Lily McNeal: Luxe Summer Knits
Launched in 2002 by Anna Barthelme and Stephen Elkind, Los Angeles–based Lily McNeal is known for luxurious knits exuding style with a casual chic quality.
The expanding line comprises cardigans, coats, shawls, tunics, shrugs, hoodies, turtlenecks and dresses. With great basics that focus on longevity rather than trendiness, the line is touted as having “pure style, vivid color, clean lines and the artistry of knitting, with a thread of fun sewn in for good measure.”
Craftsmanship and quality are crucial, and as the Danish designer Anna Barthelme puts it: “These pieces are built to last. I want you to be able to hand Lily McNeal down to your daughter or granddaughter.”
The name Lily McNeal has familial roots for Barthelme. In homage to her father, Barthelme chose the pseudonym Lily McNeal, which her writer and editor father Donald Barthelme used to pen some of his “more opinionated think pieces” in The New Yorker and Esquire.
During her youth in Copenhagen, Denmark, Barthelme honed her knitting skills as a hobby. She relocated to the United States at 18 to pursue an acting career, landing parts in off-Broadway productions in New York and plays in Los Angeles. In her downtime, Barthelme knitted. It started as a custom business for friends and family and soon evolved into a full-time endeavor. She partnered with Stephen Elkind, who had a background in finance that provided an excellent foundation to launch the new sweater line.
The first pieces were simple silhouettes with what Barthelme describes as “wacky” color schemes. Lively shades remain an integral part of the line but are carefully balanced with other subtle color combos and subdued solid hues.
Barthelme cites sailing as her inspiration for Summer 2006. “I was visualizing morning off the coast of Morocco,” Barthelme explained. “Cocktails on the bow and candlelit dinners on the beach.”
The different groups in the new collection are named after books and old films, which Barthelme saw as inspiration to “elicit imagery and a backdrop” for her clothes. “The ’Maltese Falcon’ [group] reminded me of that fantastic 1940s style, sexy but serious—very Humphrey Bogart,” Barthelme explained. “’The Philadelphia Story’ [group] reflects the airy and flowy feel of the linen—simple yet intelligent. And the ’From Here to Eternity’ pieces are made as the perfect match for summer cotton dresses— a great cover for a bathing suit,” she said, adding, “I always thought that Deborah Kerr needed a cover in that beach scene with Burt Lancaster.”
“For ’Pillow Talk,’ the pieces have that sweet and innocent, yet very feminine feel which seems so Doris Day to me,” she added.
Key pieces in the new collection meld style, function and comfort. The Asian-influenced “Dolman Ballet” wrap top has flowing sleeves and an empire waist. In 100 percent linen, the versatile “Tuxedo” jacket can be dressed up or down and is great paired with jeans or as a beach cover-up. Capitalizing on the continued popularity of crochet, the “Hug” sweater and dress are feminine and graceful, but in a very casual and wearable way. The “Beach Cardi” and “Beach Hoodie” remain top sellers as they cater to a diverse audience ranging in age and personal style. The “Beach Cardi” has multihued stripes and a belted waist. Barthelme’s take on the hoodie is a fitted silhouette with three-quarter sleeves and is available in solid tones including dusty blue, bubblegum and apricot, as well as three different twotoned striped styles.
Sold to retailers, including Planet Blue and Intuition in Los Angeles, and select Nordstrom stores, Lily McNeal also has a significant online presence from sites like Girlshop.com and Bleuclothing. com. Wholesale prices for the current collection range from $45 to $120.
For more information, visit www.lilymcneal.com or contact the Sam Showroom at (213) 489-5265.
