Designer Elise Overland

Elise Overland loves music. This is no shocker, considering she has dressed a slew of dynamic performers: Steven Tyler, Fergie, Britney Spears, and Faith Hill, to name a few. Her own musical tastes range from John Coltrane and Leonard Cohen to reggaeton and rock ‘n roll. When I think of Elise Overland’s designs, I see skin-tight, buttery-soft leather leggings and show-stopping performance pieces. Her Spring 2010 collection, however, reminds me that she does so much more.

Designs from Elise Overland’s Spring 2010 collection

Elise travels a lot and is fascinated by the people she meets, by their stories and local legends. One of these became the inspiration for her Spring 2010 collection. While she was in Mexico, Elise heard tales of a masked man who gained much notoriety and prestige. When he finally shed his mask, his followers were surprised to learn that he was an ordinary looking man. This theme inspired Elise to manipulate fabric and clothing to create an identity for the wearer and communicate spiritual power.

Her clothing is directed at two types of women. Overland says, “I cater to the rock ‘n roll, bold, sexy girl about town, as well as the artsy woman who likes a more abstract and fluid wardrobe.” Also, in response to all of the overtly hard, embellished designs in the current market, she shifted her focus away from over-the-top threads. She aimed to capture the essence of Sharon Stone in BASIC INSTINCT. While Stone’s character embodies sexiness, her style is a strong, smooth, and sophisticated concoction.

Designs from Elise Overland’s Spring 2010 collection

Designs from Elise Overland’s Spring 2010 collection

Designs from Elise Overland’s Spring 2010 collection

Elise Overland is available at INTERMIX (NYC), KIRNA ZABETE (NYC), IKRAM (Chicago), LOUISBOSTON (Boston), SWITCH (LA), MADISON (LA) Revolveclothing.com (online) DETAIL (Korea)

Prices range from $500 to $3000 for dresses, $325 for jeans, and $1500 for stretch leather tights.