trendingFIONA

I am completely obsessed with over-the-top feminine pieces—bows, ruffles, adorable details, and the list goes on and on. But I find that when it comes to actually dressing myself, it’s the more structured and simple pieces that actually suit me. It can be so hard to find a brand that encapsulates both—the simplicity that I’m drawn to and the sweetness that I find so stunning. But recently, I came across a label that does both beautifully.

Allina Liu is a New York based label, named for the designer behind the brand. In her own words, Liu’s clothes combine “elegance with sensuality and comfort with style.”

“The confluence of opposites.”

In the line you’ll find fluttery maxi skirts, bubble hem dresses, flowing wide leg pants, and delicate bows gracing all of the above. Knits with puff sleeves and fitted wrists that call back to decadent 17th century styles. Delicate ruffles lining hems and seams. Sweet florals and touches of lace.

There’s an effortlessness in the femininity of the pieces, but what seems effortless is actually an immense attention to detail. Every bubble hem is paired with a perfectly fitted drop-waist, every bow-covered corset structured with immaculate boning, every pastel-toned knit fitted just so at the waist.

The way these pieces are articulated makes it easy to lean into the feminine, but also simple to pair with something opposite.

I love their ruffled midi dresses paired with a strong boot and structured handbag. The wide leg trousers with their unique cut-outs fastened by bows are perfect with an open front knit and pops of fiery red in the accessories.

While I’m almost always a mini skirt girl, I love the idea of pairing a puff sleeve Allina Liu cardigan with a more masculine jean and pops of fiery red accessories. And speaking of mini skirts—a bubble hem mini skirt with a bow detail pairs so perfectly with a fitted blazer and knee high boot.

While I don’t think it’s impossible to style all ultra feminine pieces with more structured ones, there’s something unique about Allina Liu that makes it so easy. With every piece, she strikes a balance between the soft and the strong, gentle lines and sharp ones, maintaining comfort and making a statement.

Do Ho Suh, the fiber artist who Liu credits as one of her inspiration in her designs, is maybe best known for creating buildings and homes from fabrics like silk and polyester. Taking a structure normally built from something strong and hard and recreating it in something soft and delicate. That influence is clear in Liu’s work.

Beyond the styles themselves, Allina Liu as a brand stands firmly on sustainability and ethical labor. They value providing a product that stands apart from the fast-fashion brands that dominate the mainstream. Their price points range from $50-$325, with the majority of projects lying in the $100-$200 range. With their emphasis on providing a well-constructed product that lasts, the pieces feel well worth investing in.