Family Tree

The label doesn't fall far from the tree.....  Today's post topic is inspired from yesterday's feature on Kate & Andy Spade and their new design endeavor, Frances Valentine. The pair sought out family names to create their label, combining Kate's grandfather, father, brother and daughter’s name Frances, with her mom’s dad’s middle name Valentine -- because he was born on Valentine’s Day.

I've taken note of 2 additional contemporary brands named and honoring their owners' family tree. Imogene + Willie (written previously about here) founders Matt & Carrie Eddmenson turned to incorporating the first names of Carrie's maternal grandparents for their label's moniker. Draper James, the recent fashion & accessories brand established by actress Reese Witherspoon, pays homage to her grandparents, Dorothea Draper and William James Witherspoon.

We should have known something was afoot with Reese when following the sale of her Ojai, CA retreat (written previously about here) in December of 2013, she purchased this lovely home in her hometown of Nashville in July of 2014. Draper James was officially launched online in the Spring of 2015 and Reese's first brick & mortar boutique opened in Nashville this past Fall. Design of the space was a collaboration between Mark D. Sikes and Pencil & Paper Creative Development Co.

Owners (and husband & wife couple) Ben & Gen Sohr of the Nashville based Pencil an Paper Co. (written previously about here) were tasked with overseeing the architecture and visual merchandising of Draper James. Images from their portfolio below.....

Images Leslee Mitchell