Lily Clempson never set out to launch a fashion brand—it just happened. After graduating from Parsons School of Design in 2019 with a degree in graphic design, she began freelancing, only to have her plans derailed by the global pandemic. Moving back in with her parents in Southampton, New York, she stumbled upon a set of Hermès beach towels her mother had inherited. “Of course, I knew Hermès, but I never knew what it cost,” Clempson recalls. “What I did know was that I was obsessed with the print and that the graphic was amazing.” So, she did what any creatively restless designer would do—she cut them up. Clempson turned the towels into DIY face masks, using shoelaces as ties, and they quickly became a hit. She made them to raise money for FoodBank NYC, and before she knew it, demand took off. What began as a spontaneous project has since evolved into LilyEve, a full-fledged fashion brand known for its creative jackets and high-end, up-cycled designs.
Today, the brand has only continued to grow, adding new pieces to its collection every week. So how does it keep up with the demand? Enter Michel Cantin, a true fashion legend. Lily met Michel in the most unexpected way—through their local fishmonger in Amagansett. At the time, she needed help producing her masks, and Michel, with decades of experience in the fashion industry, stepped in. Now, at 91 years old, Michel is the sole maker of the brand’s bestseller, the iconic blanket jackets, proving that passion never fades. Together, Lily and Michel are crafting something truly special—fashion that’s both sustainable and effortlessly cool, with every piece telling its own unique story.
Speaking of sustainability, it lies at the heart of everything LilyEve does, from its design process to its use of materials. The brand is dedicated to reducing waste by upcycling high-quality fabrics like designer blankets, silks, and vintage towels, ensuring that every piece is made with intention and care. LilyEve’s creations aren’t just eco-conscious—they’re designed to last, with a focus on craftsmanship over the trends. When it comes to the blanket jackets, Clempson’s goal was simple: make the most of the fabric. “Essentially, we just try to design it in a way that’ll best show the material on the blanket, on the towel, on the silk—that’s always a main priority—and we always want to get the best use out of the blanket, so we originally came up with the design because we wanted to use the whole blanket,” she explains. This approach ensures no fabric goes to waste, making the designs both sustainable and unique.
As for what’s on the horizon, the sky’s the limit for LilyEve. “We’re coming out with shearling vests,” Clempson says, giving a sneak peek into the latest trends. The goal is to mix the brand’s signature upcycled pieces with more readily available, sustainable materials—think recycled cashmere and other eco-friendly fabrics. With each new release, LilyEve is continuing to push the envelope on what sustainable fashion can look like.
Listen to the full interview as we sat down with Lily to learn more about her inspiring journey. CLICK HERE
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