The Label: JF & Son for Community of Compassion
Based In: New York
Designed By: JF & Son's Jesse Finkelstein and Katie King in collaboration with artist Julia Sherman for The Community of Compassion, a small order of Anglican nuns in Virginia. "Mother Mary Magdelene had contacted Julia, because she was starting a new convent in Virginia and needed some new habits," said designers Finkelstein and King, who launched JF & Son back in 2007. "Julia then contacted us and asked if we'd like to help design and produce the pieces. Of course, we said yes."
Looks Like: Intended to function both as a daily nun's habit (which is a wedding dress, worn in perpetuity) and as a monastic fashion statement for style-conscious civilians, JF & Son Community of Compassion designs marry streamlined silhouettes, neutral colors and cozy materials (velvet, wool, flannel and silk). So lightweight undergarments for the sisters can be worn as casual pants and a camisole by secular gals, a woolen cape dress features a separate hood that drapes perfectly over the nuns' wimple—and looks just as lovely draped around a bare neck. And several pieces have a digital "hair-shirt" pattern on the lining that nods to medieval garments of penitence while also functioning as a striking graphic known only to the wearer. "We tend to like things a bit covered up and layered, so designing a collection with such broad silhouettes came pretty naturally," the designers told TFI. And Mother Mary Magdalene could not be happier with the elegant and comfortable collection, which does not contradict the sisters' vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. "The life of a 21st-century nun is hard enough without self-imposed physical hardship," says Mother Mary. Hear, hear! As for whether doing the collaboration will assure the designers a place in heaven? "I hope it's not that easy," said King with a laugh.
Sold At: Priced from $98 - $412, The Community of Compassion collection is available at the JF & Son boutique in New York or online at JF & Son.
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