I have a natural affinity for oversized button-downs, and I knew that I wanted to incorporate the androgynous, universal silhouette into our Signature Collection at some point. However, there are a few elements of traditional button-downs that I dislike and that I know wouldn't work with our manufacturing process.
Instead, the Long Sleeve Kara Snap Dress eschews traditional stand collars, visible buttons, and sleeve cuffs with pleating. What remains is the suggestion of this classic garment and its spirit, but with all the comfort, ease, and simplicity that are the hallmarks of ES clothing.
This long sleeve, midi-length, snap-front dress skews masculine, feminine, and everywhere in between. It works in almost any setting—worn to an evening affair or the beach as a coverup. I wanted to capture the timelessness and the nostalgia; a crisp button-down is a constant throughout history and in most people's closets today, but this universal silhouette somehow still has the ability to intrigue.
Medium-duty snaps are sewn inside the placket, so they're invisible. Easy and accessible to open, sturdy enough to not pull apart on accident. Wear closed or open, and fasten as many or as few snaps as you like. Try it unfastened halfway from the bottom, with trousers or jeans peeking through the center slit from underneath. Form and function in true harmony!
Named in collaboration with Aja Barber after the contemporary artist Kara Walker, who we envision wearing this style in the studio.
