Journal
Designer Spotlight: Sofie D'Hoore
Thu, Aug 25, 22 Elizabeth Jeffer
How did you get started in women’s clothing design and did you know from an early age you wanted to be in this industry? I started when I was a little girl at the age of 10. Designers like YSL and Courrèges inspired me greatly. I was born in Antwerp and have lived there as well. As a little girl I went to the fashion shows of the Academy of Antwerp and was excited by these shows. What or where do you look for to find your design/inspiration each season? Documents, films, exhibitions, reconstruction of previous collections, vintage pieces,...
Designer Spotlight: Thea Knitwear
Sun, Jul 31, 22 Elizabeth Jeffer
How did you get started in the knitwear business ? Who is the Thea target client ? I got started during Covid. For 25 years I have had a travelling boutique with curated designers and when Covid hit I couldn’t travel so decided to try designing with someone I met in Paris who lives in Nepal. Now I am on my 4th season and am just loving it. My Thea target client is any age woman who doesn't wear trend but loves luxe feeling, casual hand-loomed pieces that are timeless and ageless. Where do you find...
Designer Dialogue: Yucca Murase of Le Yucca’s
Sun, Jul 31, 22 Elizabeth Jeffer
There aren't many shoe designers who know how to marry the substantial quality and sturdiness of men's shoes with the feminine scale of women's footwear. Yucca Murase, however, has mastered this art. Indeed, it's not hard to see why the Japanese designer's Italian-made line has become a cult classic. Combining the old and the new with exquisite attention to detail, Le Yucca's shoes are the epitome of quiet luxury. Here at Roztayger, we revere the woman who has managed to straddle the line between masculine and feminine and deliver a product as deliciously unconventional as it is wearable. We sat...
Designer Spotlight: Eva Masaki Eyewear
Thu, Apr 28, 22 Elizabeth Jeffer
Interview with designer Eva Masaki How did you get started in the eyewear business? In 2005 I was living in Japan and was introduced to an eyewear manufacturer based in Osaka. I failed their entry exam but because it was a friendly intro and my mother happened to have grown up nearby, they hired me. This was my initial introduction to the industry helping their teams with product design and development, marketing, branding, and English. From there I went on to work with Italian brands and manufacturers to eventually connecting with Cutler and Gross of London. I represented...
Designer Spotlight: Kathleen Whitaker
Thu, Apr 07, 22 Elizabeth Jeffer
1) How did you get started? My start was a bit accidental. I've had a few incongruous career chapters and this jewelry one is sandwiched between financial services and interior design. 2) Where do you find your inspiration? and how as this changed over time since you began to design ? I'm inspired by things that are in collaboration with nature. For example, not just a structure but how a building -- a feat of engineering -- interacts with its environment, its setting, its views. I think that is the penultimate in terms of balancing engineering, creativity,...
Designer Spotlight: Domi
Tue, Jun 01, 21 Elizabeth Jeffer
Interview with designer Ali Blankley: How did you get started ? Domi was built on the back of my women’s wear business Hazel Brown. I wanted to take everything I learned in the making of Hazel Brown and apply it to a simplified, dressed down version . I wanted things to be made, run and sold in a way that never felt like a struggle and that simplicity was core value both in design and in business practice. Where do you find your inspiration? Pretty much everywhere, this year mostly from T.V and movies, I rarely watch anything without...
Designer Spotlight: Sylvain le Hen
Mon, May 17, 21 Elizabeth Jeffer
Interview with Sylvain le Hen How did you get started ? I was working a lot for fashion shows as a hairstylist in Paris, NY, Milan...and I was looking everywhere around the world for some good hair accessories to create new hairstyles with and I couldn’t found any so I decided to create my own accessories. Where do you find your inspiration? and how as this changed over time since you began to design ? I draw a lot, and I love to read magazines and books on architecture. I still make all my prototypes which is an essential part...
