From the Desk of Maisie

I’ve spent the last six weeks in Spring/Summer 2025.  As Buyer, I always have one foot in the present season and one in the next. Looking to the future, there’s always a sense of déjà vu. Especially in an election year. I can consult the planets, the cards, the newsfeed, but the fact remains: I cannot predict the future. All I know is change is constant. And I can make peace with that.

There’s the déjà vu that sets off the alarm bells, and there’s nostalgia, too. I joke that I can remember a bra from ten years ago, but not something important on my agenda. When we think of nostalgia we often think of a saccharine sentimentality. But it’s also the pang of coming home. Nothing is the same. And it never will be. The lingerie of yore no longer exists, except archived in our treasured wardrobes. C’est la vie.

In SS25, I see nostalgia at play:

A recolor of a bra from FW19 sent me back to the archive. A different time. On Zoom with Igor, the designer of Noblesse Oblige, I waxed nostalgic about that first season with the brand, and the fabulous reversible velvet robe to 4XL. I learned it was his favorite piece! And now he’ll bring it back for us for FW25 in a William Morris Liberty print. Something to look forward to.

The future is not all doom and gloom. It doesn’t have to be. At least not forever. *Nothing* is forever, after all. Optimism is, as Angela Davis put it, an absolute necessity.

So, what do you want to do next spring? How do you want to feel? Where do you want to go? And, somewhat trivially, what do you want to wear? I can picture a few options...

I don’t know about you, but I’m sick of drudgery. If I’m going to suffer my daily chores, I’m infusing my life with moments of beauty and pleasure and comfort.

When I met with Lise Charmel last month, Sandra offered me a cup of green tea. She had packed her favorite for the trip down from Oakland and told me all about what made it so special. The region, the growers, the distributor, the flavors. A simple moment to share something essential, but also beautiful. Jenette sometimes calls us sommeliers of lingerie, how we share that same special moment of connection with our clients when we share our expertise.

We later spoke about customers becoming more intentional with their purchases. More than a trend, I think many clients want to invest in only the things they love. That bring comfort and pleasure and beauty, as well as support.

Being intentional with your purchase connects you beyond the fitting room, beyond your city, to métiers around the world. We support designers and artisans and their craftsmanship while we have the chance. We're all so deeply connected and support one another.

It’s a bit disorienting. When the orders are finally placed, to then sit and wait for the future you’re planning to come to fruition. I don’t have a crystal ball, but I see connection, love, beauty, and intention in ours.

Forever grateful for your support,

Maisie