Sample Sale

Meet Eileen Fisher; designer extraordinaire and creator of her own eponymous clothing line. Her comfy high-end line features everything from pajamas to business casual clothing. Her unique flare manifests itself in each of her pieces, which are designed to be comfortable, yet fashionable. Eileen’s line was premised on simplicity. She was irked by the fact that men have such an easy time getting dressed in the morning, while women’s clothing is forever getting more complicated. She doesn’t believe in runways or huge in-your-face events, she believes that clothing is made for real life.

Despite Eileen’s rise to fame in the fashion world, she didn’t follow the most traditional path to the designer life. Check out these 5 things you didn’t know about Eileen Fisher:

1. Fisher’s Lack of Fashion Background

That’s right folks, this savvy designer who makes clothes for everyday use is not a graduate of FIT or LIM. Rather, she attended University of Illinois, starting out as a math major, before switching to interior design.

2. The Inspiration for Fisher’s First Piece Was Derived From the Japanese Kimono.

Those who have been exposed to the Eileen Fisher line are quite aware that none of her pieces look anything like the traditional kimono. Rather than the actual garb itself, Fisher was astonished by how this traditional article of clothing has withstood the test of time, and is still incredibly relevant. “I was intrigued that the kimono was the only shape in Japan that they used for years, how can you make a design to last that long? A design that belongs to a moment, but also, transcends a moment.” (Ellen Fisher quoted in an article in Fashionista.) This inspired the quality of simplicity in her line.

3. She is an Entrepreneur as well as Designer

        As mentioned previously, unlike most famous designers with renowned brand name lines, Fisher had no formal education in neither fashion nor business. The first piece of clothing she made was done in her home, using a sewing machine and a pair of scissors. “If I had some technical training, maybe I might have gotten the idea off the ground earlier,” said Fisher.” On the other hand, because I didn’t know what I was supposed to do or how I should do it, I just did it differently in my own way.” (http://fashionista.com/2016/04/eileen-fisher-fashionista-meetup)

4. She’s an Activist

         Not only is Eileen an established designer, she also plays a large role in assisting women and girls by activating their leadership potential. The “Activating Leadership Grant” funds programs that help women and girls activate their natural leadership qualities. Each year of the grant has its own unique theme. Non-profit organizations that fit the category apply, and are awarded on a relevance and need basis. 2016, the 7^th year of the grant accepted organizations that follow the theme of applying leadership attributes.

5. There’s a Sample Sale coming up!

Want to see what all the hype is about? Come check out the Eileen Fisher sample sale at the boutique’s 9^th street location. The sample sale will feature a peek at the spring line for up to 50% off in select sizes. Winter line in various sizes for 40% off. Keep in mind this sample sale is only two days long so save the date! March 11^th and 12th