The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Actress starts line designed by fashion students
Reese Witherspoon’s partnership with SCAD includes kids’ clothes.
Reese Witherspoon, the actress turned designer who is founder and creative director of the clothing brand Draper James, has released a limitededition collection in partnership with students from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
The Mommy & Me collection, which offers unique looks for moms, sons and daughters, launched last week at Draper James locations in Atlanta and Nashville, as well as online at draperjames.com. It is the brand’s first foray into children’s clothing.
“Not only does the collection represent our ability to collaborate but it also represents our commitment to the wants and needs of our customers. Since Draper James launched, we have received countless requests for children’s clothing. We hope that this collection is a success and that it gives us more insight into future products and partnerships,” said Katherine Brodie, director of e-commerce at Draper James in a statement.
SCAD students across several degree programs worked with Draper James and Rockets of Awesome to design the collection which features several references to Georgia. The Cherokee Rose print on the dress for moms features the state flower of Georgia. The bee on the boy’s top is a nod to the SCAD Mascot “Art the Bee” as well as the Georgia state insect. Prices for the collection range from $28 to $125.
“Both SCAD and Draper James possess a global sensibility suffused with Southern charm,” said SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace. “This partnership is a dream for SCAD and our students studying within the world’s preeminent School of Fashion, who every day are realizing their dreams, just as Reese has done with her elegant, up-for-anyoccasion brand.”
Witherspoon, who received the SCAD Etoile award in 2017, said she was thrilled by the partnership. “I founded Draper James in order to showcase the originality and beauty of the South, and I’m thrilled it resonates so well with the emerging talent SCAD is known for around the world,” Witherspoon said.
Witherspoon, an outspoken advocate for women, recently revealed that she had been sexually assaulted by a director at age 16.
She also launched the Hello Sunshine book club in 2016 to highlight women writers and characters. She recently partnered with Amazon’s Audible to bring the book club selections to audio.
Last week, the actress confirmed she will return for “Legally Blonde 3” — the franchise which began in 2001 and featured Elle Woods, a fashion merchandising student who enrolled in Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend.