Designer Lara Miller says she is “stimulated by a vast architectural landscape, a woman’s need for function, and an aspiration of sustainability, each piece is an exercise in versatility."
Many dresses in her line can be twisted, wrapped, and flipped upside down to reveal an entirely new garment, a great way to expand your wardrobe for those unexpected fetes.
Fabrics are made from hand-loomed bamboo and recycled cotton scraps, which have been reclaimed from Hanes and Fruit of the Loom T-shirts; they’re broken down though a water process that uses minimal energy.
Each collection, Miller says, is grounded in geometry and architecture, then animated by the human form. “Once on the body, angular lines retract, mimicking the sinuous curves of a woman’s body," says Miller. "Balancing these conceptual pieces are classic tailored garments that focus on distinct details."
Miller began her career in fashion while attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. After interning with the local designers Laurenceleste and Cynthia Ashby, Miller began showcasing her garments at Wicker Park’s clothing boutique, p.45. The Lara Miller collections are now carried in 17 retail stores in the U.S. including Chicago’s Pivot and Bio in New York City.
Image: Helen Berkun
Video: Erin for GFX