Designer Spotlight: Odeeh
Wed, Apr 28, 21 Elizabeth Jeffer
How did you get started ? We both started our path in the industry very differently. Otto at first studied design in Vienna the university of applied arts under the mentorship of Karl Lagerfeld and Jil sander. Joerg collected his first experiences as a men’s tailor in Frankfurt, before studying design. We both met, when working at Escada in Munich during the early nineties. After several steps and working for different companies such as Chloe, Rena Lange and René Lezard, we started our own project, Odeeh in 2009. Where do you find your inspiration? and how...
Manasi 7 Fall Makeup Tutorial
Mon, Nov 16, 20 Elizabeth Jeffer
The days are getting shorter and the weather is getting cooler. To stay vital and healthy you can take little extra care during times of transition by maintaining your immune system and over all general well-being. Nature won’t adapt to us so we must adapt to nature. But that doesn’t mean you can’t extend your summer glow for a little longer. Focus on fresh glowing skin and a bit of colour on your lips accompanied by your favorite outfit. Start by prepping and priming your skin with your favorite face oil, balm or moisturizer....
Designer Spotlight: Tsatsas
Mon, Sep 21, 20 Elizabeth Jeffer
How did you get started with your company ? What led up to its inception ? We met 18 years ago, in an agency for architecture and design where we both worked. We searched for a long time for a bag that Dimitrios could use for our numerous trips, but we simply couldn’t find anything that met our requirements in terms of aesthetics and quality. That was when TSATSAS was born – even though we didn’t realize it at the time. We spent countless nights and weekends fine-tuning the design and Dimitrios’ father, a high-end handbag-maker, crafted the...
Designer Spotlight: Chimala
Sat, Sep 12, 20 Elizabeth Jeffer
Designer Noriko Machida of Chimala is based in NYC, all garments are made in Japan from Japanese fabrics. By design, the collections share a large amount of unisex styles each season, with a focus on androgyny within her women’s collections. A rarity for women’s denim lines, Noriko specifically only utilizes authentic selvedge denim woven on pre-WWII vintage selvedge looms. How did you get started? We collect vintage denim, workwear, US and European military items. We wanted to create a collection inspired by vintage and for the collection to look as if they are real vintage but we always add some...
Designer Spotlight: Pipsqueak Chapeau
Wed, Jun 17, 20 Elizabeth Jeffer
[Sveta with her manager Lily in Brooklyn] {Teenage Sveta Kazakova in the Soviet Union] I’ve been a fan of Pipsqueak Chapeau for years. I knew nothing about the designer, the history or any details beyond the basics: made in Brooklyn, small production, fabrics from Japan. She was in the middle of leaving Brooklyn as the pandemic ramped up – retreating to her country house north of the city. I was lucky to learn more about the history and roots of Pipsqueak Chapeau. It was nothing short of fascinating. Tell me a bit about where you grew up and your early...
OOTD May 2020
Wed, May 20, 20 Bold Commerce Collaborator
Coral Cashmere Diamond Scarf by Botto GiuseppeNavy Mali Short by Manuelle GuibalBlue Ogo Shirt by Manuelle GuibalPale Pink Faceted Earring by Percent JewelryPeach Crinkle Satin/Metal Bag by ZIllaSilver Bracelet by Marie Laure ChamorelSocks by Bonne MaisonMask
Designer Spotlight: Manasi 7
Mon, May 11, 20 Elizabeth Jeffer
How did you get started ? I have 20 years of experience as a professional makeup artist and more than 6 years as a cosmetic product developer. I am also deeply committed to living a healthy life. The first idea about creating my own beauty products came to me first in 2010, so not really in the early stages of my career. At that time I could not find the right suppliers and then other opportunities came my way and I decided to hold off until 2015, when I started researching again. My partner in life and in...
