Fashion Junkie

Designer Spotlight: LilyEve

During these crazy times I’m all about supporting small burgeoing businesses with one-of-a-kind finds. So when I stumbled upon LilyEve – a head-turning line of vintage toweling bucket hats, custom-print toweling beach jackets (tie dye!) and matching face masks that Manhattanites are going bonkers over, I had to find out more. 

While summer may be winding down, it’s never too late to be sun smart. With this in mind, given that my only bucket hat is a multi-striped number from Kangol circa 1990, I thought now would be an opportune time to splurge on an updated chapeau. Take for instance, this stunning LilyEve topper made from reconstructed pieces of vintage Chanel towels, which sold out in seconds on Bandier, my favorite activewear e-tailer. This wearable work of art is the perfect palette of white with pastel pink and blue hues accented with a subtle Chanel print logo, making it easy to mix and match with everything in your WFH wardrobe.

These chic collectibles are designed by Lily Clempson, the founder and creative genius behind her namesake brand, LilyEve. Hard to believe that Clempson, a recent Parsons School of Design Grad, launched her collection during lockdown just 4 months ago. Her insanely coveted collection of whimsical vintage toweling bucket hats ($150-$250), custom toweling beach jackets ($150-$550), fashionable face masks ($60) and one-shoulder Terry dresses ($175) are all handmade in New York by reconstructing pieces of designer vintage towels (think Hermès, Missoni and Pucci) along with luxury terry-cloth to create a new and unique upcycled garment.

Don’t fret if you missed out on Clempson’s first drop like I did. Rumor has it an exclusive tie-dye bucket hat collection (the official color of quarantine) will soon be available at Bandier.com and will likely include her colorful designer face masks and other surprises.

You can also shop online at lilyeve.store and be sure to check out her Instagram for regular product updates and collabs. Better act fast though. Her pieces sell out super fast! 

Read on for Lily Clempson’s secrets for launching a business during a Pandemic along with the creative impetus behind her insanely eye-catching collection. 

Why did you decide to launch LilyEve? 

LilyEve first began at the start of lockdown this year. When the pandemic hit, I wanted to try and help in some way. I had moved back in with my parents out in Long Island and they had a collection of vintage Hermès towels never used, I decided to cut them up and make them into face masks as a bid to raise money for FoodbankNY. Having graduated from Parsons School of Design in 2019 I used my background in graphic design to promote the masks on Instagram. The demand for the masks slowly increased and I reached a goal of raising $10,000 for FoodbankNY.

Where do you get your inspiration for your designs? 

I’ve always been attracted to bold colors and prints and anything vintage. Sourcing the vintage towels became a great way of me being able to source my materials in a sustainable fashion. 

When LilyEve started to grow I needed some help. I asked around at some of the local shops I go to and they introduced me to Michele. Michele is an 86 year old retired couture seamster, we instantly connected and have been working together ever since. 

Aside from masks, bucket hats and beach jackets, will you be adding new products to your lineup?

In the future I’d love to design more winter coats. 

Where can customers purchase your items aside from Bandier and your site? 

As of right now I only sell my products through my website LilyEve.store and Bandier. I had previously interned at Bandier just last year as their graphic design intern, so I had come to know some of the people working there! They reached out to me when I started to design my toweling bucket hats which was very exciting!

Where do you see your brand in 5 years from now?

My business is only 4 months old and I started it during the pandemic. I hope to continue to grow it throughout this year. In 5 years from now I would love for LilyEve to be continuing to make a range of different pieces, made from vintage sourced materials.