Diversity in Fashion – Sam and lilli
By Catalina Campos
Tucked in the upscale West Ave neighborhood right across from Tootsies and several other exotic restaurants, Sam and lilli Boutique is popular for its unique collection and love for charity. It has not only welcomed a diverse group of international designers but also promotes local designers from different ethnicities while donating a percentage to different charities.
Lights Camera Action Houston Society News was intrigued by the flowy and delicate, lace trimming and feminine pink polka dots, the exclusive Pero by Aneeth Arora collection that arrived at the Sam and lilli Boutique this Spring/Summer. The young designer, a graduate from the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, India, has already sparked interest from the Indian fashion scene by winning the Vogue India Fashion Fund, Marie Claire Award for Eco Fashion, and Young Creative Fashion Entrepreneur from the British Council.
Her collection, inspired by Rajasthani local aesthetics, is a romantic and subtler take on the traditional Indian anarkalis and sarees often adorned with heavy embroidery and beading. The knit blouses, summer dresses, along with other woven pieces take a sophisticated approach by allowing a versatile wearability. A young woman can wear the white with black polka dotted anarkali whether she is exploring a Rajasthani bazaar or having coffee in a Parisian café. The pieces that aren’t based off of traditional Indian clothing have a rustic, country-side feel to them, with models walking the runway wearing woven straw hats.
The pieces are beautiful at Sam and lilli, and apart from Aneeth Arora, Sam & lilli brings in Parisian and London designers into their charming boutique. Yoshi Kondo Paris, Elsa Esturgie Paris, and Swildens to name a few, with styles that best replicate the Parisian and London fashion scene. The dark clothing, minimalist in style, with a few feminine touches of frill or floral lace is a recurring theme throughout the boutique. Delicate chains and beautiful leather handbags adorn the walls of the boutique that prides themselves in their very posh merchandise that is difficult to find anywhere else.
The tasteful and subtle eccentricity of the Parisian lines and the boho and feminine Rajasthani inspired wear of the Peró collection are limited in their availability. The few pieces are selling fast and the boutique constantly changes collections. Pick up an Aneeth Arora tunic with the floral beaded collar and modernize it by pairing it with structured and loose white or beige slacks for a summer evening.
Don’t miss to check out their upcoming Paris Meets Mughal Style Fashion Day Out Affair on July 12, 2014 from 12-5pm showcasing AR Designers By Arefa Merchant: The Maharani of Jewels, reminiscent of the Mughal period, Arefa’s jewelry has the grandeur and richness of a maharani, yet simple and feminine. Her line is very unique and intricate mixed with sophistication. We will also welcome talented young kids to show their rainbow loom bracelets and 10% of all sales will benefit DIL (Developments in Literacy).
Catalina Campos is a recent graduate of the University of Houston receiving her B.S. in English Literature with a minor in India Studies. She has previously worked at Free Press Houston, UH’s official radio station, and a literary press and aspires to one day work for a Condé Nast publication. Catalina is set to depart to Germany shortly as a participant of the prestigious Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals continuing her studies at a German university and hopefully interning for Condé Nast Deutschland.
