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Designer Spotlight: Black Iris

Newly launched, NY-based Black Iris is the brand to watch in 2019. Founded by four women, each with a unique background and talent, Black Iris draws on iconic, classic elements of fashion to create limited-edition pieces for the modern woman. We asked the founders how it all started, words of wisdom they live by, and what’s next.

THE INTERVIEW

TELL US ABOUT THE BRAND AND HOW IT STARTED.

We started Black Iris to create pieces that were conventionally pretty, yet distinctive and compelling. The collection was built around classic looks that were missing in our closets, that we could wear any time we wanted to feel beautiful. We were extremely focused on quality throughout the process, aiming to create pieces that offer a timeless elegance and are less trendy and disposable than many existing brands. This culture of women thinking they can only wear things once! It’s so wasteful. We hope to create things that women will keep in their closets and hold on to for years.

The four of us came into Black Iris with different strengths and backgrounds, including design, modeling, finance, and social media, which has lent itself to taking a unique and forward-thinking approach to the business. Knock on wood, but so far everything is going even better than we could have imagined.

WHAT IS THE SIGNATURE BLACK IRIS AESTHETIC?

Our pieces are elegant and sophisticated, yet there is something sexy about each one, whether it be a sheer bodice or low neckline. The collection is meant to take the Black Iris lady from one place to another as she transitions seamlessly across her different roles.

INSPIRATION BEHIND THE COLLECTION?

This season was inspired by the ladylike dressing of earlier eras. Many of our designs have a late 1950's leisure feel. Marge in The Talented Mr. Ripley was a fun character to channel. We could totally see her in our Grace dress or Annabelle skirt.

STYLE TIPS FOR WEARING BLACK IRIS PIECES?

Black Iris pieces are meant to be worn and styled in a way that feels authentic to our customer’s personal style. All of our looks are beautiful enough to stand on their own, but can also be accessorized. We want women to really make Black Iris their own, and wear it over and over again in many different ways. Of course, you can always visit @thisisblackiris for inspiration or reach out for ideas!

BIGGEST HURDLE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME TO MAKE THE BUSINESS WORK?

Our biggest obstacle is managing the demands of a young and growing business with the demands of family life. Starting a company is a 24/7 job and we are all “on” around the clock. It helps that we were all close friends before starting Black Iris, and can support each other through the challenges (and triumphs!) of this crazy, but incredibly rewarding journey.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE BRAND GROWING?

As we continue with future seasons, we would like to add dresses at a variety of price points, and eventually be the go-to brand for dresses and sets from the beach to the red carpet. We like to think of ourselves as always evolving and strategizing, developing styles that really resonate with our customer, and supplying them with beautiful attire for every function.

FAVORITE STYLE ICONS?

A favorite icon has always been Lauren Hutton in American Gigolo. Classic but sexy…perfection! Other style icons include Grace Kelly, Sofia Loren, Kerry Washington, and Angelina Jolie.

POWERFUL WORDS OF WISDOM YOU RECEIVED?

• Everything is not for everyone, focus on your point of view.
• Embrace change and go with the flow.
• Fear is not an option.
• When one door closes, an even better one opens.

HOW DO YOU WIND DOWN AT THE END OF THE DAY?

I’m not sure we’ve figured out how to wind down! We are always plugged, as we are still a start-up and the work never ends. Luckily, we all have our children to spend time with at home, which makes all four of our hearts full. We look forward to those few hours between school pickups and bedtime, where we try to stay present and detached from our phones and computers. Wine doesn’t hurt either!

ANY 2019 RESOLUTIONS YOU WANT TO SHARE?

• Think positive to be positive.
• Devote time to help aspiring female entrepreneurs.
•Buy fewer pieces, and focus on better quality, and wear them more often.
• And lastly, this not quite a resolution, but we can’t wait to wear Black Iris in 2019.

5 WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE BLACK IRIS CUSTOMER?

We call our customer “the lady.” She is fashion-forward, romantic, feminine, sophisticated, and sharp.

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