The pandemic has impacted all of us differently and for Brooklyn-based designer Francess Metzger it meant more time spent at home mulling long-held wishes. In mid-July of last year, she made the fearless decision to take a leap and launch Del Luvra, a label themed on the concept of “unique minimalism.”
Artfully mixing activewear and loungewear concepts, Del Luvra’s debut collection titled Collection 1: “Exposure” is a nine-piece capsule comprising a long bodycon dress, three bodysuits, a long-sleeved latex and sheer top, two asymmetrical tops, a bralette and mini bag.
While Metzger took a chance in launching Del Luvra, she’s working off of a very solid design foundation which includes a degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, as well as stints working at LaQuan Smith, Urban Zen, Express, and Tommy Hilfiger.
We had an email exchange with Metzger, who shared how fearlessness inspired her debut collection and what young designers are bringing to the table. Check it out below.
Del Luvra’s Collection 1: “Exposure” collection is now available on delluvra.com.
Snobette: How has the place that you call home impacted your design aesthetic?
Francess Metzger: “I typically draw inspiration for my designs from women, art, people, and the things around me. I normally don’t take into account my immediate surrounds, but because of COVID it’s been transformed into my design hub. Being home so much really impacted the design aesthetic for Collection 1.
“I realized some pieces I initially had been thinking about just weren’t appropriate for the times. I thought to myself, ‘I’m always at home staying cozy, most people are probably doing the same thing,’ which is actually how I developed Del Luvra’s best selling piece, the Kenza bralette. It was literally the last thing I designed and added to the collection.
“I typically design with comfort in mind so that theme has continued while adding and subtracting pieces as I go with what feels appropriate.”
Snobette: On of the concepts behind “Exposure” is living fearlessly. How does that concept translate for Del Lubra and also for you as a creative and business owner?
Francess Metzger: “Collection l ‘Exposure’ is all about the idea of women doing what they want, revealing what they want and not letting society dictate their behavior, regardless of the rules imposed on them. That thinking is expressed in the designs through use of sheer materials, corset inspired lacing, bra elements and princess seams.
“I wanted to play up on certain elements surrounding the idea of being exposed and shape it with Del Luvra’s core design theme, which is unique minimalism. Collection l embodies taking a fearless and carefree approach. Knowing that Collection l is all about doing what you want, I knew I had to do the same for myself, even during the midst of a quarantine.”
“Like many others, I looked at COVID as another obstacle. I took a lot of time to think about whether or not July would be a good time to drop my very first collection. So much was going on in the world with racial injustice, the pandemic, and being on furlough from my job for nearly three months. I was in such a weird space. But Del Luvra made me so happy, developing it and working on it everyday was exactly what I needed. “
“I think pushing forward knowing that you have something amazing to offer the world is exactly what being carefree and fearless is, despite all the odds. As a business owner being willing to take the risk on your own idea is so fulfilling and worth it, regardless of the outcome. So much self growth comes out of fostering your own creativity and ideas.”
Snobette: What do you think the fashion industry can learn from young designers like yourself?
Francess Metzger: “As young designers I think we are underestimated a lot of the time. We are so fearless and willing to take risks. We have so much to offer the world and are so innovative. I’m much more impressed and inspired by young designers these days. As young designers we see more of the world with easy access to social media, people and places right at our fingertips. With knowing what we know, we want to do more than just make clothes, whether it be through sustainability, storytelling or blurring line through genderless design. I think we know what the rules are and want to create our own. Or sh*t, eliminate the rules all together.”
Snobette:What is your favorite piece from Collection I?
Francess Metzger: “Honestly, I love the whole collection and really took my time to develop each piece, but, if I had to choose one I’d say it’s the Asym strappy top. It truly embodies Del Luvra’s unique minimalism design aesthetic. It also reflects Collection l themes with its sheer adjustable straps that resemble a bra. I love all the elements of this top and the fit is amazing!”
Snobette: What can we look forward to from Del Luvra in the coming year?
Francess Metzger: “More beautifully made, unique minimal pieces that are made with women in mind. I want to keep developing the brand and create an ethos of clothing that feels good and looks good.
“I’m also continually looking for ways to make Del Luvra more sustainable and it’s so exciting. I want to keep finding ways for Del Luvra to grow and become bigger than I could ever imagine. I’ve had this dream since I was eight-years old so I’m just making little Francess happy while growing each year.
