CEREMONIES OF CARE

V I A N C A S O L E I L

A dispatch from the tropics by an intrepid interior designer with a love of linen.

What is a piece of clothing you have loved endlessly?

I treasure my small collection of Issey Miyake Pleats Please pieces. They’re the comfiest to travel in and wrinkle free for practicality.

Which fabrics do you naturally gravitate toward?

Since moving the island, I’m always in linen. It’s the best fabric for tropical weather.

Can you share a designer whose pieces you admire?

I’m forever a fan of Sarah Linh Tran and Christophe Lemaire of Lemaire.

How do you care for special pieces?

We still hand wash everything on the island and hang dry to save energy. Especially linen pieces, we let them dry on a clothes line so they don’t need to be ironed. And we don’t use fabric softener - there's magic to be found in slightly crisp linen.

Continue reading our full interview with Vianca here.

P A T R I C I A  A S S U I  R E E D

The founder of mindful luxury retail destination, Matriark, cherishes natural fabrics and methods of care.

What is a piece of clothing you have loved endlessly?

I have a black velvet top by Ulla Johnson that I have not been able to replace and I'm sad to say it’s getting very worn out. I have worn it to many special occasions, and I absolutely love it.

What fabrics do you naturally gravitate toward?

I like natural fabrics: cashmere, organic cottons, silks.

Can you name a couple of designers whose pieces you admire?

I love all the pieces at Matriark and I mean it. Everyone I select has a story and a meaning. I love Zero Maria Cornejo’s dedication to sustainability and how she has consistently served her growing customers and fans. She truly respects the women she dresses.

I love Ulla Johnson's feminine and wearable styles, I always feel put together and pretty when I wear them.

I am also a big fan of KZ_K’s Karolina Zmarlak’s tailoring and her commitment to sourcing the most incredible Japanese fabrics; her pieces are very special. Just a few examples of what I carry at Matriark, and why we select the best of the best.

How do you care for special pieces?

Hand washing is a must for some of my garments, and I have a special place at home to lay my garments flat to dry. I also favor steaming certain pieces to keep them fresh.

You’ve experienced Poetica’s botanical garment care collection, can you share a favorite product or scent?

I love the ritual and mindfulness approach of Poetica, and it makes hand washing and caring for my garments a real pleasure. All the scents are beautiful, and my favorite is the Lemon Myrtle and Cardamon. It’s fresh, warm and earthy all at the same time.

M I C H E L L E G A G N O N

Our resident plant whisperer infuses aromatic botanicals into garment care.

How do you care for delicate pieces?

I wash my delicates by hand with a couple drops of floral essential oil and always hang to dry or lay them in the shade.

Tell us about a particularly meaningful piece in your wardrobe?

I cherish all my clothing made from natural fabric and plant dyes. I have a two-piece set from Sri Lanka which was designed and crafted by a local woman using locally spun cotton and earth-tone plant dyes. She used beeswax before dying the fabric to create beautiful, soft patterns throughout, and I'm reminded of her skill each time I wear the outfit..

What is your favorite fabric to wear?

I love wearing raw silk in its natural color, and I don’t think I’ll ever tire of its texture or cool feeling upon the skin. I also wear quite a bit of linen and cashmere in cooler months.

You travel far and wide for work. What are your clothing essentials for travel, and how do you care for pieces while you're away?

I pack very light and stick to breathable fabrics that are low maintenance and one or two-color tones. Monochromatic makes everything easy and chic.

Honestly, Poetica’s botanical refresh mists are now a staple in my travel bag - they restore both fabrics and the senses wherever I am. I’m currently loving the Frankincense and Wild Mint scent; its soothing nature puts me at ease wherever I am.

Continue reading our full interview with Michelle here.