Labels We Love: Frank & Eileen
Crisp, Classic and Chic, Frank & Eileen know exactly what goes into creating the most perfect shirt. You no longer need to raid your boyfriend’s closets to get this sexy take on a basic button-down. Frank & Eileen bring the classic shirt, reimagined and reinterpreted with a relaxed sensibility and effortless sex appeal that is perfectly suited to the modern woman; the ultimate wardrobe essential.
Modeliste: Describe the overall concept of Frank & Eileen
Frank & Eileen is an homage to my grandparent’s love story which began in Co. Wicklow, Ireland in 1947. Frank & Eileen takes a men’s classic – the button down shirt, and makes it casual enough for everyday of the week. We work exclusively with one of the oldest men’s shirting mills in Italy to design and produce our fabrics and we manufacture everything in Los Angeles. As we like to say, Frank & Eileen is “Born in Ireland, Woven in Italy, Made in Sunny California”.
Modeliste: What inspired the creation of the line?
In 2008 while working on my first wholesale company, I came across an old dusty book full of magnificent Italian fabrics. I was overwhelmed with excitement about the idea of taking these luxurious menswear fabrics and using them to make feminine sexy women’s shirts. I borrowed the book and contacted the Italian mill. I have no idea why, but they agreed to meet with me! On that day, Frank & Eileen was born!
Modeliste: What makes Frank & Eileen a closet must-haves for every woman?
There is simply nothing else like it in the market! Frank & Eileen combines the quality and craftsmanship of an Italian shirt, with the laid-back beach style of sunny California.
Modeliste: Why do you think a basic white shirt is the ultimate in sexy?
When you wear a classic white menswear inspired shirt, you look fresh, feminine and confident. The classic Frank & Eileen “BARRY” in white poplin, with our secret crinkle, is the ultimate white shirt. Whether tucked into a dramatic ball-skirt, or worn with distressed jeans and bare feet, the classic white shirt is an every-day-of-the-week necessity.
Modeliste: Frank & Eileen shirts are so versatile, what are your pairing recommendations for Spring fashion?
Our shirts — BARRY, EILEEN, and the new BILLY JEAN — effortlessly pair with a classic skinny, a distressed boyfriend or a high-waist jean. Last Spring, I discovered a new favorite when I spent my pregnancy wearing Frank & Eileen with denim overalls! While it’s still chilly, the EILEEN looks and feels amazing under a cropped sweater. As the weather warms up, we love to pair Frank & Eileen with short shorts or wear it open over a summer dress. Our shirt-dresses, named MARY and MURPHY, are the ultimate effortless Spring look with strappy sandals, or a classic Chuck Taylor Converse.
Modeliste: Latest styles for Spring.
Our newest Frank & Eileen style for Spring is the BILLY JEAN, named after my cousin, in Ireland of course. The BILLY JEAN is a short-sleeve version of our classic BARRY, our bestselling style that we started Frank & Eileen with 7 years ago.
This Spring, we also launched a brand new knit division called Frank & Eileen Tee Lab. It is inspired by our love of layering. We paired flattering silhouettes with an effortless, laid-back fabric. We did an exclusive launch with 20 specialty stores across the US and the reaction has been overwhelming.
Modeliste: How do you keep evolving the brand – creating new styles from your basic designs?
First and foremost, we evolve Frank & Eileen through fabric development – each season we work closely with our team in Italy to develop new and exciting qualities. We design mini-capsules each month based on the fabrics and color offerings that we love each season.
Each anniversary we celebrate for Frank & Eileen, we like to introduce something new for our customers. This Spring, we are introducing the BILLY JEAN (short-sleeve shirt).
We also launched Frank & Eileen Tee Lab in celebration of our 7-year anniversary!
Modeliste: What are your tips to picking out your perfect shirt?
FIT & FABRIC — it is everything in a shirt. Look for a fabric that doesn’t just look good in the store, but will look good after 50 washes. For fit, make sure it is feminine and flattering to your figure.
Modeliste: What you love most about Spring?
I love the feeling of a new year, a fresh start. Everything seems possible in the Spring.
Modeliste: If Frank & Eileen had a theme song, what would it be?
“Come on Eileen” …
Connect with Us
www.frankandeileen.com
instagram.com/frankandeileen
