Q Is there a specific piece of clothing that sparked your love for textiles?
A I remember the first silk, hand-embroidered kimono I bought at an antiques store in Charleston. I displayed it on my wall, and also tossed it on for special occasions. I thought, ‘I’ll love this till I die.’ And I do. It embodies timeless style and has lots of life in it.
Q What’s your favorite shoe for travel?
A For a trip to New York, I wear my over-the-knee, suede boots from Stuart Weitzman—a classic.
Q What are you giving as Christmas presents this year?
A I’m gifting the most fun, original earrings I found this past spring that are made by women in Colombia—real flowers painted in gold and red beaded flowers as well as and my go-tos, the Grace Jones earrings, made in South Africa. Oh, and these Colombian ornaments–colorful, natural fiber balls, with which I plan to cover the Ibu showroom.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Q Tell us about your most memorable travel experience.
A I’ll never forget the last day of a climb up and down Mount Kilimanjaro, no shower for nine days and my now-husband on his knee, proposing to me.
Q Tell us how IBU gives back to women.
A The Ibu Movement is putting money in the hands of women by employing skills passed down through generations. Around the world, we’re championing a woman’s right to earn a sustainable income, the survival of the world’s textile traditions, education for girls, and access to health care and clean water—all to disrupt poverty.
Q Which of your own pieces is your favorite?
A I’m really enjoying the clean simple lines of our Sindh dress, with fantastic hand embroidery made by women in Pakistan. I wear it with our new kantha stitch slides (which are so comfy), lots of bangles, and our big statement earrings for a splash!
Q What are some of your go-to basics to pair with your standout IBU pieces?
A I like pieces from Eileen Fisher that travel well. I might wear a long black shell over leggings and then throw on a kimono or fun jacket, shoes, and jewelry. I like for interesting accessories to be the stars.
Resources
Photographs Courtesy of (boots) Stuart Weitzman & (5) IBU