Get in line

Meredith Melling, from left, Molly Howard and Valerie Macaulay, founders of La Ligne. Photographs courtesy La Ligne.
La, Ligne, a fashion line launched by former Vogue editors, is devoted to the ever-classic stripe.

Back in April, we attended the Bruce Museum’s annual “Art of Design” panel at Greenwich Country Club.

Among the talented panelists were three women — former Vogue editors Meredith Melling and Valerie Macaulay, and Molly Howard, former head of business development at the edgy clothing brand rag & bone.

However, it wasn’t their glamorous pasts that they came to discuss but their present and future. After a combined 25 years working for Vogue, Melling and Macaulay left the company in 2013 to set off on their own venture. Realizing that with each passing trend, stripes seem to hold their ground as a staple pattern for men and women of all styles, shapes and sizes, the duo founded La Ligne, calling on Howard to join them as their CEO. 

La Ligne, French for “the line,” is a direct-to-consumer womenswear brand with one common theme — stripes. Launched in 2016, the brand weaves the stripe motif through just about every piece in its collection, whether in the form of delicate pinstripes, a classic breton or bold colorblocking.

The combination of timeless stripes and comfortable clothing has been a recipe for La Ligne’s success. (Perhaps the blessing of Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour was a sign.) The founders say their clothing is “so comfortable that you could eat, sleep, drink and dance in it.” La Ligne’s designs can take their wearer from errands to the boardroom and onto the red carpet. And, that’s just what they do. The collection features everything from workday essentials such as classic striped T’s and sweaters to flowing sundresses and chic wide-leg trousers, with pieces worn by numerous celebrities, including Victoria’s Secret models Karlie Kloss and Martha Hunt, comedian Tina Fey and “Glee” star Dianna Agron, just to name a few. 

It’s no surprise so many celebrities support La Ligne, as one of the brand’s most unique aspects is its creation of “La Bande,” La Ligne’s band of women. Each week, the site features two women in their “in line” series with a handwritten questionnaire and photograph. The women selected are actresses, producers, entrepreneurs, veterans and athletes who inspire readers through their candid answers to prompts such as their life mottos, words to live by and happiest moments. In the midst of the “#Me Too” movement, we think it’s quite special how they allow women from different backgrounds to form a sisterhood and support “girl power.”

Here are some of our picks from La Ligne’s collection:

The classic cream and navy striped Marin Sweater.

Marin Sweater

The Marin sweater is one of the line’s most popular pieces. It sold out multiple times last fall and we’ll bet it flies off the (virtual) shelves again this season. Pair it with jeans and boots for a casual, comfortable look, or layer it over a collared shirt for a little more polish. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bold, multi-striped AAA Candy Sweater.

AAA Candy Sweater

If you’re on the market for something a bit brighter, the AAA Candy sweater is for you. Rainbow has been trending for months now, but cooler weather doesn’t mean you’re obligated to put bold colors into hibernation. This bold striped sweater is the perfect pick-me-up you won’t want to take off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Charlotte Tee puts a modern twist on a classic Breton stripe design.

Charlotte Tee

Finding a good T-shirt is harder than it seems. Too often they wear out after a few uses and finding the perfect fit may require hitting more than one store. Enter the Charlotte Tee.  With a modern take on the classic breton stripe shirt that every girl needs in her closet, this cotton, drop-shoulder top will take you from late summer through the winter with ease.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Kick Flare Pants feature a comfortable design with a subtle flare.

 

Kick Flare Pant

Kick flare pants are on-trend right now and these pants allow you to rock that style even in the office. Rich navy pants with a contrasting cream banded hem add something special while remaining conservative enough for those wary of more flared styles. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The midi-length Bardot Dress.

 

Bardot Dress

The Bardot dress has you covered for any upcoming event you may have. This universally flattering style with a cutout back features black-and-white colorblocking and its bold striped lining surprises onlookers each time you take a twirl.

For more, visit lalignenyc.com.

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