Designer Spotlight: Bonne Maison Socks
Thu, Apr 30, 20 Elizabeth Jeffer
Tell us about Bonne Maison Bonne Maison is a small company operating in 2 different locations in France. Our small team of Karline, Caroline and CEO Jean Gabriel takes care of production monitoring, administrative and commercial transactions. In Paris, the artistic aspect is handled by Béatrice. She designs the collections and organizes the photo shoots and social media images. How did Bonne Maison get started ? Bonne Maison started in 2012. Our CEO Jean-Gabriel and Béatrice had worked successfully together on several projects in the accessories field and decided finally to begin their...
Designer Spotlight: Zilla
Thu, Apr 30, 20 Elizabeth Jeffer
Interview with Sylvia Pichler, designer and owner of Zilla writing from Bolzano, Italy How did you get started? I have been obsessed with accessories since I was a little girl. After buying all these bags I began searching for a bag in a different material, something that was different - so I sewed my first bag out of a synthetic sponge. Later I used carpet pieces, silicone, air filters and much more. I‘m attracted by unexpected materials and their tactile qualities. I was born into a family of architects and artists so this foray into fashion was facilitated in this...
Designer Spotlight: Botto Giuseppe
Thu, Apr 23, 20 Elizabeth Jeffer
Above: Factory in the beginning Below: Factory today What is the backstory of how Botto Giuseppe began ? Giuseppe Botto Poala, founder of Lanificio Botto Giuseppe & Figli in 1876 was born in Valle Mosso-Biella in 1850. His nickname was “Pin”, and in his honor his descendants have created a collection called “Pin 1876 by Botto Giuseppe”. The company was born as a mill for production of woven fabrics… the whole territory of Biella is well known for the production of fabric because the area is an alpine province with an abundance of pure water… water...
Designer Spotlight: Fabiana Pigna
Fri, Apr 17, 20 Elizabeth Jeffer
How did you get started ? In 2014, while working for a big fashion company, I was itching to start something experimental on the side as a creative outlet. On a trip to a local dead-stock fabric store, I found a really beautiful crisp, almost paper-like, white Japanese poplin and was immediately inspired. I decided to make 9 sculptural blouses out of that fabric, each with different features, and embarked on months of pattern making and self fittings. After I was done I started contacting all the local stores that I loved and was fortunate enough to be...
Designer Spotlight: Manuelle Guibal
Mon, Apr 13, 20 Elizabeth Jeffer
I met Manuelle in Paris for the first time at the beginning of March just as the virus was starting to become an issue. I'm actually surprised I made it to Paris but I'm glad I did. It was a treat to see one of her incredibly charming stores (she has 4 in Paris) and to meet her and her lovely staff in person. While I was there I was able to learn a bit more about her brand story. Her work is very much a family affair. Her husband is a sculptor but also handles all the...
Designer Spotlight: Bonastre
Sat, Apr 11, 20 Elizabeth Jeffer
Interview with Fernando Bonastre How did you get started ? After my Design studies, I started in Paris with Lacroix Haute-Couture, then with Montana, and after that with the Prêt-à-Porter Femme, simultaneously as a designer, image and artistic director. While I was looking for THE portfolio for my laptop, in vain, a question crosses my mind: "... and why not create it myself?". The brand began in 2011. Where do you find your inspiration? and how as this changed over time since you began to design? Bonastre is the result of a research of simplicity and aesthetism. The final...
Designer Spotlight : Frrry
Mon, Apr 06, 20 Elizabeth Jeffer
Interview with Ferry Meewise How did you get started with your collection? I was studying horticulture at the time. And although I really loved it, I felt the need to create things. So one day, to the complete shock of everyone I knew, I hadn’t talked about it to anyone, I switched to the art academy.… Surprise everyone :-) Where do you find your inspiration? and how has this changed over time since you began to design? I remember the comment I got when I made my first bag in art academy. ‘It looks like you’ve never seen...
