Hawaii designer Ivy Higa has just launched her secondary label, Chic & Sheer by Ivy h., a clever collection of 100 percent sheer silk chiffon tops with cotton accents that reveal and conceal only as much flesh as its wearer chooses.
The launch March 8 coincided with the debut of her e-commerce site, ivyh.net/store.
"I took to heart the idea of working smarter, not harder," said the designer, who, since leaving "Project Runway" in season eight, has continued to live and work in New York for such high-profile designers and brands as Zac Posen, Diane von Furstenberg and Theory, often putting in 18-hour days before returning home to work on her own collections.
Ivy Higa:
Her Chic & Sheer collection
focuses on tops that can
transition from day to night
"Basically, I was killing myself trying to put together 36-piece collections by myself, trying to do the marketing — I wear so many hats. So I tried to think of a signature product that would allow me to build a strong foundation that I could continue to build on."
She decided to focus on light, ethereal tops that could transition from day to night and are minimalist enough to suit a wide range of women. Like the little black dress in separates form, she’s aiming to have her styles become wardrobe staples.
There are five styles in all, with three variations in sewing technique and embellishment. Basic tops start at $255 to $325, with delivery May 15. Each style also has one version utilizing pin-tuck pleat details, and another embellished with sequins and Swarovski crystals.
Each style will be available in three colors: black, gray and navy blue.
She’s committed to having the garments made in New York, where the garment district has been suffering due to the export of manufacturing business overseas. For Higa it’s as much a logistical decision as a sentimental and patriotic one.
"I am very hands-on in making sure the quality is excellent, and have very high standards for my factory to follow. I can have quality control and fix any issues, then and there," she said. "I’ve been fortunate to have worked at some amazing design houses, and even having worked at Neiman Marcus in Honolulu for three years to get a sense of how a well-made garment should look like. I would not put my name on anything that didn’t meet my standards of excellence."
HER COLLECTION launched on International Women’s Day, and she said 10 percent of all sales going forward will go to Nomi Network, a nonprofit working to eradicate sex trafficking and create work opportunities for its survivors.
"I listened to the vice president of the organization talk at my church, and I was really moved to help this organization. When you feel someone’s passion for what they do, you want to help."
Some might say she’s not in an ideal position to help while she’s still bootstrapping her way up.
"I’m still putting everything into making this work," she said. "I just take things day by day, and sometimes it feels like you’re pulling a cart all by yourself, but I’m grateful for being able to do what I love to do."
