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…………………………THE WHITE “KATE” SHIRT, A214116,  is back for 2016!…….I have said it before, and I will say it again………there is nothing more ICONIC….more AMERICAN SPORTSWEAR than a beautifully tailored White Cotton shirt…….For those of you who are new to Linea….a little history……Jac, my wife, is a white shirt lover. I used to make fabulous white cotton shirts when I designed Anne Klein, but since I left Jac has had to go B&M stores to get new ones. She was never satisfied with what she found. I even went shopping with her, because I couldn’t believe she couldn’t find a descent cotton shirt. It was either the fabric ….the lack of details….the sewing or the fit she didn’t like. Seeing for myself what was avail was an eye opener! The quality just wasn’t there. The sewing was adequate to sloppy, and the fabrics were all so thin that they were almost see through. They just felt cheap, and believe me when I say they were far from inexpensive. Jac said now that you are at QVC can’t you make a white cotton shirt, and I had quite a few requests from my Linea Ladies asking for the same thing. I will say Kate lead the charge asking for a white cotton shirt. So, I had three inspirations to make a wonderful white cotton shirt, Jac, Kate and Katherine Hepburn, who has always been an inspiration, and who truly made the white cotton shirt with her trousers….iconic …….hence the name…..”the Kate Shirt”. Now the challenge….creating the perfect shirt. It had to start with the fabric. I couldn’t find what I was looking for so I had it made, not an easy thing to accomplish. The cotton is a very FINE LONG FIBER grade which gives a silky smooth touch. It is blended with 2% spandex for a comfortable stretch. Next, after finding the right yarn, I had to decide on the weave. To prevent see through, and to give the shirt body I chose a fine twill weave, so fine you really have to look close to see the diagonal weave.  The twill also helps the fabric stretch, and also adds the body I wanted to prevent see through! The shirt is slightly heavier than what you will find in the B&M stores, but that is the point…that’s the quality of the fabric and prevents see through….. Now for the style….that was the easiest part. I sent one of my dress shirts to the factory so they could copy all of the menswear details. We also sent the pattern which was made for a woman’s body, which means BODY DARTS and proper shaping. Every detail that you would see on a man’s shirt is there……down to the COLLAR STAYS! When was the last time you saw collar stays in a woman’s shirt? This may not sound like a big deal, but without them, after a few times laundered, the corners of the shirt start to curl……The stays prevent this, and if you like your collar popped….this detail is the best way to keep it sharp…It is also a much more COMPLICATED and time consuming collar to make….VOILA, my first Linea COTTON SHIRT. It has been met with great approval, and I am now offering the shirt for the FOURTH time!…………….Recently, Jac and I “did” the New York stores…..both 5th Ave and Madison Ave. I can tell you, from what I saw, nothing has changed as far as white cotton shirts are concerned. In many of the “designer” departments they are offering a white cotton shirt in a variety of styles….all based on the classic mens shirt. In Barneys alone we must have seen 6 to 7 different cotton shirts from different designers. I was shocked! While the styles were interesting, the workmanship was fair and every cotton fabric was very thin and cheap feeling. I will also add that the prices ranged from $500 to $1200..,..for a white cotton shirt!!……I am sure they will all be hanging there well after Christmas on sale for 70% to 80 % off……….You will not find a shirt of my quality anywhere at this reasonable price………………If you are a cotton shirt lover…..you will love this shirt as so many already do………If you don’t like to press cotton shirts, then this isn’t for you, but I will tell you…..I pressed the samples when they came in and it took me all of 10 minutes to press the three in the photos…..There are  so called wrinkle free shirts in the market. There is no hybrid cotton that is grown so the fibers, when woven, don’t wrinkle. So how are these wrinkle free fabrics achieved? Chemicals is the answer…………Do take the collar stays out when you wash, press or send the shirt to the dry cleaners….which ever is your preference.

…………………………Above, I have decided to show the classic white shirt with my PINSTRIPE BLAZER, A259095, in the NAVY/IVORY combination. I personally think this is one of the best fully lined jackets I have made at QVC. Both the YARN DYED FABRIC and the fit are superb….The hand and quality of the fabric is similar to the trench coat……..This is a CLASSIC ICONIC jacket and…..the blazer is on CLEARANCE too! I have also chosen the Linea Leisure Tuxedo Stripe pant in the SLATE BLUE, A268243, to give the whole look a modern edge. I can tell you I have just seen all of the PRE-FALL collections for 2016, and “leisure” style pants with the tuxedo stripe are again on many runways….from Rage and Bone to Chanel…….They will immediately give your outfit an “of the moment” look………To accessorize…..the SIGNATURE GOLD earring, J320884, the GOLD/SILVER signature necklace,J320468 and for additional layers the SIGNATURE and BEAD NECKLACE, J321802, plus the DEW DROP pendant necklace, J320890…..To finish it off….the SIGNATURE CHARM BRACELET, J325470….a really fun accessory!……..The thing I love most about this outfit is………it works on anyone no matter what age…..it is classic but very current and on the fashion edge. It’s all in the attitude and how you wear it…….One thing is for sure…..a WHITE COTTON SHIRT is for ever!……………………………………………..enjoy…………………….much Love…………………….Louis