Toni Whitaker: Collection Femme Fatale




Mattie Loreta Kirkland opposite her future husband Theodore Whitaker
Camden, SC  1942

 

While no one actually left any comments on my first blog, many sent me emails and made comments on Facebook. The curiosity is up because I did not answer the who, what, when and where questions.         

That was intentional.  I wanted my initial blogger efforts to be as mysterious and seductive as my new collection.      

Who   is the inspiration behind the collection?

No insult to Lauren Bacall, but the quintessential femme fatale   that I'm paying homage to is Mattie Loretta Whitaker, my mom.  In the words of my father, "That is my girl" ,   and the inspiration behind the collection.

What will the collection look like?

Transparent to metallic separates and  little dresses shift into backless, long and short  (even shorts).


When will the collection debut?
My first RTW collection is designed in collaboration with Aris Milan for Coquette Boutique and Bistro and will debut the first week of February.


Where?
Of course the collection will be available at Coquette Boutique and Bistro on Westheimer @ Hazard.  A fun preview party is in the works.  Details TBA.

The Lady Behind the Label

The anonymous face in an organza teadress with handmade rosettes

For the past 26 years I have always had my own studio and retail space.  In December of 2010, I ended my long standing presence in the Rice Village area.  This was a decision that I did not make lightly and not one I made on the spur of the moment.  The most difficult decision was how to keep my label mainstream. So I've set my sights on the world of RTW with mass production and standardize sizing.

I've never had to please a large audience.  My clientele was private and buying Toni Whitaker was by appointment. What I had to ask myself was, "Who is that lady behind the label?"  That lady being me, the designer, and that anonymous face that will now be wearing my garments. The only thing anonymous about my creations was the size tag.

So as I started to define this lady behind the label and reshape my future collections, I

was struck with the image of the quintessential femme fatale.  This woman is seductive, exotic, self assured and beautiful. While staying true to my brand, I've loosen my silhouettes, soften the fabric hand, added some stretch and movement.  I've stepped out of my box to bring you a new and unique collection. Toni Whitaker, in sizes 2-12. Made in the USA.             



"Change brings about change, but designing is my life.  As long as I'm alive, I'll be designing."Toni Whitaker