Life Updates
My brand is live! Summer is nearly here!
Hi all!
I’m writing this from my couch, Thursday night. A glass of wine sits beside me as well as the remnants from tonight’s dinner—pasta limone.
My brand, Salvē, is officially live, which is both incredibly relieving and exceptionally nerve-wracking. It’s been such a haul to get here, and I’ve only just begun. Mostly it’s a joy.
Salvē is a home and lifestyle brand inspired by the rhythm of European life. At its core, it’s for those who love design, but love art and intellect and connecting with others even more.
It’s not lost on me that starting a home decor brand with a piece of apparel—a house dress—is counterintuitive. But it’s my firm belief that you are the foundation of your home, and everything else follows.
These house dresses were inspired by my grandma—Thelma Lydia—who loved throwing one on whenever she was between things or hanging at home, especially in the heat.
Last summer—my first time living that no-AC European life—I remember being so hot I longed for something beautiful that didn’t touch my body.
When I lived in Italy and then later in South Africa, women in both cultures had their own version of a house dress. Not in a trad-wife, oppressed sort of way, but in a “I want to feel cute and comfortable for myself” sort of way. As athleisure/ loungewear (as we Americans know it) is not really an acceptable outfit here in Europe, a house dress seemed like the missing gap in my wardrobe. So I made some!
The styles are inspired by the minimalism of Scandinavia and the romanticism of the Mediterranean. Something you can wear with no jewelry and makeup and still look put together, or dress up a bit for hosting or a night out.
They’re made of beautiful, delicate cotton, and sewn here in Europe in small batches.
On the left: She’s perfect for a beach vacation worn buttoned up or open as a swimsuit coverup (she’ll take you right from the beach to oysters at lunch, no changing room necessary). A. Emery sandals, Hunting Season bag, Nili Lotan bathing suit, Lie Studio Earrings, Miu Miu sunnies.
On the right: From soccer to errands to the office, the Thelma will take you where you need to go! Dries sneaks, Kallmayer tote, Lesse sunscreen, vintage Gucci watch, Moscot sunnies.
On the left: OOO done exactly right. Le Monde Beryl micro wedges, Bambien clutch, Lore scent, Chan Luu necklace, and Krew sunnies.
On the right: She’s a Brooklyn / Bay Area baddie. A. Emery Leon sandals (on my feet with this dress as I type), Underwater Weaving tote, Westman Atelier for lips, Kinn rings, Ray-ban sunnies.
Beyond Salvē, work and life have been full! Erik and I went camping outside of Salzburg last weekend which was so glorious. We took our favorite orange wine, fresh strawberries and cherries to the lake and sunbathed for hours. We got some good biking and hiking in as well.
Work-wise, I’m preparing for 3Days of Design in Copenhagen. I’m helping the incredible Devon Liedtke put on an event with Openhouse for her brand Portraits of Self, which should be amazing, and am hoping to stop by a few favorite galleries and exhibits as well (Ruby Atelier, Frama, Noura Residency). If you’ll be in town for the show, please write me a note! I’d love to connect.
Design content coming SOON!
That’s it!
Xx,
Serena
PS: You may have noticed a little re-brand here on Substack. It felt natural to merge this world with Salvē, but let me know what you think. Drop me a line if you’d like: serena@salveofficial.com.