LOVEJOY: Talking to Bronwyn Lowenthal of Lowie

Midi blouses, Breton stripes, 40's tea dresses, and hand knit berets are just a few reasons why I love the London-based collection Lowie, designed by Bronwyn Lowenthal. Thank you Bronwyn for taking time from your busy schedule to answer some of my questions--it's been so fun getting to know more about Lowie!

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When I first became aware of Lowie I pegged you as a knitwear label but have since noticed all sorts of sewn styles and even leather belts. Has that been a recent progression?

We’ve made belts for a number of years, mostly simple styles in fun colours or natural tan but until a couple of years ago all of our clothing products were knitwear. I’ve always wanted to design vintage-inspired dresses and have a wardrobe full of inspirational samples from which to choose. This summer was our first ever full clothing collection.

I understand that both vintage clothing and world travel provide inspiration for the label. What's your favorite period for vintage clothes? What are some of your favorite places?

I really love clothes from the 1930’s through to the 1950’s as it was a time to embrace a curvy women’s figure. I also love little details like embroidery and of course knitting and crochet, the kind of traditional handicrafts that first inspired me to create my own label. My favourite traveling places are where I can find interesting markets with these traditional handicrafts. This year I’m planning on traveling to eastern Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan where I imagine there will be lots of fun treasures to find.

How do you imagine the Lowie girl? What are her favorite things to do, eat, wear, listen to, and read?

The Lowie girl has a sense of fun and an individual style and appreciates natural fibers and vintage fashion. She is sociable and likes eating out and having friends round.

I noticed you host open studio days--can you tell me more about that?

We host ‘Friendly Fridays’ in the studio every Friday between 10am and 5pm where our Lowie fans can come along to see where we work and try before they buy. We have a number of non-web samples and sale items which are only available in the studio. Anyone who turns up will be offered a nice cup of tea!!

In addition, we hold twice yearly studio sales and our next one will be on Thursday August 23^rd from 10am til 8pm where they will also be a couple fo other local designers are special guests. Our address is Piano House, 9 Brighton Terrace, SW98DJ.

What are you hopes, dreams, and aspirations for Lowie?

We’re currently on the lookout for our first ever permanent Lowie shop.