You know how when you discover a new brand and really, really love it, and you want to tell everyone about it? Well, that’s where we are with Figue. Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has the rundown on one of the best luxury fashion brands for modern boss women: Figue Clothing.
what are the best luxury brands for modern boss women?
What are the best luxury brands for modern boss women? It’s a pressing question. Many of us are working moms here at Dandelion Chandelier. Moreover, we work in an industry where personal style is expected to meld with professional attire.
Join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.
Which means we need not just great apparel – we have to have a shoe game and a handbag game, too. Don’t even get us started on the jewelry thing. And while we don’t have to chase every trend, for credibility we need to nod to the zeitgeist and demonstrate our fashion IQ. Plus we love to shop!
All of which means that being smart about where to invest, and what brands go the distance, is key. Previously, we’ve shared our tips on how to dress like a boss lady at the office. Now we’re turning our attention to the brands that help us deliver the look we’re seeking without using up all of our shoe money, whether we’re at work or at play.
In this edition of Brands We Love, we turn our attention to one of the coolest under-the-radar fashion brands on the market right now: Figue Clothing.
one of the best luxury brands for modern boss women: figue clothing
This past spring, I basically lived in two dresses.
These two pieces checked all the boxes for me: 1- stunning colors/pattern, 2- flattering silhouette, 3- pairs well with booties or sandals. And the most important of all…no need to suck in your tummy or wear Spanx!
The brand, Figue, was new to me until this year but it has become my go-to label for when I need an effortless, one-and-done outfit that has the free-spirited, global, and artsy look I gravitate to.
The two indispensable Figue fashion brand dresses that author relied on this spring and summer.
The boho-chic style is nothing new. Anthropologie and Free People have stores all over the country catering to this style. But as one gets older, it becomes harder and harder to pull off frayed appliqué shirts and cutesy conversational print skirts.
Figue’s designs manage to bring an elevated sophistication to their colorful and globally inspired printed clothing. The high-end fabrications skim the body just right and carefully placed embellishments and embroidery bring refinement and luxury to each garment. Gypsy meets jet-set.
the origin story of the figue brand: Stephanie von Watzdorf
It’s easy to see how founder Stephanie von Watzdorf, born in Paris, developed her eclectic sense of style. She comes from a creative family- an art dealer father, ballerina mother, and choreographer grandfather.
As a child, she remembers getting dressed up in costumes from the Ballets Russes that hung in her grandfather’s closet. And the summers she spent on an Italian island, Isola Dei Galli, inspired the name Figue- after the island’s many fig trees.
The best luxury fashion brands for modern boss women: Figue, New York City. Founder Stephanie Von Watzdorf. Courtesy Photo.
This sensory-rich childhood inspired von Watzdorf to become a fashion designer and she has certainly put in her time in the industry before launching her label in 2012. Her first job out of Parsons was working at Giorgio Armani, followed by stints at Yves Saint Laurent, and Ralph Lauren. In 2004, she joined Tory Burch, where she directed design development for ready-to-wear and accessories for over seven years.
Her design pedigree shows in her luxury clothing and accessories which have been picked up by department stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and online retailers, Net-a-porter, Matches and Moda Operandi.
Meghan Markle in a pink floral Frederica dress from Figue Clothing. Courtesy Photo.
figue apparel
Here are some of our favorite styles of the season.
Figue brand Tops
Inspired by Moroccan tiles, this statement top has a beautifully embroidered bib on a perfectly pink cotton blouse ($395). We’d toughen up this 70s Afghan Balochi inspired design ($395) with a black leather jacket or pants for an urban bohemian look. Designer von Watzdorf is obsessed with military jackets and always produces a new one each season. This vintage piece ($2,800) was reclaimed and adorned with handmade beaded patches and good luck talismans.
The best luxury fashion brands for modern boss women: Figue tops. Courtesy Photos.
figue brand Dresses
This favorite silhouette ($695) is updated with an earthy African block print this season with pops of lavender. The shirtdress is the workhorse in our daily wardrobe. This bold ikat ($895) is 100% silk and has a matching sash to define the waistline.
We love the day-to-night possibilities of this tribal print dress ($695) with embroidered mirrored bib that sparkles in the light. The wrap bodice and flouncy skirt of the Kira dress ($1,095) is made with an Indian block print fabric that just begs to worn out on the dance floor.
The best luxury fashion brands for modern boss women: Figue dresses. Courtesy Photos.
Figue brand Kaftans
The kaftan is a bohemian staple, and Figue’s versions are elegant and striking. This purple silk and metallic kaftan ($1,195) is hand embroidered with 45 tassels. Even a simple white kaftan ($795) is made special with Japanese Koi fish hand embroidery.
This Mediterranean blue paisley kaftan ($695) can be worn as a cover-up or layered with slim pants and a cropped denim jacket for a easy-going look.
The best luxury fashion brands for modern boss women: Figue Clothing kaftans. Courtesy Photos.
Figue brand Pouches
These distinctive pouches are great arm candy and make eye-catching gifts. This over-sized pouch ($195) features an embellished flying elephant on a goes-with-everything military green canvas.
Sequins, pom moms and a beaded evil eye patch embellish this classic shape ($195) with Figue-magic. This versatile pouch with hand-beaded skull embroidery is too striking to leave inside your bag. Use it as a wristlet ($350) instead.
The best luxury fashion brands for modern boss women: Figue pouches. Courtesy Photos.
Figue brand Shoes
Figue’s re-interpreted moccasins ($450) are completely handmade with intricate beading and thoughtful pattern-mixing. This cream leather sandal ($295) with cheetah print tassels are wildly fun and wearable. This embellished eye sandal ($695) has a chunky heel for comfort and attitude and pairs well with jeans or a flouncy dress.
The best luxury fashion brands for modern boss women: Figue Clothing shoes. Courtesy Photos.
We think you can’t go wrong with one of Figue’s whimsical pieces. Happy shopping and prepare yourself for all the compliments!
the best luxury brands for modern boss women
That’s it – everything you need to know about one of the best luxury brands for modern boss women. We’ll keep sharing our thoughts on other brands like this in future posts. Which brands are you loving right now? In the meantime, though, happy shopping!
join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, fitness and even investigating police misconduct. Julie lives in NYC where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing and spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.
Join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.