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Hepburn Evoking Isoude
Ashlyn Stallings
Contributing Writer
Thursday, Mar 04,2010
One of those naturally gorgeous types, Isoude designer Katie Brierly stands pen-in-hand behind a work desk at Homewood's Plain Clothes. She's got her blonde hair twisted up, minimal makeup, and a calm, knowing demenor--plus a sumptious black-silk tailored jacket with a to-die-for ruffled collar. You may have missed her Birmingham trunk show, but keep the ladylike designs of her line Isoude on your radar.
Trained at New York's prestigious FIT, Brierly's look is pure and feminine. "My style is fresh American classics," Brierly said. "It's intelligent luxury, and should feel as luxurious as it looks." Based in Rhode Island, Brierly is given access to the New England craftsmanship that helps create the intricate painted details and pleats. Her eco-friendly tools are silk, organic cotton, wool, and hemp silk--but Isoude is more established elegance than downtown hipster. "I get a lot of attention from the eco-friendly crowd. I like natural fabrics and the way they work." Mindful of the woman she's dressing, Brierly seeks intelligent inspiration from a complex myriad of subjects. "This season, I was influenced by the artist Edouard Vuillard--some people say I have a painterly approach to designing," Brierly said. Combine that with a muse, New York socialite CZ Guest, a color palatte of wild poppies, and 1970's era Italian glassworks and you've got Brierly's well-rounded Spring 2010 inspiration board. Brierly's clean shapes with modern interuptions emmulate the thoroughbred elegance of CZ Guest. This tastemaker is spinning out truly sustainable designs that prove her label Isoude will stand the test of time. |
