Category: Designer Notes

Notes from designer Cynthia Ivey Abitz.

Rescue Dogs Make Great Models

Post author By Ivey Abitz
Post date October 25, 2022

Carolyn Hennesy with Ivey Abitz rescue dogs. An outfit from the Winter Spring 2023 Ivey Abitz Bespoke Clothing collection.

Variations on a theme of delightful—especially when you surround yourself with true friends. Our all season designs are ideal for all climates!

Ivey Abitz clothing will always strive to be just like the saintly souls (rescued animals) that have inspired the entire collection: forgiving, always there for us, get better as they get older, and love us just as we are.  They are the truest of friends.

True story No. 21: Featured are Gilbert Ivey Abitz (upper left), Harry Ivey Abitz (upper right), and Cordelia Rose Ivey Abitz (bottom left). Maitland hosts the gathering as a resident of Wyatt Hall. Cordelia Rose is the mother of Gilbert and Harry who are brothers and littermates. They were all rescued from a backyard breeder that We Help Animals, a rescue group in Tennessee, helped close for good. Cordelia Rose came to us exhausted after being used for making money for her puppies. Gilbert arrived panicked with severe separation anxiety. Harry was shy and suspicious of humans. They have spent the past several years in our home resting and learning to love again. They are now proud assistants in the Ivey Abitz studio every day. Maitland was adopted as a puppy, and despite his numerous health issues has lived to be over 10 years old, thanks to the amazing care he receives as the little prince of Wyatt Hall!

Order today at iveyabitz.com.

Support what you believe in by wearing clothing that reflects your aesthetic ideals. Ivey Abitz is of the highest quality, is made by our family of tailors, and is kind to the earth. Ivey Abitz is made in New York because it matters where and how clothing is created.

Designer Notes

Arthur and Wolfgang

Post author By Ivey Abitz
Post date October 21, 2022

Emmy Winning Actress Carolyn Hennesy with Arthur and Wolfgang. Carolyn is wearing Ivey Abitz bespoke clothing from the Winter Spring 2023 collection.

Ivey Abitz clothing will always strive to be just like the saintly souls (rescued animals) that have inspired the new collection: forgiving, always there for us, get better as they get older, and love us just as we are.  They are the truest of friends.

Carolyn wears our new Pewter palette in our Chevallier designs — the shirt, vest, and frock.

True Friends Story: Meet Arthur Ernest Frederick and Wolfgang Franklin Whittemore, the first children adopted into the Ivey Abitz Pack. Artie and Wolfie, our Grey Boys, opened our eyes and hearts to the need for animal rescue. Wolfie is Artie’s canine father. Both were rescued from a backyard breeder who had over 100 breeding dogs in her backyard in wretched conditions. We Help Animals in Franklin, Tennessee, saved their lives! Artie was a puppy, so he doesn’t remember the horrible living conditions. Wolfie, however, remembers well. He has taught us much about trauma, healing, and forgiveness. Here they are with Carolyn, ready to go out into the world for an adventure, whilst Artie (top) wears his Train Car Coat and Wolfie wears his Theodore Coat.

Order today at iveyabitz.com.

Designer Notes

Cynthia and Carolyn

Post author By Ivey Abitz
Post date September 4, 2022

Cynthia Ivey Abitz and Carolyn Hennesy at the photo shoot for the Winter Spring 2023 Ivey Abitz Collection of Bespoke Clothing

Artist Cynthia Ivey Abitz and actress Carolyn Hennesy together on location for new look book photo shoot. Tilly, the Ivey Abitz’s senior rescue dog, is featured in the look book along with Carolyn to put a spotlight on awareness for animal adoption. It’s a sneak preview for Winter & Spring 2023. Sign up to our newsletter at iveyabitz.com and be the first to know when the new collection debuts!

@carolynhennesy

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Designer Notes Media and Press

Ivey Abitz Empowers Women with Joyful History Inspired Collection

Post author By Ivey Abitz Designer
Post date July 2, 2022

Liberté Jacket in Poppy Puckered Knit; Ellis Frock in Poppy Garden Weave; Liberté Frock in Poppy Variegated Raised Stripe; Hapgood Hat in Poppy Embroidered Hat Weave. Bespoke clothing by Ivey Abitz.

Read the press release for the 2022 Summer Collection here.

NEW YORK – July 5, 2022 – PRLog — The new Ivey Abitz summer collection, “100 Looks of Summer,” seeks to empower women with joyful clothing.

Artist/designer Cynthia Ivey Abitz looked to art from the first world war and the 1918 pandemic to see how artists countered the trials of their time.

“The undeniable parallels between life one hundred years ago and life today resonated with me,” said artist/designer Cynthia Ivey Abitz. “I looked to bold palettes and positive messages from the past for hopeful clues about how to endure the present.”

Ivey Abitz went one step further by adding inspirational directives to her paintings. She chose credos that drive her own life and artwork.

Cynthia Ivey Abitz painting in her studio.

