New Line of Clothing Launches in Cleveland

By Abby and Elle

Greetings, Little Pretties! (We’re kinda digging that Little Pretties thing ever since our Land of Oz show. We dunno — it might stick, might not.)

In any case, we’re excited to tell you about a new line of clothing, with roots right here in Cleveland, called Georgie & Elaine. The line is the first for Factory 2.0, a Cleveland-based fashion designer incubator. Devin VanderMaas, the line’s creator, says she’s seeking a timeless, classic look with the clothing. She’s not interested in a look that gets tossed after the season is over. And she’s committed to bringing garment production back to Cleveland.

We got a peek at the spring/summer line recently at the Banyan Tree (double bonus, to our minds).

Have a look!

Devin VanderMaas (center) created the Georgie & Elaine collection. Photo: Stephen Travarca

Georgie & Elaine: “Romantic American Luxury.” Photo: Stephen Travarca

This Michelle blouse comes in two colors for spring/summer: white (shown here) and coral. Photo: Stephen Travarca

Shown in coral here, the Michelle blouse will be offered in plum and black in the fall. Photo: Stephen Travarca

The Michelle mini dress looks innocent enough from the front but features a fiesty open back. Photo: Stephen Travarca

This layered mini dress, called Elaine, is lined with silk charmeuse — the perfect holiday or summer dress. Photo: Stephen Travarca

Kristin blazer, Amy tank and Arielle lace mini skirt. Photo: Stephen Travarca

This asymmetrical dress is made from silk chiffon and can be paired with a belt or even leggings. Photo: Stephen Travarca

The entire Georgie & Elaine line is made in New York City. Photo: Stephen Travarca

Devin (center) with grandparents Elaine and George. Photo: Stephen Travarca

The collection, with its soft fabrics and muted palette, seeks to convey real-life love stories. Photo: Stephen Travarca

Currently, the clothing is only available through trunk shows. Photo: Stephen Travarca

Devin VanderMaas, who hails from Cleveland, created the Georgie & Elaine line, which is named after her grandparents. When asked how it felt to be the inspiration for the Georgie & Elaine line of clothing, Elaine said, “It’s like having a baby named after you!”

Ione Fuzzell, a Kent State University fashion design graduate, helped design the spring/summer 2013 line. Although the clothing isn’t made in Cleveland (we actually used to have a robust garment industry around the turn of the last century), it is made in New York City. Ah, there’s something refreshing about that.

Check out their new website here.

So, readers, what do you think about this new collection?

P.S. We’ll be doing some overseas travel soon and look forward to bringing you trend reports on what’s happening in Scandinavia so stay tuned! If you haven’t already, sign up for our automatic email updates — that way you won’t miss a thing.