Effortless Style is the shared mission of both byLangley and Gold Hawk! This look is a perfect way to lounge around the house in comfort & style.
When Spring 2012 market was held in September 2011, I was still very much a babe lost in the woods. I, literally just had a babe and I had to meet with about 20 different designer’s reps in about 24 hours. It is also important for boutique owners to be on the look out for something new, different, and beautiful — which, in my bleary eyed state wasn’t so easy. So, it was actually Charles who discovered Gold Hawk and almost forcibly dragged my tired body over to their gorgeous booth where I sat in awe and wonder.
Seriously, I couldn’t have been more exhausted and would never have found this jewel box of a collection if it weren’t for C-Man. It was here that I immediately fell in lust…
The luxe lounge feel I’ve been searching for! Stunning camis and tunics in the most rich, saturated colors! This is what byLangley is all about! Layering pieces that are soft, feminine and can be worn underneath soft sweaters or over leggings. I would crawl into this silk and never look back all weekend long!
No wonder style setters like January Jones and Elizabeth Banks were spotted in Gold Hawk!
In case you've been living under a rock.... Coral is the must have color of the spring!
With my jaw on the floor and stars in my eyes, I was further gob smacked by the dynamite designer of this fabulous collection, Michele Dahan. Like all passionate business women, Michele was hustling but in the most glamorous way. I now not only wanted to be closer to the product, but kind of wanted to be Michele! She exuded the Gold Hawk style, which, in her own words is 100% Parisian Chic mixed with a touch of California cool.
I am so psyched about this brand today and am even more energized by what we have coming in Fall — sheer edged tunics, “lipo leggings” and The. Most. Amazing. Cardis. Ever.
Here’s our interview with Michele. Special thanks to my assistant Ashley Dominick for crafting these questions! Check out her blog too if you get a chance!
Why not pair silks and sweats??
Now the backside... Gold Hawk camis come in the richest colors. Pecans, Hot Pinks, Gardenia, and Mist.
Q: When did you know you wanted to be a designer?
A: From as early as I can remember. Just like most little girls, I was inspired by my mom’s sense of style. Playing dress up was a runway production in which my whole family had to attend. Looking back on this I feel sorry for my brothers who I used as collateral to extend my bedtime.
Q: According to your website, Gold Hawk was named after an “exquisite black horse.” Elaborate, please.
A: Gold Hawk is named after a strong, Angelic black stallion whose metaphorical wings carry me through each season.
Q: How does your love of old Hollywood and traveling inspire your designs?
A: There is something to be said about Old Hollywood – Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Bridgette Bardot and the list of glamour and glitz goes on and on. The Oscars were born here in Hollywood. It is hard not to be influenced by all this design decadence. This was truly an era where women understood that beauty started from within.
As a designer it is so easy to get lost in translation if you are not true to your collection. I only design with the Gold Hawk customer in mind. It is a delicate balance – fashion vs. function – that has taken me years to perfect. The Gold Hawk woman is polished and well traveled and understands the beauty of our fashion philosophy.
Los Angeles is the ultimate fashion destination. People travel to LA from all over the world to shop, and this is only part of why LA inspires me! I embrace diversity in my day-to-day life, and it is not uncommon for several languages to be spoken at my dinner table. I do not have to travel far from home to be inspired. Location, Location, Location!
Q: Who is the woman that you design for?
A: I design with the modern day female in mind. Her style is classic, effortless and chic. My silhouettes can go from desk to night with ease. With each coming season I add in elements of design that can be incorporated with seasons past. Each garment can stand alone, or can be layered to create the ultimate fashion ensemble. I also believe a cardigan is every bit as sophisticated as a blazer.
Q: Favorite piece you’ve designed?
A: It all started with the camisole 10 years ago and is still at the crux of my RTW collection today.
Q: Thong, bikini, or boyshort?
A: A lady never tells, but you may ask my husband.
Q: Favorite vacation spot?
A: St. Tropez in the off-season
Q: Your personal style is very European – so relaxed and sophisticated. How does your style influence Gold Hawk designs?
A: It’s really hard for me to talk about myself but my publicist once said it best: “I am Parisian Chic mixed with a touch of California cool” My lifestyle directly reflects my designs. We can just blame it on the lovely California weather.
Q: Favorite guilty pleasure?
A: Chocolate
Q: Describe your perfect Friday night.
A: I love to have dinner at home – sharing great food and wine with my family and close friends. I enjoy finishing off the evening with mint tea and the latest and greatest youtube video.
Q: What sets your designs apart from other lines?
A: My attention to detail. Some may call it OCD; I call it my fashion responsibility!
Q: Preferred lounging attire?
A: Kaftan
Q: What do you do just for you?
A: Not much. Running a home and a business as a woman comes with a lot of responsibility. I am driven by the passion and the love of what I do.
Q: What do you sleep in?
A: Gold Hawk Silk Slips. Always.
Q: Most exciting/gratifying moment of your career thus far?
A: Being able to enjoy Fashion Week in New York-Paris-Milan and working with some of the best shops around the world. I find it truly gratifying to know that my designs are recognized globally.
Q: Describe your design process.
A: I begin with the color, and I follow with the design. From the stitch in the hemline to the button on the sleeve, every detail is accounted for in the design process. If it’s not well engineered, it’s not a design worth unveiling. I consider how each style falls, making sure the drape of the fabric is actually enhancing the woman’s body and allowing for small imperfections to disappear.
Q: The first word that comes to mind when you’re asked to describe your line.
A: Refined
Q: Which designers were/are you most inspired by?
A: Coco Chanel, Maison Martin Margelia, Lanvin, Balenciaga, and vintage Valentino
Q: Favorite shade of lipstick?
A: RED
Q: What is your regimen for keeping your skin looking fresh?
A: Hydrate-Hydrate-Hydrate
Q: Describe a typical day at work.
A: Long, Productive and most of all: Fulfilling.
“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”-Coco Chanel
Tags: Gold Hawk, Lace Camis & Tunics, Lingerie as Loungewear, Michele Dahan
BUT, I don’t like what my SAHM wardrobe has become: old sweats and hoodies to go with the dark circles and ponytails. I would love to start replacing with pieces from your collections. I know it would make me feel better about myself to feel stylish while chasing Noelle around this house and running errands. SO…If I were to put a few items on my Mother’s Day Wish List to get started…What would Mollie suggest???