Top 5 Outerwear Pieces – From Elizabeth
Thu, Nov 07, 19 Elizabeth Jeffer
Now, let's get one thing straight off the start – it's incredibly hard to pick our favorite outerwear piece in the shop in the same way it's hard or impossible to pick a favorite child. However, Elizabeth has put together her top 5 pieces that offer a little something for everyone, along with some notes why she brought it into the shop.Teddy Bear Coats by Stand Studios"For me these coats bring a touch of cozy nostalgia - like your favorite thrift store coat from years past. Classic, cozy, not too pricey - a selection of color adds a touch of fun."–Stand StudiosCameron Coats by Lis...
Highlights – Spring 2020 Buying Trip
Thu, Oct 03, 19 Elizabeth Jeffer
Well—I'm back from my whirlwind market week! And with it I've shared some photos here of my week spent in NYC. Spring 2020 highlights included a range of items from modern, crisp cotton separates, to textural, easy thrown-on-and-don't-think-about-it shapes. I happily discovered some amazing patterns placed on lovely cotton batiste scarves from France. Easy dressing with accents of delicate jewelry in sculptural shapes—from plexiglass to delicate metal chains. Then there was stunning structured bags from Germany; then the perfect post modern cashmere cardigan with built in sleeve adjusters. All in all, I found romance, edge and a bit of optimism just around the...
Fall Favorites September 2019
Tue, Sep 10, 19 Elizabeth Jeffer
Fall is always the time of year I feel less guilty about investing in a few new luxury items, especially as they feel for use of a better term worth it. Personally I am drawn to pieces like cashmere sweaters, jeans, and cozy coats. There are some amazing pieces in the shop right now and more coming in soon. Since I personally pick everything to stock the shelves here at Roztayger, there is nothing I dislike, but I’ll go ahead and share a few favorites and speak to some of the things landing in the coming weeks. I'll be in NYC this...
Styling Tips - August 2019
Tue, Aug 13, 19 Elizabeth Jeffer
"This is an easy look to pull off, mixing a versatile menswear vibe via a t-shirt, pant and shoes, then add a few flourishes - like a bright cashmere scarf and/or an elegant edgy arm piece like this one by 'Tiane Tenui. Define your lips with a hit of color and you are ready to go! This is one of my favorite type of easy go-to outfits. Tomboy style with feminine accents. All these pieces are comfortable, soft, tactile, modern and a bit edgy." —ElizabethChartreuse Diamond Cashmere ScarfBlack Uusi Matkuri BagBlack Ball LoaferThe Knot Bracelet, Natural Heather Grey Boxy Crew TeeBlack News TrousersEtruscan All Over...
Packing for a Warm Climate
Thu, Jul 11, 19 Elizabeth Jeffer
From Elizabeth—My husband grew up in Greece so I’ve been making an annual trip to see his family for as long as I have been married and a bit before – roughly 18 years! Of course, I’ve learned a few things over the years. If you are headed anywhere hot and dry this summer my personal thought process for packing might apply to you.One thing I have come to understand well, is you never need as much as you think you do. It’s hot and very casual in the islands. For a 2-3 week trip to start you will likely need two or three bathing...
Summer Long Weekend Attire
Thu, Jun 27, 19 Elizabeth Jeffer
With July 4th on its way, we thought we would put together an easy summertime long weekend kit for your consideration. Whether you're off to the seaside, your favorite lake or a more exotic locale, we thought you should be comfortable and have everything you might need that fits into a weekender bag. All items are available in the shop, with the exception of the weekender bag—arriving in August. What do you think? White Linen Poet ShirtNavy Cotton Batiste Gathered SkirtLola HatBlack Army Issue Low Standard SneakerBlack + White Bi-Color ShopperNo 4 Bois De Balincourt Body OilMatte Silver Hairpin 14Black Tanker...
From Elizabeth: Styling Tips – Summer 2019
Thu, Jun 20, 19 Elizabeth Jeffer
Elizabeth has pulled together and photographed some styling ideas for you from the shop for summer. "A look to try: I often gravitate to classic retro/preppy elements but like to throw in an offbeat twist. The classic styling of menswear pieces are always easy to begin with as a base, but it's fun to throw in an unexpected element. In this case I styled the model in the newly landed Lucy Wild Sasha box pleat skirt which is an easy pull on skirt that allows you to tuck in a shirt for a more buttoned up look, or, leave loose for a more...
