Category: Designer Notes

Notes from designer Cynthia Ivey Abitz.

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Designer Notes

Poetry of Existence – Dennis Severs House

Dennis Severs House, London

I’ve been asked what inspires me as an artist. I like celebrating beauty that is intermingled with the unusual. Here is an example: The Dennis Severs House in London.

The house’s motto is “You either see it or you don’t.”

I admire examples of making everyday life a work of art. Simply existing from day to day was poetical for Severs. His mix of modern and old and not adhering to one particular time period is refreshing, inviting, and imaginative.

 

Dennis Severs Dining Room, Credit Dennis Severs House

 

The house is now a museum. For a glimpse and for directions, visit the website at: http://www.dennissevershouse.co.uk/

 

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Designer Notes

100th Anniversary of Shirtwaist Factory Fire

This week marked the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in New York City. On March 25, 1911, a fire swept through a sweatshop and killed 146 garment workers. They either burned to death or jumped from the flames to their deaths. Most of the workers were young girls between the ages of 14 to 23.

The workers could not escape the building because the managers had locked the doors to the stairwells and exits. This was to ensure that workers stayed on the job and did not steal anything at the end of the work day. The fire led to demanding improved work safety standards for garment workers. It also made New York state one of the most progressive states in terms of labor reform.

This 100 year anniversary is a profound reminder of how special our relationship is with our seamstresses at Ivey Abitz. Our “Made in USA” label is more than a label to us. It is a promise to honor the laborers of history that struggled to set our nation apart from the rest of the world.

Without our beloved seamstresses, we could not do what we do. Our mutual respect and admiration for them is reflected in each and every garment that we create. We look forward to introducing you to them along the way. (They may be a bit camera shy, but we think some portraits of them at work is in order so you can meet them.)

With deep respect and admiration for those who lost their lives 100 years ago…

 

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Hairy Inspiration

Artie the four-legged son of Ivey Abitz
Arthur Ernest Frederick Ivey Abitz, aka Artie

For those of you who have not met the new love of our lives, I’d like to introduce you to our new four-legged son, Arthur Ernest Frederick Ivey Abitz, also known as Artie. He was a rescue from a puppy mill, and Josh and I adopted him into our family last year. His harmonious blend of grey, brown, and black hair is nature’s reminder of how these hues gracefully blend and play off of one another. He is a glimpse of perfection to me in this imperfect world.

The inspiration for Collection One – 2011’s palette came from this beloved face that is part of my everyday life. May the new collection give you a glimpse of perfection that brings a smile to your face, just like Artie does for me every day.

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Designer Notes

Give Clothing, Give Power to Women in Need

A letter from designer Cynthia Ivey Abitz.

Dear Ivey Abitz lady patrons,

As your collection of Ivey Abitz garments grows, we hear many of you say, ” I don’t wear anything else now but Ivey Abitz, and my closet is filled with non-Ivey Abitz things I no longer wear.”

We have an idea of how to clean out your closet: it will help you with the Ivey Abitz wardrobes that you’re creating, and it will help empower other women – just when they need it most.

Through November 16, 2009, Ivey Abitz is holding a clothing drive for Bottomless Closet NYC, a non-profit organization that helps economically disadvantaged New York City women become self-sufficient through their comprehensive program. It begins with dressing them in business attire outfits for job interviews from the Bottomless Closet boutique, created all from donations. The program also consists of interview preparation, professional development, financial management, and personal enrichment programs. It is all free for each and every woman that comes to Bottomless Closet for a hand in taking a new lease on life.

I have volunteered for Bottomless Closet, assisting women with putting together outfits for upcoming job interviews. The women first come in to shop at the boutique for clothing for their upcoming job interviews. The hope in the boutique is palpable; their confidence about their upcoming interviews and themselves increases exponentially with each outfit that is put together for them. Some share with me that it’s the first time they’ve been shopping for clothing in years. Others share with me that they just didn’t know what they would’ve done without Bottomless Closet to support them. Many leave with tears of joy streaming down their cheeks, and they hug the volunteers with gratitude for helping them find the perfect outfits. The power of good clothing and what it can do to positively change everyone’s lives should never be underestimated.

So, dear Ivey Abitz patrons, I’m hoping that you can assist these women by donating fall and winter clothing that you no longer wear. As a thank you for the garments you give to Bottomless Closet through our drive, we will give you money back in the form of a gift certificate on your next Ivey Abitz purchase.

Visit IveyAbitz.com for details on how to give clothing to Bottomless Closet.

We look forward to seeing more women’s lives change firsthand through your generosity and appreciation of Ivey Abitz.

Many thanks,

Cynthia Ivey Abitz
Designer, Ivey Abitz