Although they're only in their mid-twenties, Stephanie Verrieres and Kimie Sako design for what the French politely call la femme d'un certain age, the certain age in this case being 35-45. It shouldn't be a surprise since the design duo draw inspiration more from Coco Chanel than Paris Hilton.

"We looked back at the masters and identified some key elements that we fell in love with," says Verrieres, "like the column silhouette, long flowing skirts and exposed back. Kimie and I find a place that we can go outside of our studio, a jazz lounge, outdoors, wherever our mood takes us, and then we sketch. We imagine what we would wear now if we were  to walk into that place and time.
"There are a lot of construction details from the past that are not commonly seen on modern clothing," she continues, "such as darts at the back of the neck or elbow. These design elements have a function and help aid in a better fit."

The vintage-inspired formula has been a hit. "We've had success beyond what we predicted when we started," says Verrieres. "We had no idea it would take off this fast."

The line is carried in a large number of specialty boutiques in the Bay Area (where the clothing is also manufactured). It is not yet carried in any Southern California retail stores.

For Spring 2008, Verrieres & Sako will offer a glammed-up collection of light and flowing fabrics with an emphasis on column shapes, rather than tailored waists and full skirts. "It almost has a Grecian appeal, but in a '30s sort of way," says Verrieres.

And don't expect any bare midriffs: "We really feel like the back of the neck and across the back is a very sensual part of a woman's body, and exposing part of that adds just enough sex appeal without being too obvious."

Another highlight for spring is knits, which are made from 95% bamboo 5% lycra. "We are using this new innovative and sustainable fabric, but in a very glamorous and high fashion way,” says Verrieres. "And our signature fabric manipulation comes into play in a very dominant way, using ruching in swirls, circles and lines to gather fabric into a fitted silhouette."   

www.verrieres-sako.com

Article By Christian Chensvold