“While reading the news, it often feels like the world has derailed, and I need to be reminded of the basic tenets that I believe give a life purpose and meaning,” Ivey Abitz explained. “My hope is that the clothing Ivey Abitz creates and puts into the world will be a guidepost on the path to living everyday life with intention.”

Part of living life with intention for Ivey Abitz comes in the form of keeping her business small and local. The clothing is made in New York by a select few tailors who adhere to a high standard of quality. Garments are sold directly to customers through IveyAbitz.com.

“As an artist, I savour each and every interaction with clients. They are wrapping themselves in my creations, and I consider it a great honour. That willingness to live within a work of art is a big part of the definition of success for me,” said Ivey Abitz.

Each Ivey Abitz garment is made only when a customer orders, which reduces waste and overhead. Ivey Abitz believes her garments are the antidote to fast fashion and a source of daily joy for those who wear them.

“It is essential to clothe ourselves in aesthetic ideals and to be kind to our bodies and the Earth. Wearing Ivey Abitz is an act of defiance against the worldly woes that claw for our good humor each and every day,” she said.

For Ivey Abitz, the key to reclaiming that good humor lies in wearing clothing that brings joy.

“My designs are cloaks of intent. They are the arms of the warmest, most caring embrace, saying, ‘C’mon. Savor it. There is joy in the journey!'”

The Ivey Abitz 2022 Summer collection of bespoke clothing is sold exclusively at the designer’s website, IveyAbitz.com.

Designer Notes Videos

Collection One 2022 Video

Post author By Ivey Abitz Blogger
Post date December 21, 2021

Introducing the new Ivey Abitz collection of bespoke clothing from New York artist/designer Cynthia Ivey Abitz. Collection One, c. 2022 is inspired by the beacon and sanctuary for artists that is New York City.

Photographed throughout NYC, the look book for Collection One, c. 2022 is designed to inspire your wardrobe in a new way: the Ivey Abitz original concepts of design grace the urban landscape in practical, everyday scenes.

This collection is our way of celebrating life through the clothing we choose to embrace ourselves in each and every day.

Designer Notes

How To Choose Fabrics

Post author By Ivey Abitz Blogger
Post date August 5, 2021

Ans Jacket in Coral and Seagrass Washed Linen; River Frock in Coral Embroidered Washed Silk; Bertie Frock in Coral and Seagrass Washed Linen; Fairholme Sash in Coral Embroidered Washed Silk. Ivey Abitz Bespoke Clothing.

How to Decide on your Next Ivey Abitz Garments

Advice from the Artist Herself – Cynthia Ivey Abitz

Over the past fifteen years, I’ve learned what works best for deciding upon garments from the collection by working directly with our clients around the world. With over 200 original designs and new fabrics in each collection, Ivey Abitz offers some incredible choices that will give you a one-of-a-kind lifetime wardrobe. Here are some suggestions to help you decide what to order from the new collection, especially if this is your first time ordering from us!

1.) Always go with what initially draws you in. If there is something in the Look Book that calls you the most, listen to this helpful voice. This is what allows you to clothe yourself most authentically.

2.) Some clients can visualize Ivey Abitz designs in our various fabrics, and choosing is easy for them—especially with our fabric swatches in hand. Some brains, though, simply aren’t wired in this way, and this is perfectly okay! This is why we take the time to create Look Books with such thought and care. We photograph design and fabric combinations that we believe are ideal and the most versatile. You are able to see the designs in an actual fabric so you can see drape and proportion. Order your favourites from the Look Book and know that they have the Ivey Abitz stamp of approval on them.

3.) If you ever feel overwhelmed whilst deciding, please stop and remind yourself of what you loved in the first place. If it’s everything in the collection (which we hear all the time), we will help you narrow down your choices based upon how you’ll be wearing the garments, your climate, and your clothing investment budget. Contact us anytime, and we will kindly respond to your questions. I will always try to personally reply to all of you when I can! One of my favourite things in the world is getting to know the people that appreciate this special collection Josh and I have put out into the world. We love helping people celebrate everyday life through clothing. We love hearing from you.

4.) Remember that Ivey Abitz clothing is meant to be worn often and enjoyed for years to come. With this in mind, it is easier to make selections and take the leap to place your order. The sooner you order, the sooner you will have clothing for everyday wear, as well as your once-in-a-lifetime special occasions. The clothing you choose represents your aesthetic ideals, ethical purchasing practices, and your joy and gratitude for life.

We look forward to creating for you from the Midsummer 2021 collection!

Designer Notes Shopping Videos

New IA101 Look Videos

Post author By Ivey Abitz Blogger
Post date March 14, 2021

Want an easy going, laid back way to take in each new IA101 Look?

IA101 Look videos give you all the images from an IA101 look in one easy going video. Enjoy the soothing sounds of our original Ivey Abitz elevator music. You’ll be gently lifted to the next level of your Ivey Abitz wardrobe.

