The Lennon Set

Design notes and BTS

Hi 💛

I just got my DHL account approved for official import and export business. This is starting to feel very real!

Not to mention the fact that I am days away from confirming my order for my first run of production. I am basically there, but just waiting to see one more color I wanted to test, as well as a lighter linen for apparel — I want to improve the drape, but I also don’t want it to be too see-through.

The color I’m testing is called Dusky Citron and it’s for the Lennon Set. It’s funny because I first knew I wanted to do this set in this black ditsy print. Then when I got it I was convinced I wanted to do it instead in the oversized black and white gingham. Then when I received that sample I hated it. The ditsy print is softer and drapes so much better. I didn’t realize that different prints would affect the feel and drape of the fabrics, but it turns out that they do.

As it turns out everyone else loves the Lennon Set in black ditsy, too. I wore it out in Florida last week and a woman in the elevator asked me about it and took down my information to order it. And yes, when we did our little mini shoot down there, of course the model looked insane in it, but honestly I think it is so flattering on so many body types, which is why I designed it. The column shape in the skirt is elongating, and the top can be worn in so many ways. But I just love how it feels when I wear it, honestly, it’s so comfy — like I can be on the floor playing with Violet in it, and yet I feel sexy at the same time (it’s definitely Jared’s favorite piece). Plus I can wear the top and skirt as separates. I think I am going to be living in this once the weather warms up a bit.

But I did also want to do it in a color… so I landed on this yellow color and I really hope it turns out because I am in love with it. But because everything is hand dyed using natural dyes the colors can be tricky. It’s not as if a machine is getting you the exact color you want. The weather, humidity, it all effects how the color comes out.

And as for the linen, you may have seen that I also sampled this set in the violet shibori which I am also beyond obsessed with, but the issue there was the linen is a bit heavy and causes the ties in the back to not drape as well. So we are looking at that one more time in a lighter linen to see if it works better, but as I said it can’t be too transparent, even though I guess that is a whole trend in itself? This is being sampled in a caftan, too, a bit different than the Gloria, in a midi length with a boatneck. For that you could also do a slip, which wouldn’t be my first choice, but I think I’d personally be okay with a little bit of transparency. But for those who aren’t, a slip could be an option.

The details matter to me, and everything needs to be exactly right. If it’s not, I won’t put it out there. The other test every product must pass is my “do I personally need to own this item?” test. Because if not, again, I’m not making it. Some people may think that’s overboard and yes, eventually I will probably make more things that I know my customers want but at this phase, that’s how I am making decisions.

I am loving hearing from you so please keep replying to me on Instagram and you can also hit reply on these emails. Which color do you like best in this set? Is there another color you’d want to see?

In general as we explore this new category of house dressing as we’re calling it (meaning things you would wear at home but also to the farmers’ market or a Zoom call or to host a dinner party), I would love to know what types of pieces you are craving. (And because I’m always going to give you guys the tips here first I can tell you that a smocked dress is coming…!)

Make sure you are subscribed here for the launch. Because we are doing such a small production run I am going to open up sales to subscribers there first, which could be necessary if we do get picked up in any big media outlets? Which reminds me, please do let me know if you know any editors I should connect with — that would be so appreciated. 🫶

All my love,
x Sarah