennis at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
However, one doesn't consider Newport to be a stop for luxury fashion. My good friend, designer Katie Brierley hopes to change that perception by opening her first boutique for her label Isoude on famed Bellevue Avenue, not too far from The Tennis Hall of Fame and those historic Mansions.
It's the perfect location. Tourists walk the street often and for Katie, a resident of Jamestown, it's close to home. It's also not far for her new clients that have already made orders for dresses to be worn at parties and charities held at the Mansions and the nearby yacht club.
The store opening was a fun event for friends, family and private clients. Guest were treated to a live jazz trio, champagne and hors d'oeuvres as well as some informal modeling.
However, one doesn't consider Newport to be a stop for luxury fashion. My good friend, designer Katie Brierley hopes to change that perception by opening her first boutique for her label Isoude on famed Bellevue Avenue, not too far from The Tennis Hall of Fame and those historic Mansions.
It's the perfect location. Tourists walk the street often and for Katie, a resident of Jamestown, it's close to home. It's also not far for her new clients that have already made orders for dresses to be worn at parties and charities held at the Mansions and the nearby yacht club.
The store opening was a fun event for friends, family and private clients. Guest were treated to a live jazz trio, champagne and hors d'oeuvres as well as some informal modeling.
Designer Katie Brierley (center) poses with models in front of her new boutique in Newport R.I. All the ladies are wearing pieces from Isoude's new Spring/Summer 2010 collecton.
More Photos from the Isoude Grand Opening Party.
The models wore a selection of pieces from Isoude's Spring 2010 ready-to-wear and couture collections. When I asked Katie about the inspiration behind the new work, she replied "This Collection is unabashedly feminine and festive. An interesting consequence of the last year is the return of the domicile, which for me is a return to the heart. This return of softness, to an intimate space is reflected in the fluid silhouettes and feminine color palette." Katie feels that the muse for her collection is "a woman who likes to have a glass of champagne while getting dressed for a cocktail party; she takes the time to savor her life."
Katie has also began to incorporate a few couture techniques, such as her hand painting, into the new ready-to-wear. Another technique that Katie is making great use of are applications of silk paillettes. She feels that the paillettes "produce quite modern and graphically interesting effects". For the couture, Katie is exploring the nuances of hand sewn silk flowers. The beautiful wedding gown displayed in the boutique window is ladened with silk flowers. It's the first in what Katie hopes will eventually be a new bridal line.
There are lots of exciting things in store for Isoude and Katie Brierley. Isoude has become a sponsor for the Hope Funds Gala, an exclusive White Tie Event and fundraiser for cancer research held at Marble House. Katie has already dressed three clients for the summer event. Isoude will also be doing pop up shows in Palm Beach and Washington D.C. as well as continuing to partner with other non-profit organizations such as the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra.
To learn more about Isoude and to see more of the new collection, please visit:
www.isoude.com
Katie has also began to incorporate a few couture techniques, such as her hand painting, into the new ready-to-wear. Another technique that Katie is making great use of are applications of silk paillettes. She feels that the paillettes "produce quite modern and graphically interesting effects". For the couture, Katie is exploring the nuances of hand sewn silk flowers. The beautiful wedding gown displayed in the boutique window is ladened with silk flowers. It's the first in what Katie hopes will eventually be a new bridal line.
There are lots of exciting things in store for Isoude and Katie Brierley. Isoude has become a sponsor for the Hope Funds Gala, an exclusive White Tie Event and fundraiser for cancer research held at Marble House. Katie has already dressed three clients for the summer event. Isoude will also be doing pop up shows in Palm Beach and Washington D.C. as well as continuing to partner with other non-profit organizations such as the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra.
To learn more about Isoude and to see more of the new collection, please visit:
www.isoude.com