Dan Rattiner speaks with pioneering fashion designer Liz Lange – Episode 160
Nov 16, 2023
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Fashion designer Liz Lange talks about balancing motherhood, selling her business, and reviving a brand during COVID. She shares personal triumphs and tragedies, including a bankruptcy and a fashion show during September 11th. Liz also explores her journey post-cancer diagnosis and building a brand in the Hamptons.
Liz Lange felt a deep connection to the historical Grey Gardens estate, showcasing her passion for preserving antique charm amidst modern trends.
Liz Lange's innovative integration of maternity wear into a designer's collection revolutionized the market, leading to the success of her own maternity apparel brand.
Deep dives
Liz Lang's Purchase of Grey Gardens
Liz Lang, a prominent figure in the fashion industry, shares her journey of buying Grey Gardens, a famous mansion in East Hampton. Previously rented by Sally Quinn and Ben Bradley, the house captivated Liz with its historical charm amidst a changing Hamptons landscape. Lang felt a deep connection to the house, built in 1898, as it retained the essence of the old Hampton cottages, contrasting with the modern architectural trend. Despite its need for restoration, Lang saw an opportunity to bring back the house's former glory, embarking on a three-year renovation project.
Liz Lange's Evolution in the Fashion Industry
Liz Lange reflects on her unexpected journey in the fashion industry, originating from a serendipitous encounter with a fashion designer while working at Vogue. Observing the lack of appealing maternity clothing in the market, she proposed a revolutionary idea to integrate maternity wear into the designer's collection. This innovative venture led to the creation of her own successful maternity apparel brand, eventually becoming the largest in the United States. Despite the business's sale and subsequent challenges, Lange's resilience and adaptability drove her to redefine her fashion career through new ventures and acquisitions.
Revitalizing Figue and Personal Reflections
Fascinated by the resort wear brand Figue, Liz Lange's acquisition and subsequent reboot of the brand symbolize her passion for fashion reinvention. Figue, renowned for its vibrant prints and luxurious designs, has expanded beyond resort wear to offer a versatile range of clothing. Lange's vision for Figue focuses on a global nomadic spirit, blending bold colors and patterns with a touch of sophistication. Positioned in various renowned retailers, Figue represents a new chapter in Lange's professional journey post-selling her maternity brand, aligning with her desire to create a major lifestyle brand.
Episode 160: This week on the “Dan’s Talks” podcast, Dan speaks with pioneering fashion designer Liz Lange. The New York City native who also lives in East Hampton’s famed Grey Gardens estate is the awardwinning CEO of Figue, a dress brand she acquired in 2020, and creative director of Liz Lange Maternity.
Find all the “Dan’s Talks” podcast episodes at podcasts.schnepsmedia.com/podcast/dans-papers.
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