Westport designer Anne Epstein looks great in green, and she thinks you will, too. Green, of course, is shorthand for eco-chic, the term fashion insiders use to describe sustainable, environmentally friendly style.
You dont have to compromise great style for sustainability, Anne says. Theres a way to achieve both.
Achieve both she has. Her Beau Soleil line effuses an effortless beauty comprised of flowing, organic fabrics -- cotton and bamboo are two of her favorites. But wipe any images of sun-bleached burlap and chunky, unflattering cuts from your mind. Beau Soleil may be green, but its also gorgeous. Muted grays and classic blacks are Annes signature style. These pieces whisper designer rather than scream it. And at first blush, they dont even mention green. Her sexy-without-trying styles had me green with envy. (Full disclosure: I bought a bag. Hey, Im just doing my part for the planet.)
Anne moved her business and family from Manhattan to Westport in 2009. We have more space here than we ever could have had in the city, she says. Extra space has actually helped streamline her business. I used to need a warehouse. I was using additional energy and resources just to house my line. Now, I do everything -- design, storage, shipping -- from home. Moving to Westport has actually made my entire line greener.
How does this mother of two (soon to be three) run a viable, sustainable clothing line from Westport?
Its so easy. I get into the city whenever I need to. Up here, we have room to breathe and proximity to the city. Its the best of both worlds.
You can find Beau Soleil online at http://shopbeausoleil.com, and also at http://saksfifthavenue.com. While youre shopping, youll be in good company. Word is: Uma Thurman is a big Beau Soleil fan.
She loves our leggings, Anne says. Theyre so soft, they feel like cashmere.
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