PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIMOTHY MUSHO, FIG PHOTO | FILM BY EMILY HARD, G&F
CREATIVE DIRECTION BY D. GRAHAM KOSTIC | WRITTEN BY ELLE EICHINGER
Liz Patelski and Lisa Panza—two recent SAIC grads who recently debuted their new clothing line, Remi Canarie—are the most delightfully-different-yet-perfect-together duo we’ve ever met. Liz loves the Museum of Modern Art and is a total Gold Coast girl, but Lisa will never tire of the Art Institute or her East Lakeview location; Liz loves the artistic designs of Haider Ackermann, and Lisa leans toward the more avant garde Henrik Vibskov. And when it comes to working together as designers, their differences complement each other flawlessly. “During a fitting,” Lisa says, “Liz will be nipping in a quarter inch at the center back, while I’m chatting with the model about how her hands fit in the pockets. It’s a wonderful balance to have.”
Needless to say, Remi Canarie’s debut fall/winter 2013 collection is fashion to die for. Sweatpants-style trousers paired with a flowing, sheer-sleeved blouse? Pure genius. Styled with a gaggle of gold bracelets and some neutral lace-up boots and we’re in style heaven. “The Remi Canarie woman isn’t a tom-boy,” Liz explains, “but rather the woman who goes out in her boyfriend’s button-down and looks amazing in it.” Lisa adds: “She is caught up in her thoughts and makes style decisions on an intuitive level as she runs out the door. She is an authentic, elegant mess.” When they aren’t busy working on the upcoming collection—the only previews of which we nabbed where a few enticing soundbites: crisp cotton, bug zappers, and a mint julep on a sweltering summer day—Liz and Lisa are frequenting their favorite stylish spots. In Lakeview, Lisa loves Fish Bar (“The codfish sandwich holds a secure place in my heart,” she jokes) and El Nuevo Mexicano, and hits up Quimby’s Bookstore, Threadless, and Two-Sided for eclectic finds. Liz recently discovered The Rebuilding Exchange, pampers herself with products from Keihl’s, and digs in for brunch at Orange or the Peninsula (if she’s splurging).
P.S. Look for Remi Canarie at the April installment of Dose Market at the River East Art Center.