I promised I would share more about the infinitely talented Emily Katz, and here it is!
I knew something was different about the unassuming little stall on one wall of the giant Ft. Mason hangar that housed last week's Renegade Craft Fair. I had been so bombarded with cutesy appliques, screenprinted tees, cards and knicknacks that my eyes were swimming.
I'm not sure what drew me in first - the poetically neutral palette of her collection, or the sunny demeanor of Emily herself. As soon as I flipped through the racks, I could see the quality, the adept cuts and proportions, the fine, unfamiliar fabrics she used. Frankly, I was surprised she was showing at the festival at all, because it certainly felt as though she were a master moving among amateurs.
As Bhumi and I chatted her up, I heard a little more about how Emily got started (six years ago in Portland), some of her other talents (singing, making music), and things that inspire her. She was very patient as I hemmed and hawed over the "wish" top, an incredibly wearable trapeze shape with a swooping drape, and a nice structure--given by the interesting blend of hemp and Tencel fiber that she uses. At that price though, the purchase was inevitable. We tried on some other pieces - Bhumi fit well into this pleat-front French terry sheath that made her look like an Indian Audrey Hepburn, but ultimately decided on a single scarf despite my cajoling.
All in all, an amazing discovery!