From Elizabeth - Spring 2019 Styling Nº1
Thu, May 09, 19 Elizabeth Jeffer
We've started a new series here on the Journal, where Elizabeth will semi-regularly share her styling tips, to inspire and offer ideas. "Recently, here on Roztayger, I've spoken about my own personal uniform and my pursuit of achieving the right balance between both feminine and masculine aesthetics. Here is an example that I just styled & photographed on the lovely model Ariana. I paired a relaxed ankle bearing jean with a masculine style chunky shoe, an androgynous simple shirt, and a modern bag. In my opinion all of these pieces are somewhat gender free. Then I added that one super feminine element, something from my own...
From Elizabeth – The Freedom of Finding Your Uniform
Tue, Apr 23, 19 Elizabeth Jeffer
For me dressing has always been about feeling confident and comfortable. My personal uniform has evolved over the course of my life. When I reached a certain age, I found it much easier to work out a uniform that reflected me – one of the positives, in terms of getting older - no doubt! My uniform is based on one basic principle: a balance of traditional feminine and masculine design details. Today those binary, gender-based categories mean even less in our society, and I want a style that reflects my role as a modern, professional woman. The challenge (and the...
Packing Tips for Travel Season
Thu, Apr 04, 19 Elizabeth Jeffer
Travel is a great joy. Nothing else compares to the experience of getting away, seeing other cultures. It puts everything into perspective. Packing, however, can be stressful. If done well, however, the focus remains as it should on the travel experience, the moments of being present in that blissful state of otherness and escape. General tip: I like to start the process at least one to two days prior. This way the next day is just fine tuning, adding items you may have forgotten like socks or underwear (I have done it! NOT fun!) A strange aside: My husband never packs until a few hours...
From Elizabeth - Choices for Spring: Comfort Garb
Thu, Mar 28, 19 Elizabeth Jeffer
"Chimala jeans are an investment, but—a great pair of jeans are worth it. I think of this in the same way I think of investing in shoes. You can buy 3 pairs for $500 (that don't last) or one pair for $500 that you will wear all the time, to protect and support your feet. I'm all about buying less, but buying better." —Chimala "An easy white linen shirt is also a staple I return to again and again. Wash and wear – no ironing needed, embrace the wrinkles. It offers an elegant sleeve with a high low hemline and...
Summer Top Five - July 2018
Fri, Jul 06, 18 Elizabeth Jeffer
We decided we should share some of the ideas, food, places and things we are loving so far this summer. For July, our Shop Founder Elizabeth has selected her top 5 for the month.1. Beneath A Scarlet Sky, by Mark Sullivan. Based on the true story of a forgotten hero, this book is the triumphant, epic tale of one young man’s incredible courage and resilience during one of history’s darkest hours. "I'm about to start reading 'Beneath a Scarlet Sky' by Mark Sullivan. It seems to have some parallels to modern times unfortunately. However, I find reading books like these to be the hope and inspiration we all...
Introducing: Lorenza Gandaglia
Fri, Jun 29, 18 Elizabeth Jeffer
Founded in the mid-nineties, The Lorenza Ganglia handbag collection is entirely handmade in Florence Italy, by a niche of skilled female artisans that traditionally create these couture quality bags. We chose to bring this label into the shop for many reasons, not the least of which is that they are made one by one, each piece is a combination of old world crochet techniques + modern materials, and color adaptations. Growing up in a large Northern Italian family, Lorenza learned the traditional art of crochet from her grandmother - an artful yet practical technique that evolved from net making fisherman developed centuries ago. With an emphasis on texture,...
The Evolution of the Uniform
Thu, Mar 22, 18 Elizabeth Jeffer
The digital age has undeniably made us overwhelmed and time challenged in so many ways. I can’t tell you how many times while in the shower I have fantasized about pushing a button and coming out of the shower dressed, hair dried, makeup applied and ready to go. Deciding what to wear can be pure nuisance or even at times, daunting. I find the desire for speed and ease especially true since my forties. Don’t get me wrong – I love fashion and always will. I plan to grow old wearing pink lipstick, patterned socks and pumps. All kidding aside I...
Founder Q&A
Thu, Jan 25, 18 Elizabeth Jeffer
Roztayger Handpicked Luxury Lifestyle Goods for the Modern Minded. Roztyager represents the epitome of luxury, beauty and quality. Deterred by trends, each item in the shop has been purposefully picked from a long list of rationality – from unique characteristics of the leather, to the refined aesthetic of small batch handcrafted items, to the women led cooperative behind a certain brand. The story and history behind each brand in the shop is just as important as the item itself. It's this relationship between craft, aesthetic and refinement that exists as the intersection of our shop. Our founder Elizabeth has answered some...
Round Up #1
Tue, Oct 03, 17 Elizabeth Jeffer
A semi regular round up of what we're reading, watching, thinking and using. Dwell just highlighted this interesting prefabricated company based in Vancouver BC Canada. Inspired by IKEA and their mission to create affordable AND well designed products for all, this company has taken that to heart, but on a larger scale. Create Your Own Prefabricated Hut Netflix is a great source of inspiration for the creative individual. They released "Abstract" earlier this year, and it's jam packed with a wide array of creative individuals and influencers from around the world. Highly recommend delving into this series. Garance Doré is...
Buying Trip for Spring 2018 – NYC
Mon, Aug 14, 17 Elizabeth Jeffer
Elizabeth, our shop owner and buyer, was in New York City recently for Spring 2018 market week. If you happen to be a regular client with us you're probably aware that she spends a great deal of time searching high and low, all around the world for unique labels and brands. In an age where most things are easily accessible, she goes beyond in search of those special and hard to find products, culminating in a buying assortment that is varied and makes great sense both for the shop and our clientele. She wanted to share a few scenes from...
Designer Dialogue: Satomi Kawakita of Satomi Kawakita Jewelry
Sun, Apr 30, 17 Elizabeth Jeffer
When it comes to jewelry, Satomi Kawakita’s line of delicate luxuries is decidedly different from anything you’ll find in the diamond district. From floating pearls to the most ethereal diamond drop necklace, Satomi has spent years conceptualizing and creating jewelry whose organic beauty is just off the beaten path. Born and raised in Japan, where her work is featured in stores across the country, the now NYC-based designer and diamond setter is slowly but surely acquiring a cult following on this side of the pond. We sat down with Satomi to learn more about her enchanting pieces. Q: How...
Designer Dialogue: Tsatsas
Mon, Apr 10, 17 Elizabeth Jeffer
Established by Esther Schulze-Tsatsas and Dimitrios Tsatsas in 2012, German bag label TSATSAS has become synonymous with cutting edge contemporary design. Coupling premium leathers with an industrial and architecturally-influenced eye, Esther and Dimitrios have managed to create a brand that successfully breaks with tradition. Their creations are relevant, yet trend-averse at the same time. We sat down with the duo behind Germany's cool carriers to find out how their handbags have raised the bar. Q: How and why did you become handbag designers? What drew you to this particular medium? Esther: Dimitrios and I both worked for more than...
Elizabeth Jeffer: My Style Influencers
Wed, Mar 29, 17 Elizabeth Jeffer
When recently asked, “who were your formative style influencers?” it took me some moments of pondering. But upon rummaging through the recesses of my mind, I soon uncovered four fashion-forward names from my sartorial memory box. I thought I'd share them with you. 1. Barbara Eden from I Dream of Jeannie I had an early obsession with I Dream of Jeannie and would spend countless hours admiring Barbara’s billowing Middle Eastern pink and jewel-encrusted outfits. I also loved the inside of her bottle with the velvety couch and contrasting jewel-tone pillows. All of this brings back very fuzzy fantasy...