The Inspiration

VIVID has evolved from a collage of life experiences full of fun, travel, excitement, and passion.

I spent the first four years of my life traveling between Sierra Leone and New York. One of my earliest memories is of my adoring nanny, Aye. Her quick reflexes in rescuing me from the jaws of a green mamba snake in our garden probably saved my life. And the scar on my left shoulder—from the bite the mamba did land—is a daily reminder of her.

But my memory, strangely, is not of her sweeping me up in her arms that day in the garden. Nor is it of her holding my hand as the doctor swabbed at my shoulder. When I picture Aye, all I see is brilliant color. Her bright, deep, hand-blocked clothing forms the landscape for my creative journey. I remember being enamored by the texture of the fabrics she wore and constantly staring at the colorful designs. I would marvel at the intricacies of the patterns in her dresses trying to visually unravel one design from the next. These early memories have lasted and have contributed to the inspiration behind VIVID.

Many years later, my parents gave me a few yards of a rich, deep green, hand-blocked wax print fabric, which I held onto for ages, until one day, in a burst of creative energy, I fashioned them into trousers for my husband. Impressed with the design (and endlessly confident), he wore them around town, both to show off my “inspired moment” and also because they are so unique. They are meaningful, a great conversation piece and absolutely VIVID. I wish they were mine!

The highly creative environment in which I was raised has also inspired VIVID. Holiday meals were never ordinary; our living room walls were covered in a fabulous silver paint, which added dimension to both the ambience and conversation due to the reflective light in the silver hue. My family's untraditional, and unapologetic personal preferences helped form my distinct sense of style. Our exquisite garden, which was meticulously maintained by my mother with dad's help, boasted oversized heart-shaped topiaries, an apple orchard for breakfasting, arbors of apricot trees which mother had always been told could never be done (poisonous words for the willful women in our family…it can always be done, if you really want to get it done…). Obviously, this defiant streak, coupled with a deep vein of creativity and passion, has made my parents, especially my mother—and the life's experience they have bestowed on me—another critical inspiration for VIVID.

After much soul-searching and consideration, and after allowing myself to lean closer and closer to the creative urges I have always reluctantly relegated to that back burner, VIVID has come to life. Change is necessary - if only to avoid the staid routine life can slip into, if you let it. And although my career to date has been invaluable and filled with opportunity for acquiring business knowledge and experience, I have consistently felt the need for something more - a reward for myself; a path to something more creative and fulfilling, or simply the space to spend more time doing the things I especially adore. VIVID is just this. A new, bright option for women who want something more. An excuse for color. A vibrant statement. A bright whimsical story that introduces the perfect outfit, day or night. VIVID is an expression of fun, excitement, and passion, with a soupçon of the un-traditional.

The colors and patterns I combine today are designed to inspire imagination and joy. I hope they also inspire you to: