by Dennis Richardson | Jul 31, 2023
30 Years Strong
Timeless, classic, and elegant are just a few words used to describe her designs, yet, somehow they are much more than that. LA’s very own Jane Booke—a native Angeleno designing luxury bespoke dresses, jumpsuits and coats—has long been capable of creating designs embodying the utmost bohemian styles. Crediting Camelot and Star Wars as her key inspiration, it’s no wonder she continues to captivate the minds and hearts of those she dresses today.
As attention spans shrink in this social media age, trends continue to see shorter cycles before everyone moves on to the next thing. However, at the heart of fashion relevance and perseverance, simplicity, convenience, and reliability reign supreme. Jane understands the everyday woman and her needs, believing in fashion that makes sense, like ‘wash and wear’ silk dresses and coats to create a glamorous look with the practicality needed for women on the go.
Jane has always stayed true to her aesthetic as she reimagines her heritage designs while honoring her personal style, and it’s evident in her latest Summer 2023 line. We had the opportunity to conduct a Q&A with Jane to get some insight into her story, accomplishments, style, and how she’s managed to create the successful label that she has. Read on for more about Jane and her brand, and shop her Summer 2023 collection at Jane Booke.
Q&A With Jane Booke
Q: Hi Jane! To start us off, would you mind letting readers know some of your story? What led you down the path to create your label?
JB: Since I was a young girl I’ve always loved beauty. As a child, my parents traveled constantly, which left me pretty much on my own. Now I wouldn’t change that for the world because I had no choice but to be creative, whether it was music, clothing, or art.
As a teenager, I traveled every year to stay with my father in the south of France. We would always stop in London, where I searched the vintage stores and found stunning dresses from the 20s, 30s, and 40s. Some of the best pieces I found were in London. They weren’t really wearable because the fabric was so old, so when I returned back to the states, inspired by these dresses, I had the idea to create similar pieces in newer fabrics. I never intended to start my own line, but friends and passersby alike kept asking about my clothes. I began my own line about 30 years ago and have been creating these signature, bespoke pieces ever since.
Q: At nearly 30 years old, how has Jane Booke evolved from its early years to now? Is there a unique bit of DNA that continues to live on even in today’s designs, or is it drastically different?
JB: In a world where trends are over the top, and only last a few minutes, I have stuck with classic designs which are timeless. There is DNA in my line from 25 years ago. I might change something here and there, and it looks completely different. However, it is still timeless. I’ve even had clients call me and ask if I have any “OG“ Jane Booke dresses available, and they search for them on eBay. That said, my designs and overall aesthetic has remained pretty consistent over the years – I focus on creating a core collection of styles that can withstand the test of time. Each season I find new ways to freshen up these classics, with interesting fabrics, patterns,etc. All my fabrics even the faux fur, Silks and Velvet are all washable and dryable. I have an aversion to trendy clothing, and my formula works to keep my clothes timeless.
Q: It’s not always easy to make something classic with the ability to withstand the test of time. How do you go about capturing the timeless nature of your designs? Does it start with a color, simple design choices, or something more?
JB: My designs begin in my head. I might see something that inspires me.
Fairytales have always been an inspiration to me. Art is another huge inspiration. Modern art mixed with pre-Raphaelite art is what I strive for in my designs. I believe the combination of old meets new keeps my clothes timeless. I might see a neckline, or a sleeve in a painting that will inspire a completely new dress.
Q: Where has your inspiration stemmed from over the years?
JB: I think the best way to explain my collection is “Camelot meets Star Wars.”
It might sound strange, but the ancient and the modern when they come together, make a classic dress or coat. My pieces can last a lifetime.
Q: How do you approach trends? Are they something to tap into every once in a while, or do you steer clear and stay strictly in your own lane?
JB: I don’t follow trends unless it’s by accident! Trends are not personal to me. I want my clothes to have heart, and I want women to feel that when they wear them.
It’s important to me that I design pieces that will keep their value forever.
Q: There’s always a word or two that comes to mind when you think of a brand or experience their product. What is it that you want women to feel when they think of and wear Jane Booke?
JB: I believe women have been trying to be more like men in order to be respected.
I tell the women who buy my clothes that their power is in their femininity.
Nine times out of 10, when a woman puts on one of my pieces, they actually stand taller, and their confidence level goes way up like they could conquer the world.
Q: Are there any struggles that you and the label faced, and how did you overcome them?
JB: The biggest struggle I’ve faced in my career is that I really never sought out to be a designer – as crazy as it sounds, one day I was just “in the business.” I got my start when Les Habitudes saw me in one of my pieces. Three days later, they ordered 31 styles, four sizes per piece. I believe my whole career was just given to me from Heaven. I had to take a crash course in the fashion business and scale my personal designs into a label!
Q: What have been some of your biggest accomplishments and proudest moments to date?
JB: My biggest accomplishment was when I became partners with John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of Patron Tequila and Paul Mitchell. Unbeknownst to me, his wife bought about 80 dresses from my collection, and I accidentally bumped into them at a fashion event, and we were in business. John Paul is a humanitarian and an innovator. We met because we happen to have the same dentist. After I left the dentist, he smelled my signature fragrance Taken and they told him it was me.The rest is history.
Q: You’ve worked with icons and legends in entertainment! Is there anyone you haven’t worked with yet, that you dream of working with?
JB: There are two. I love Stevie Nicks and Margot Robbie. Both of these women have confidence and attitude. They also know that their power is in their femininity.
Q: Have you achieved your ultimate vision and goal for Jane Booke, and if not, where would you like to take the brand in the near and long term future?
JB: I want Jane Booke to bring glamour back, and to see women wearing my clothes everywhere. I want women to be enriched by the lifestyle that glamour can bring. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Glamour is power, and it is not hard to achieve.
I want more and more women to stop saving beauty for later.
by Dennis Richardson | Mar 15, 2023
If you’ve been outside in SoCal these last few days, there’s a chance you felt something that’s been missing for a while: warmth. Spring is knocking and it’s only a matter of time until we’re ditching the cold weather necessities and reaching for the lightest layers and newest styles.
It’s the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with a couple of brands who seek to step up your comfort and style points as we head into the warmer months. Public Rec and Vincero are changing the game for men and women, with each specializing in indoor comfort & outdoor style and exceptionally crafted accessories, respectively.
Public Rec
Whether you’re hitting the beach, the trails, the park, or a quick flight to Vegas, Public Rec will help you feel confident, yet comfortable in their variety of soft hooded styles while you decide whether it’s lounge wear or athleisure. Named one of the best athleisure brands for 2022 by Men’s Health, Public Rec is one of today’s most desirable and elevated brands for everyday essentials. Public Rec offers extremely comfortable and versatile pieces for both men and women. With modern and sleek designs, Public Rec makes running errands or even lounging in your house stylish again.
Spring is a time for growth and that doesn’t have to just mean the flowers in your front yard. Elevating your look this season is now easier than ever with Public Rec. You won’t have to spend so much time in the morning figuring out what to wear because these hoodies are simple yet sophisticated – easily thrown on top of your favorite t-shirt for a little added warmth.
On the women’s end, one of Public Rec’s latest offerings includes the relaxed, slim-fit, Women’s Luxe Fleece Crewneck. The ideal top for going out in style while remaining comfortable, this crewneck features discreet side hand pockets and thumb holes, so you can be sure that you will stay warm while wearing this hoodie on those chillier Spring mornings.
On the other hand, the Men’s Weekend Hoodie is the perfect addition to your closet this Spring. With its mid-weight French Terry material, you will be able to wear it on any of the colder or warmer days that Spring may bring. This highly durable knit creates a luxurious, lounge feel without sacrificing style. Luckily, it comes in five different colors so it can be styled to match a variety of outfits, ensuring that you will feel good every time you wear it.
Vincero
Too often have to choose between fashion and function – in a world where we often sacrifice style for tech when it comes to our watches, but we can now have both.
Thanks to Vincero – the world’s most innovative eco-forward brand known for its long-lasting and well-crafted watches and accessories, brings the ultimate modern touch for any Apple Watch lover. Made from silicone, steel, or leather — these high performance Apple Watch bands pair effortlessly in both fit and finish and are perfect for everyday wear.
Apple Watch Steel Band ($125 USD) – Vincero engineered this 316L Stainless Steel band to be the ultimate modern touch for any Apple Watch lover. The uniform brushed steel links blend seamlessly to create symmetry and balance in the band from lug to lug. The band is held together by a beautiful two-button butterfly release that makes the strap easy to wear anytime or place. The high end stainless steel was specifically chosen to usher in an everyday confidence to withstand any environment. The 316L stainless steel alloy was carefully curated to match the tone of the Apple Watch itself and will pair effortlessly in both fit and finish.
Apple Watch Leather Band ($55 USD) – The Leather Apple Watch Band was designed to create a clean and contemporary aesthetic while maintaining a classic and timeless look. The leather is strong but supple and will wear beautifully to reveal a nice patina. This Apple Watch Leather Band is meant to withstand the test of time and features our top of the line 316L stainless steel buckle and lugs – the same military grade material we use across Vincero’s entire lineup of watches. This Leather Apple Watch Band adds the perfect amount of sophistication and sleekness to any outfit and will elevate the way the watch pairs with your everyday apparel.
Apple Watch Silicone Band ($55 USD) – The Silicone Apple Watch Band features a premium textured rubber top and a 316L stainless steel buckle. The 22mm tapers from watch head to buckle and ensures a comfortable and modern fit perfect for any outdoor, sport, or active environment. The high performance rubber material is strong, durable, and undeniably soft. The smooth texture on the inside feels ultra comfortable on the skin and is perfect for everyday wear. The 100% waterproof silicone makes this the ultimate sport band and maintains a breathable yet durable design.
Available in different shades of steel, leather, and silicone, Vincero’s watch bands sell at a starting price as low as $55 USD. The available sizes are 40/41mm and 44/45mm. All of the watch bands currently available can be found here.
On the eyewear side, Vincero offers top-notch sunglasses (and more) that will only leave others jealous. All shades come polarized, providing premium 100% UVA/UVB protection and have a Climate Neutral Certificate, so you can look stylish while protecting your eyes… and the planet!
The Quinn ($145 USD) – For women, The Quinn features an iconic round shape with an oversized keyhole. The Quinn glasses are the perfect testament that a bold statement does not have to be complex. Its flat nylon lenses give these sunglasses an unexpected twist that will be the perfect statement piece to break out this Spring. These glasses have the versatility you need to keep you looking good and feeling great.
The Villa ($145 USD) – Classic in the purest sense of the word, the men’s Villa is an easy, everyday frame. With a sleek design, lightweight construction, and a masculine silhouette, you can count on these frames for years to come. Available in seven distinct colors so you can find the perfect match while providing maximum protection to your eyes. Designed in California, Vincero’s handcrafted frames are made from the highest grade materials and inspired by endlessly fascinating surroundings.
Vincero also offers a wide variety of bags, jewelry, watches, and gift items that you’d be sad to miss. Vincero has left a mark in the fashion industry since its launch, adding dozens of different products to their arsenal, including sunglasses, blue light glasses and bracelets. To find out more information, head to the website: vincerocollective.com and follow on Instagram @vinceroCollective for news and offers.
About Public Rec
Launched in 2016 by Zach Goldstein, Public Rec has made it its mission to make comfort look good and fit better. The most coveted athleisure brand offers modern and sought-after designs to make everyday outfits not only comfortable but stylish, allowing you to always feel your best.
About Vincero
Vincero is a men’s and women’s accessory brand that designs everything in-house, sources their own materials and produces in small batches to ensure you are getting top-tier quality in everything they ship. Vincero is best known for their watch line but has expanded into glasses and other accessories.
