Eleanor Leftwich is an anomaly. When she isn’t donning rubber galoshes to work on her family’s multigenerational farm in the southwest metro, she’s showing her Insta family her latest vintage footwear find (think: a pair of mint-condition tweed Chanel ballet flats) from her enviable closet. But if you follow along (@eleanorleftwich), you’ll notice her true Leftwich fashion is to never show her face. So, who is this elusive influencer?
Her iPhone isn’t the only thing Leftwich hides behind: She runs her account from a pseudonym, Eleanor. “It initially started as a way to keep my account all about the clothes and less about the personality,” says Leftwich. “But now, it’s sort of become my schtick.”
Leftwich has always put her creative spin on outfits as a form of art and self-expression. “I was wearing pantsuits in middle school,” she says. “You could say I always marched to the beat of my own drum.”
Since launching her Instagram account, she noticed it only continued gaining steam—and followers. And in April of 2023 the farmer and mom to four officially added designer to her résumé with a fashion line that embraced her handle: Eleanor Leftwich Collection.
All pieces are produced by a women-led factory in Chicago and made in small batches using fabrics sourced from Italian and French mills. “I design for myself,” says Leftwich, who’s never been a fan of athleisure (even during COVID!), but has always been a lover of color and versatile and timeless pieces with a feminine edge. “I wanted pieces that could take you from the office to school pickup to a dinner out.”
The result is a line of investment garments—blazers, trousers, knits, and dresses—from crème de la crème fabrics like Italian cashmere, silk, cotton, and wool. “I call them multi-hyphenate pieces for the multi-hyphenate woman,” she says.
Sure, a $425 caftan is steep, but Leftwich—basically a luxury, resale, and consignment pro—has done her homework. “I’ve always gravitated toward French and Italian design houses,” she says. “When I started to think about fabrics I wanted to use for my line, I knew that was the natural direction to move in. So many great brands from both countries have been in business so long, they clearly know what they’re doing.” She’s made it her mission to help people understand the importance of quality over quantity and buying less—but better—pieces that can withstand years and the fast-fashion trend cycle. “I like to consider my pieces to be future vintage.”
Her latest drop, Resort 2024, is comprised of ’60s-inspired tweed separates, brightly colored organic cotton striped oxfords and trousers sets, and packable dresses (or beach cover-ups) designed for mixing and matching. Locals can shop the brand directly online, and watch for future boutique pop-ups and collaborations. eleanorleftwich.com
April 2, 2024
6:55 AM
Credit: Source link