Introducing M. Martin. When Alex Gilbert began daydreaming about launching a new sportswear brand, she had legacy on her mind. Her own legacy, as a founder of the seminal Paper Denim & Cloth. The legacy of her family: Gilbert’s grandparents, Martin and Minna, started their own fashion business in the midst of World War II. Then there was the legacy of American sportswear itself—the un-fussy yet authoritatively soigné look of Bonnie Cashin and early Calvin Klein.

M. Martin carries all those legacies into the future. Launched with Gilbert’s friend and fellow fashion-lifer Jennifer Noyes, and named in honor of Martin and Minna, M. Martin updates the midcentury American sportswear aesthetic for a new generation. These are clothes for grown-ups, confident women who express elegance through a sense of ease. Durable, modern-day staples that can be worn and re-worn any which way. This is forever style, with a contemporary twist.

Living Inspiration from Georgia O’Keeffe’s home.

Get to know: Lizzie Fortunato & Kathryn Fortunato of Lizzie Fortunato Jewels.

Lizzie designs the line while Kathryn oversees sales and operations. Lizzie constructs a distinct narrative with each collection, naming each style, and often drawing on historical, artistic, and architectural references as she goes. The line has become synonymous with unique, ahead of the curve accessories that are influenced by fine art, travel, and artisanal craftwork. 

Who is the Lizzie Fortunato girl?

Lizzie: The Lizzie Fortunato girl is not defined by age or by trends. She invests in pieces that turn heads and tell a story. 

Kathryn: The Lizzie Fortunato girl is an adventurer, a storyteller and an original dresser.

What inspired you for your Fall 2015 collection?

Lizzie: Our adventures in Morocco! Travel always informs the line, but this season has a very real, tangible Moroccan influence — a dusty terra-cotta palette that reflects the hues of the outdoor markets and lots of shades of teal that mimic the reflecting pools and beautiful courtyards of the Riyads. 

Kathryn: A recent trip to Morocco. Two stories prevailed: part of the collection was inspired by the serenity and beauty of the indoor riyads with their exquisite tile work and reflecting pools. The other half of the collection was inspired by the rich hues of the crowded markets — strong silhouettes in burgundy, brass and dark green.

What is your uniform?

Lizzie: Hemmed jeans, loafers, and a long blazer.

Kathryn: Tailored clothing, almost always hemmed. Apiece apart most days. 

Describe the aesthetic of your home.

Lizzie: Eclectic: A lot of found objects and textiles collected from my travels. There’s a lot of layering of artwork and throws and ceramics — keepsakes and artisanal reminders of all the places that we go that provide inspiration for the Lizzie Fortunato collection.

Kathryn: A mix of rustic and modern with an emphasis on good art. When I graduated college I bought a Robert Motherwell print and ever since have been proud to collect a small but growing body of work of artworks that I love.

What is your go-to beauty product?

Lizzie: Japanese hair wax — a must for my boy cut!

Kathryn: Hmm, Oil of Olay lotion and Nars bronzer. 

New from Black Crane.

Shop the collection here.

Every object from Open House is well-considered, striving for balance and symmetry.  Designed by Monika Wyndham, Open House explore the process of designing on a small and intimate scale. As part of the design intention, many of the pieces land slightly off-balance as evidence of their being hand-made. Mixed metals, raw stones and darkened etchings are key elements to this offering.

Shop the collection here

Objects Without Meaning Slip Dress / Objects Without Meaning Lounge Pant, Navy / Black Crane Overall, White / Black Crane 3/4 Sleeve Dress / Black Crane Loose Tee, Navy / Black Crane Wrap Pants / Black Crane Culottes, Green Black

Building Block was started in Los Angeles by sisters Kimberly and Nancy Wu. Their intent is to clear away conventional standards of luxury by magnifying what is essential and editing out excess. Building Block encourages a minimalist approach to accessories and finds inspiration in returning to square one.

Shop the collection here.

New from Esby Apparel / Online soon

New Jewelry at Kick Pleat

KICK PLEAT LOOKBOOK SUMMER 2015 / PHOTOGRAPHY: KATE LESUEUR