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Designer Notes Media and Press Uncategorized Videos

Ivey Abitz on the Red Carpet Emmys 2018

Emmy Winner Carolyn Hennesy wears Ivey Abitz as she hosts the Red Carpet at the 45th Daytime Emmy Awards, 2018. Carolyn’s gown was made just for her.

Carolyn’s Gown

— One hundred percent washed silk, cross-woven with rust and green threads. The weave changes hues in various lighting to look like liquid or a flowing metal. It is a silk weaving technique that was used during the Regency period for royal court gowns, though this silk is new and was woven this year.

— Handmade pin-tucking adorns the waist and handmade pleating adorns the bottom hem of the gown.

— Antique dog brooch, circa early 1900’s, is nestled inside of a hand sculpted brooch that adorns the tie in back.

— Over sixty hand sculpted floral embellishments adorn the bottom hem. Each was sculpted, then hand sewn onto the gown, taking three weeks to finish.

See more images at the Ivey Abitz website.

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Media and Press Videos

Emmys Red Carpet Host Carolyn Hennesy Wears Ivey Abitz

Above: Watch the Emmys Red Carpet hosted by Carolyn Hennesy in her Ivey Abitz gown, 4/27/18. Carolyn interviews nominees and guests at the 45th Annual Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

Ivey Abitz was pleased to create several bespoke ensembles as well as two formal gowns for Emmy Winning Actress Carolyn Hennesy to wear throughout the Emmys weekend in 2018.

Get behind the scenes of making the gowns at the Ivey Abitz website.

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Designer Notes Shopping

Fabric Status Page Tracks Sold Out and Nearly Sold Out Weaves

Original Plaster Embroidered Washed Silk - Description: The Spring 2018 piece de resistance, alongside the Lawn Washed Pintuck Silk. A mix of refreshing and calming hues, all in one weave. The variegated striped silk background makes an incredibly unique background for the intricately embroidered floral and vine motif. The vine design cascades across the body, creating a flattering detail within your flattering IA frock.

Introducing the new Fabric Status page at IveyAbitz.com.

We receive many inquiries asking about which fabrics are nearly sold out in the current bespoke collection. Now you can save time and get the answers directly from the Fabric Status page.

Sold Out fabrics are listed at the top, and Nearly Sold Out fabrics are listed next. Keep in mind that sometimes fabrics will sell out before we have a chance to add them to this list. The moral of that story is to order early for best fabric selection.

We will be updating the fabric status page manually as we monitor our fabric stock, so use it as a guide but not a guarantee of availability.

Sometimes we are able to get more of a particular fabric after it is sold out, but this is a rare occasion. It may involve a wait while the fabric is made at the mill, which can take weeks or even months. In this case, we suggest discovering a new fabric to obsess over. Remember, the next collection is always around the corner. And one thing you can depend on is the continuation of the Ivey Abitz aesthetic from season to season.

As always, contact us if you have questions about fabrics. Even with website technology at our disposal, there is no substitute for personal interaction.

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Designer Notes Shopping

First Sold Out Spring Fabric 2018

first sold out ivey abitz fabric of 2018 spring

SOLD OUT – It went fast, and we don’t blame you for sweeping it up while it lasted. Original Plaster Embroidered Washed Silk is the first fabric of Spring to sell out. As always, order early for best selection. Find another favourite spring fabric at the Spring Fabric Palette page.

Spring Look 1, Ivey Abitz BespokeIvey Abitz Look 1, Original Plaster Embroidered Washed Silk sold out, Ivey Abitz bespoke clothingOriginal Plaster Embroidered Washed Silk was the first sold out spring fabric in 2018 from Ivey Abitz bespoke clothing

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Media and Press

Spring 2018 Ivey Abitz Bespoke Debut Announcement

~ Welcome Home ~

Home is a house.

Its various parts — its garden, gate, veranda, door, siding, chimney, windows — all work together to shelter us.

Home is a body.

Its various parts — its skin, neck, arms, chest, waist, hips, legs — all work together to live out our calling.

Home is a garment.

Its various parts — its shape, lines, drape, stitches, threads, texture, hues — all work together to honour our internal and external being.

Home is a refuge where we are comfortable, content, and truly ourselves.

We hope you will find your sartorial home in Ivey Abitz bespoke clothing this spring. View the Spring Look Book, where you’ll get inspired by the 58 looks in our new spring fabrics. And don’t miss your chance to get one of the few remaining, extra special spring fabric swatch portfolios.

Order early for best selection. Debut pricing is effective for a limited time.

Welcome Home,

-all of us at Ivey Abitz

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Barbara Jean from California

Ivey Abitz Bespoke Took my Breath Away

Fennefleur Frock in Garnet Striped Silk from the Winter 2018 Bespoke Clothing Collection by Ivey Abitz.
Fennefleur Frock in Garnet Striped Silk from the Winter 2018 Bespoke Clothing Collection, photographed just before shipping to its new home in California.

I just opened my boxes from the Fall / Winter Collection, and oh my goodness, each box was increasingly wonderful, from the ethereal Garnet Striped Silk at the top to the Floravinea Scarf, so delicate, to the truly delicious Pewter Mohair and Floral Voile, and then, like buried treasure, the Heraldry Frock with those amazing textured stripes, it took my breath away! I love that these clothes are such rich and royal colors and yet so light and airy. I am going to enjoy wearing them always!

You are certainly adding to the beauty and wonder that combats the weariness we might sometimes feel in the day to day routine. I know that my day is brightened whenever I wear my Ivey Abitz wardrobe, and this collection has outdone itself in soft-spoken brilliance that shines for all to see.

With Awe and Amazement,
Barbara

Editor’s note: You can see a gallery of bespoke order images taken just before shipping. Visit the Ivey Abitz Orders Gallery.

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Designer Notes Media and Press

IA101 Debut – Essential Ivey Abitz Designs Ready to Ship

Introducing IA101 Essentials – Ready to Ship

IA101 Essentials are Ivey Abitz garments Ready to Ship
IA101 Essentials are Ready to Ship

We are pleased to announce an Ivey Abitz first…

Introducing IA101 Essentials, a collection of ready-to-ship designs to jump start your Ivey Abitz wardrobe.

We selected a core group of designs that make the basic building blocks of a comprehensive Ivey Abitz collection, and we made them ready-to-ship.

IA101 is your entry to the world of Ivey Abitz. With the basics in your closet, you’ll be ready to build your authentic wardrobe with bespoke pieces from our seasonal collections.

Shop the basics in IA101, and you’ll get everyday life garments you’ll love mixing and matching for years to come.

Soon you’ll be living comfortably, confidently, and authentically with Ivey Abitz garments as your second skin.

Start with the IA101 Look Book to see the looks you can put together.

Or go directly to the IA101 shopping page where you’ll find all the ready-to-ship designs awaiting you.

Gratefully yours,

-all of us at Ivey Abitz

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Cynthia from Missouri

When the Car Hit Me – Recovery and Hopefulness in Ivey Abitz Bespoke

This is a real story by an Ivey Abitz client, Cynthia from Missouri.

This is the actual Camille Frock by Ivey Abitz that Cynthia was wearing when she was struck by a drunk driver. She has recovered from her injuries.
This is the actual Camille Frock Cynthia was wearing when she was struck by a drunk driver. She has recovered from her injuries.

2017 was, in many ways, a year that I was eager to see end, punctuated as it was in the middle – July 5 – by an accident that left me with a broken knee and torn ligaments. On that evening, I was hit by a drunk driver as I walked across the intersection of two very familiar streets in my hometown. The surreal occurrence set in motion a cascade of events, good and bad. As painful and disorienting as it was, I was lucky. I never hit my head; I never lost consciousness. I was also immediately helped by many kind strangers, who came to my aid: getting the license plate of the hit-and-run driver, calling 911, calling friends and my 14-year old son, holding my head, holding my hand and cheering me on.

Interestingly, earlier that very day I had also received four garments from Ivey Abitz, my first-ever order. I have been trying, for the past two years, to have far fewer items of clothing: to develop a “capsule” wardrobe, where the pieces are the best quality I can afford and are produced in a way that is ethical to both people and the environment. When I’d “discovered” Ivey Abitz, I felt pretty certain that these garments would meet all of my wardrobe aspirations. In fact, I had been so impressed and delighted by the beautiful pieces that arrived on July 5, that in the early afternoon, I had written an email to owner Cynthia:

“…I cannot imagine being more pleased. The craftsmanship, tailoring and design are exquisite… I immediately started trying things on, and have yet to take off the Camille Frock. It may sound odd to say it, but it may just change my life.”

Addy Frock in Lake Tufted Plaid Voile by Ivey Abitz
Addy Frock in Lake Tufted Plaid Voile by Ivey Abitz

Indeed, I was still wearing that Camille frock in Feather Vine Weave, when the car hit me that evening, a fact I was also compelled to convey to Cynthia, in an email just a few days later:

“…the very good news is that I am able to write to you to tell you this incredible story. I am thrilled to bits to be alive! The other good news is that, though the emergency medical team cut off my pants, I quickly undid the buttons and inner tie and convinced them to slide, not cut! my [Camille] frock off of me! Whew. Talk about wearing your garments doing everything and weaving your own story into them!”

And, I started to incorporate Ivey Abitz into my recovery plan:

“The not so good news is that I have a broken knee: lateral tibial plateau fracture with ligament damage, and will have to have two surgeries this summer. I will also likely have my left leg in a bulky brace for about 12 weeks! …I would love to order an Addy Frock or Baedeker Skirt to wear during this uncomfortable period.”

