About the Collection
The 64th Ivey Abitz bespoke collection was photographed at the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site in Hyde Park, New York. Photographing the garments at Val-Kill where Eleanor loved to live and work was an honour. She could have lived anyplace in the world, and she had the means to do so. Instead of gilded mansions, she chose a humble and bucolic setting where she hosted many guests—from local school children to world dignitaries including King George, Winston Churchill, and JFK.
Eleanor Roosevelt was called the “First Lady of the World” because she was so admired and loved around the globe. Her life’s work for human rights and equality for future generations is the inspiration for this collection. Through this special group of ensembles, we celebrate Eleanor’s work writing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 for the United Nations. 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, an important milestone for world peace. The Declaration of Human Rights is a call to remember that we all have the same intrinsic value, and our actions must reflect it.
In a world currently fraught with divisiveness and hatred, the spirit of Eleanor’s work directs us to the belief that if we respect human rights, civility and peace will flourish. Her work and words transcend political party, reminding us all that unity is what will make today and the future better for everyone.
This Ivey Abitz collection of clothing is also inspired by the ideals of the business Eleanor helped create. From 1926-38, Val-Kill Industries operated on this site producing quality furniture inspired by historic designs. Eleanor’s entrepreneurial spirit and human rights ethics combined to create dignified, well paying jobs that kept people working in rural New York. It was a business philosophy that is harmonious with ours at Ivey Abitz today.
This collection of clothing—and this collection of photographs—is a declaration of our own. It is one that seeks to use our aesthetic ideals to convey our beliefs. We create garments that respect the environment, the tailors that sew them, and the people that wear them. Ivey Abitz garments represent what we want our present day and future to look like: one of civility, dignity, liberty, and peace.
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