Closeups, profiles, and overviews give you all the perspective you need to inspire your next Ivey Abitz acquisition. Of course the still images are also available in a gallery below each of the look videos.

Here’s a video from Look 6…

We hope IA101 Look videos make your wardrobe planning easier, more enjoyable, and uplifting.

IA101 Look Book

Designer Notes

SOLD OUT ALERT – Civility Soft Check Twill

Post author By Ivey Abitz Blogger
Post date February 28, 2021

Now sold out from Ivey Abitz Collection no. 64 – Civility Soft Check Twill.

Description: Soft to touch, fluid in drape, lighter in weight, and opaque. It is an ideal weave for ensembles when layering is needed. We love it best in a layering frock, shirt, or indoor duster. Muted greens and blues mix so very well within the collection.

Content: 100 percent soft and lightweight cotton twill. Four season weave.

Care: Simply hand wash or put through machine delicate cycle in cold water with a plant based detergent. We suggest using a natural fabric softener to maintain the softness we have washed into it. Tumble dry on extra-low heat with our artisan wool dryer balls to keep the relaxed effect that is featured in the Look Book.

Here is our ode to Civility Soft Check Twill – a few images from the glorious photoshoot at Eleanor Roosevelt’s Val-Kill.

Hudson Duster Coat in Peace Soft Pinstripe Cotton; Hudson Frock in Civility Soft Check Twill; Porte Cochere Sash in Civility Floral Stretch Weave. Location: East profile of Stone Cottage. Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site. Val-Kill, Hyde Park, New York.

See the entire Collection no. 64 fabric palette here.

Designer Notes

Remembering Kaye – An Ivey Abitz Master Tailor

Post author By Ivey Abitz
Post date November 26, 2020

Kaye, an Ivey Abitz master seamstress, at her sewing machine in 2012.

We have some sad news to share with our dear clients.

Kaye, one of our longtime master tailors and friends, died peacefully in her home last week.

We know most of you were not able to officially meet her in person, but you knew her through her fine sewing. She worked for Ivey Abitz from 2009-2020, and she has sewn thousands of bespoke garments for us. If you have several Ivey Abitz garments in your closet, then you most likely have special one-of-a-kind garments that were sewn by Kaye.

Our other dear and incredibly talented tailors have also learned from Kaye over the years, and thankfully her legacy carries on through them with their attention to detail and dedication to mastering my challenging and intricate designs.

I will miss working with Kaye in her impressive Brooklyn sewing studio she dedicated to Ivey Abitz since 2009. I will miss her dozens of calls while she was working on projects for us from her sewing studio and I was in my design studio. Phone calls were her versions of texts and emails — she was proudly “old school.” I’d put her on speaker phone, and we’d go over things together. Our dogs know Kaye by the sound of her voice; they knew her as Auntie Kaye. She knew how to stop Artie from barking. She knew how to turn Harry’s head by singing an impromptu Broadway tune. She knew how to spread love and joy through everything she did — especially through a sewing project.

Her sudden death has admittedly shaken me to my core, and it will take awhile to process the enormous loss. I truly loved Kaye. She wasn’t just a coworker. She was a friend. She was part of our family. I will miss her quirkiness, talent, and love. But I have to trust, just as she believed, that she isn’t gone—she’s just gone on before. She’s now with her dear dog/daughter Mandy who died in 2009. She mentioned her often, and she missed her so much. The thought of this brings a smile to my face and gives me peace.

— Cynthia Ivey Abitz

Tags beauty, detail, tailor

Designer Notes

VOTE 2020

Post author By Ivey Abitz
Post date November 1, 2020

VOTE

Eleanor Roosevelt votes in one of the first elections in which women had the right to vote. New York, November 3, 1936. Photograph courtesy FDR Library.

A Personal Note from Cynthia

This is a reminder to all of our clients in the United States: if you haven’t done so already in early voting, remember to vote on November 3rd.

Eleanor Roosevelt, along with her friends, worked very hard a hundred years ago so that women could have the vote in the United States. They have passed the torch on to us to make certain EVERYONE is treated with respect and equality.

Cynthia stands in line to vote during the pandemic, 100 years after the 19th amendment gave women the right to vote in the United States. New York, October 30, 2020. Photograph courtesy Josh Ivey Abitz.

I thought about Eleanor a lot as Josh and I stood in line together, waiting to vote in the rain and unusual autumn snow squalls yesterday here in New York. For the hour and forty minutes we were in line, there was a sense of reverence from the people waiting. Everyone was masked for the pandemic, respectful and kind while exercising their civic duty. It made me hopeful that a world can continue that honours civility and kindness—one that Eleanor reminds us will only happen if we make it so.

She once wrote, “It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.”

An important part of the work is voting, so please remember to vote.

If you plan to wear your Ivey Abitz garments when you vote, please send us photographs of you in action. We’d love to see images of solidarity and hope as we exercise our right to vote.

— Cynthia Ivey Abitz