Artisans
For example, in a two-story former lace mill in Derbyshire, UK, Claire Emma Harris has been realizing a dream since 2013: to create lingerie of “timeless elegance with a vintage feel.” Her business, Emma Harris Luxury Lingerie Atelier even sounds a bit nostalgic. And the designs incorporate elements of Art Deco and Art Nouveau. Claire is also dedicated to reintroducing artisan sewing techniques, which she teaches to her team herself. As she perfects her designs in the loft of the atelier, she can feel the energy of the production room down below, where her small group of skilled machinists fabricate each garment from start to finish. When you unwrap your new Clara Vintage Rose Camisole Set, you’ll feel it too. Notice the bias cut of its luscious silk, the French seams throughout, the shimmering floral lace appliqué across the top’s entire neckline and around the cheeky hemline of the tap pant. Now put it on!
In Nara, Japan, the luxury lingerie label Aromatique was created in 2014 by its parent innerwear company Takagi, established in 1930. Aromatique emphasizes “taking its time.” After importing the highest quality European yarns and laces, it uses Japanese technology to create, in-house, each step of production. The knitting is done slowly, using small, rare, low-speed machines to produce fabric of unique firmness, elasticity, and flow, that feels gentle against the skin. The patterns are cut to the dimensions of real models and each garment is sewn by hand by several craftspeople. The process has the precision and grace of a ballet. Jane’s Vanity is happy to offer three classic colors of the Rib Silk Camisole: Black, Navy, and Gold. Try one (or all three) and agree with Aromatique’s objective to bring “quality and joy to your everyday life.”
And then there is Gilda & Pearl, the glamorous inspiration of British designer Diane Houston. Beauty, character, and craft are sewn (by hand in the UK) into every piece that she creates. As she notes: “You’ll see it in every detail. You’ll feel it in every garment.” She founded the brand in 2011, “with the intention of making beautiful garments in a sustainable way, creating and supporting artisanal jobs in the UK and Europe, and committing to ethical business practices in relation to both people and planet.” Will you sense it when you slip into the new dragon-patterned Lili Midi Slip Dress and the matching Lili Long Robe with its ruby red tassels at ¾ sleeves? We definitely think so.
Because, each JV piece is a meditative embrace from the talented artisans who create it.