Finally, I added, “By the way, despite being hit by a Camry, flying over the top of a car and skidding across asphalt, I cannot find any damage to my lovely Camille Frock!”

Long weeks of recovery again brought frustrating challenges and welcome pleasures. Dismal, uncomfortable and inactive days were interspersed with loving and helpful friends and family members, whose value in my life came sharply into focus after such an unsettling event. And, my Addy Frock in Lake Tufted Plaid Voile, which Cynthia had so kindly and thoughtfully helped me select, arrived and was worn very happily throughout the summer. It made me feel a bit better whether at doctor appointments or just sitting in bed with my leg elevated.

Heraldry Duster Coat - one of Cynthia's "capsule" wardrobe pieces.
Heraldry Duster Coat – one of Cynthia’s “capsule” wardrobe pieces.

As the year ended, I completed physical therapy, and life was returning to a much more normal rhythm. I also added a few more Ivey Abitz pieces to my wardrobe for fall and winter. And indeed, I’m coming close to the capsule wardrobe I envisioned. I have a small but well-orchestrated collection of pieces that work beautifully together. And, of course, that Camille Frock in Feather Vine Weave is key player in the ensemble!

Limited Edition Holkham Hall Vest - one of Cynthia's "capsule" wardrobe pieces.
Limited Edition Holkham Hall Vest – one of Cynthia’s “capsule” wardrobe pieces.

Though I was certainly ready to close the books on one of my most challenging years to date, I am not without a profound appreciation for lessons I learned in 2017: that every moment is truly a precious gift, especially those moments spent with friends and family; that where possessions are concerned, quality is more important that quantity; and that it’s extremely gratifying to be able to incorporate your values into all aspects of your life – wardrobe included. I’m eager to find what 2018 has in store. I know that where Ivey Abitz is concerned, it will be beautiful.

Editor’s note: Thank you, Cynthia, for sharing your harrowing yet hopeful story. May we all endure life’s challenges with such grace and courage.

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Karen from the Midwest

Journey into a Complete IA Bespoke Wardrobe

Journey into a complete IA wardrobe, and you will find a dream come true. Clients express this sentiment to us during each collection we create. This is a part of one such story.

Meet Karen, an Ivey Abitz enthusiast. Originally from the Western U.S., she moved to the Midwest and has devoted her life to nursing, helping others, and raising her children.

Karen wears her Ivey Abitz Hambledon Duster Coat and Fennefleur Frock on a walk.
Karen wears her Ivey Abitz bespoke Hambledon Duster Coat and Fennefleur Frock on a walk.

Discovering Ivey Abitz, Karen fell head over heels for the aesthetic and philosophy of the collection. Her enthusiasm inspires us as she carefully chooses garments from each collection to build her everyday wardrobe.

Karen wrote us a note recently about her journey into a complete IA bespoke wardrobe. Thanks to Karen for allowing us to share her words with the rest of the world.

Ivey Abitz garments don’t distract from the inner woman, and that is why I love them so much. Our society/culture has in some ways gone to the other extreme and exposed women’s bodies more. Being covered in these garments, I believe, is respectful to me, others, and God. It is abusive to sexualize women and distract from their inner beauty. It disrespects us all.

I love what you said in your recent note: “Authenticity and truth is more attractive than anything else in this world.” It is so true. And I like your philosophy of authentic everyday. I have started to wear my Ivey Abitz garments every day – to the grocery store, library, post office, etc.

Thanks for being one of the leaders of the battle against conformity in our society/culture. You not only believe it, you live it, you provide it for others – it’s wonderful! There is one thing I believe that we should all be one in, and that is one in heart. As long as we are loving, kind, and respectful then we can be one in intention and purpose.

I love and support your mission on Earth. I believe that in 100 years women will cherish an Ivey Abitz [garment] they might inherit or find at an estate sale and they will say, “Who was this Ivey Abitz? She surely made women look classy and beautiful!”

– Karen

Karen wears her Ivey Abitz bespoke Canterbury Cardigan and Fennefleur Frock at the county fair.
Karen wears her Ivey Abitz bespoke Canterbury Cardigan and Fennefleur Frock at the county fair.
Karen wears her bespoke Hambledon Duster Coat and Anabel Frock.
Karen wears her bespoke Hambledon Duster Coat and Anabel Frock.
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Designer Notes photos

I voted wearing my Ivey Abitz

Voting is yet another empowering activity enhanced by wearing Ivey Abitz.
Voting is yet another empowering activity enhanced by wearing Ivey Abitz.

This photograph features the New York State I Voted sticker from last week’s election day, honouring 100 years of women’s right to vote in the United States. Voting day ensemble includes garments from the new Fall/Winter 2017-18 Collection – the Pineyrie Jacket in Tilled Field/Pewter Knit with the Limited Edition Blanchefleur Frock in River Houndstooth Rustic Cotton. The Attic Scarf from years back (from Collection One – 2010) is worn around the neck.