LunAlba: Lightweight, Layered and Luxurious
Multi-layering is a key trend for Fall. But designer Nadia Bozzetti has more than trendiness on her mind. She launched LunAlba with the idea of creating a timeless knitwear line for the jet-set lifestyle that can be worn during the day and into the night. “My idea was [to create] a line that you could travel [in] all over the world. If you are in New York, you just layer [more pieces], and if you are in California, you just un-layer and can wear [pieces] with your bikini,” Bozzetti said.
The Italian-born designer said she named the line to represent the transition from evening to morning. Luna means moon and alba is sunrise in Italian. “My intention was to do a line that’s so versatile that people can go out, but go to the office—you can wear it all the time,” she explained.
Bozzetti grew up in the fashion industry in Milan. Her family worked with many high-end designers, including Giorgio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana. Quality became essential to her aesthetic. Bozzetti cut her teeth working in sourcing and development for St. John knits for six years in Italy and six years in Orange County, Calif. And, most recently, she was a partner in the high-end knitwear line Marlova, which has been discontinued.
She launched LunAlba with a renewed focus on versatile, lightweight silk and cashmere-blend knits at a contemporary price point. Wholesale prices start at $60 for a scarf and go up to $200 for a cardigan. Silhouettes are timeless, chic and comfortable and can be layered to create a unique look. Basic styles include lightweight tanks tops, vests and turtlenecks. There are fashion pieces such as a loose-fitting cardigan with side pockets, a ribbed-collar slouch jacket and an “Audrey” dress, which layers easily over leggings. A versatile cardigan has a long scarf that can be worn loose for a casual look or wrapped around the neck for evening. Details such as oversize buttons, ribbed knitting and tie closures add a unique look to each piece.
There are approximately 150 pieces available in a palette of garden green, taupe, rhubarb, black and smoky gray. The line has been picked up by stores including Cues in Spokane, Wash.; Cede in Duluth, Ga.; and LSK, Lingo and Debbie Klum in New York. Currently, the line includes 9- to 16-gauge knit tops, sweaters and dresses, but it will expand in upcoming deliveries to include skirts and pants. Bozzetti also plans to introduce new yarns for Holiday, such as alpaca and Pima cotton, and a lightweight linen for Spring. For more information, contact the Launchpad showroom in New York at (646) 290-5691 or visit www.lunalba.com. —N. Jayne Seward
