Kathryn Sieve is a busy lady. When I last checked in with the Minneapolis-based clothing designer, she was in the midst of ripping out the interior of a 1975 Airstream trailer in anticipation of a built-out that would transform it into a mobile studio for her clothing label, Winsome. The ensuing Kickstarter campaign to fund the build-out was a resounding success, raising $21,329 from 234 backers.
The designer in her Airstream, pre-build-out
Courtesy Winsome
Today, she says the mobile studio is in “full-swing construction.” The finished mobile studio is slated for completion by June 25, the same day that local boutique Cliché is hosting a launch party for the project. The studio will make its first trip this August, and the maiden voyage will include a step at the new Northern Grade flagship store in New York City (where Winsome is a vendor) for a pop-up on September 3.
This spring has also marked an evolution of the Winsome brand itself with the introduction of the line’s first Essentials collection. In the past, Winsome consisted entirely of limited-edition collections— typically available in small runs of 10 to 20—while its spring/summer 2016 collection features a mix of both Essentials and Limited Edition lines. She’ll often fall in love with a ream fabric that is only available in a small quantity, and that’s where the Limited Edition line comes in—”they’re inspired by the fabric,” explains Sieve. Meanwhile, Essential styles will be available through the end of the season, and are either based off of Winsome’s best sellers from previous seasons, or are new designs of easy-to-wear, everyday basics that emphasize versatility, quality, and fit. “They’re designed to be investment pieces that will hold the test of time,” says Sieve. Beginning this fall, she plans to construct all Limited Edition styles out of the mobile studio, and Winsome’s Northeast studio will be producing the Essential collection.
Aesthetically, the collection is a fresh breath of air beckoning late spring and summer’s warmer temperatures—tops, dresses, skirts, and a slouchy jumpsuit with softly architectural details, rendered lightweight linen, cotton, denim, and jersey in neutral hues (white, soft pink, indigo, dove gray).
Though you can shop the full spring/summer collection any hour of the day online at winsomegoods.com, your next chance to shop it in person will be at the Shoot, a live photo shoot event that takes place during Fashion Week MN on Saturday, April 16. Other locally made goods at the event include ACG clothing, House of Gina Marie clothing, Ruby3 hats, Neal Jewelry, and Crystal Quinn shoes and handbags. Get tickets via eventbrite.com.
More looks from the Winsome spring/summer 2016 collection:
Limited Edition Tirmo Denim Top
all lookbook photos: Lauren Krysti
Limited Edition Malmo Open Vest (shown with Limited Edition Laval Wrap Skirt)
Limited Edition Melilla Sueded Top (shown with Limited Edition Laval Wrap Skirt)
Essential Valencia Linen Dress
Limited Edition Bremen Pullover
Limited Edition Mihn Sheer Letter Maxi – coming May 10
