Beach Chic: Ellen Allen Annapolis
August is the month of vacationing. Whether you’re jet setting off to Capri for the week or enjoying a four-day in Montauk, it’s your last chance to put your most summery accessories to use. That’s where Ellen Allen Annapolis comes in.
If you had to pick one word to describe her collection it would be colorful.
Her line of bright, nautical-inspired scarves and handbags look like they were plucked off a chic Nantucket housewife. Preppy yet whimsical, basic colors of blue and yellow become fun with a fish print and her handbags, shiny and structured, are fit for a day at the yacht club.
I’m driven by color,” Ellen said. “I love, love, love color, and it and the amazing patterns I see around me inspire me to create.”
The interior designer and former Nordstroms sales associate applied her knowledge of retail and design into the new creative endeavor.
“When I was working with all of my interior design patterns and fabrics, I always wanted to design and create a great bag, jacket or scarf,” she said. “During that time, fashion and accessory design was never far from my mind.”
It only took a while for Ellen to put her interior design business on pause and pay attention to her new passion. A year young, Ellen Allen Annapolis boasts a collection of six silk scarves and four handbags.
Although the collection is small, it’s the start of something bigger for the Maryland native.
“In terms of where the brand will go, I’ve always felt like I’m not just building an accessories brand, but a lifestyle brand instead,” she said.
Not a far cry from a scarf, Ellen Allen plans to create the male alternative: ties. Along with the male accessory, she will launch jewelry, home goods and swimwear in 2011.
Originally inspired after quitting her job and traveling the world. Ellen hopes that, once again, travel will help her pursue her creative passions.
“My long term hope is that I can take my love of travel on the road and derive inspiration from architecture and nature from around the world,” she said.
To purchase a scarf or handbag from her collection, go to her web site at www.ellenallen.com.
Tagged in: lux exclusives, handbags, accessories, spring, vacation, summer, resort,
Ellen Allen/PurpleNeon for LadyLUX
