Sea Island Life Magazine Spring/Summer 2014 | Page 65

SUMMER STYLE
THESE DESIGNERS WITH SOUTHERN
ROOTS REVEAL THEIR MUST-HAVE
PICKS FOR SUMMER.

AMY WALLIN
SMILOVIC:
“A white,
cotton summer
dress should
be a staple in
everyone’s closet;
it’s classic and
effortlessly chic.”
Tibi poplin
cotton dress,
$398 (tibi.com)
NATALIE CHANIN:
“Our organic
cotton poncho
is an Alabama
Chanin classic. I
always keep one in
my bag—it makes
a great evening
cover-up during
summer months,
transforming a
daytime look into
one suitable for a night out.”
Alabama Chanin Whispering Rose
poncho, $180 (alabamachanin.com)
Blake Vaigneur, owner of Rowen Footwear

BLAKE VAIGNEUR
OWNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR,
ROWEN FOOTWEAR
Born and raised in Charleston, S.C., footwear designer Blake Vaigneur has been
immersed in the world of fashion throughout his life. After college, Vaigneur applied
his business degree and fashion knowledge
to opening a family-owned shoe store in
his hometown. Within a few years, he was
designing shoes based on customer feedback, marketed under the Copper Penny
private label.
The fashion world took note and responded
with requests from retailers throughout the
Southeast U.S. His answer was to launch
Rowen Footwear in 2009. Rowen’s designer
styles are available in nearly 100 select outlets worldwide, including the latest addition,
Shackelford Interiors and Shoe Boutique at
St. Simons Island’s Redfern Village.
Vaigneur knows his market demographic
and designs with her in mind: a contemporary

Southern cosmopolitan woman with what he
Clearly, it’s working. What began as a small
handful of designs has blossomed into a comLike his fellow Southern designers who
remain passionate about their hometowns,
Vaigneur says his Charleston roots have

BLAKE VAIGNEUR:
“The Thompson is our favorite pick for
summer. This style combines the sleek
and sophisticated lines of a city sandal
with a geometric triangle block heel that
is irresistibly comfortable.”
Rowen Footwear Thompson sandal,
$125 (belk.com)

as a person. And now, the rest of the world
is embracing the South as styles by Vaigneur
and other notable designers from the region
make their way into the biggest markets.
“A short time ago, unless you lived in New
York City or Los Angeles, you were not taken
South is a unique and beautiful place that not
everyone understands. We treasure our sleepy
towns, our unspoiled marshes and beaches,
[and] our big family dinners. I believe that
we are connecting with people through our
designs; our Southern aesthetic is something

AFRIYIE POKU:
Oberima Afriyie will be debuting soon,
so keep an eye out for more key pieces
for your wardrobe. (oberimaafriyie.com)

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