048: KARLA SMITH-BROWN
lives in crop tops and baggy bottoms.
As I often do in the morning, last week I took a yoga class at Equinox. By coincidence (or was it marketing?) my teacher pointed out the occurrence of the Fall equinox. It marks the start of the season, when the moon and sun stay awake for equal hours, and traditionally, it was a time when farmers reaped the harvest of seeds sown in the Spring.
I like that idea. Soaking up the benefits of work previously completed. September can be very forward-oriented. As you probably know, it’s fashion month so everything is new, new, new, pushing towards the future. But as the frivolity and freedom of Summer come to an end, it’s nice to take a moment for reflection too. What have you experienced so far this year? And what do you still have left to do?
And by the way, what have you been wearing? Closet-wise, it might be a good time for a clean out. I can be pretty cut-throat when it comes to whittling things down. I give it a Marie-Kondo, thank it for the joy, move on. I’m ready to feel a bit more buttoned-up for the season ahead. This is partially a consequence of the fashion climate - I’m very inspired by all the preppiness and suiting that’s trickled off the runways and into the streets lately - but it's mood-related too. Back to school, back to work, it may be time to start behaving again.
Anyways, I guess this whole long-winded introduction is my way of saying Happy Fall and welcome back to reality! To ring in the occasion, I spoke with Karla Smith-Brown, a very cool floral artist and the founder of Olivee Floral about what she’s living in these days (and just know, I’m resisting a cheesy callback to sowing seeds with all of my will right now). Read on!
Karla is a first generation Canadian, with familial roots in Jamaica’s lush Saint Elizabeth Parish. In 2018, after an energizing trip home, she was inspired to open a floral studio of her own. Named for her grandmother, Olivee, Karla’s Brooklyn-based practice has collaborated with some of the biggest names in fashion and design - Vogue, Bottega Veneta, Wales Bonner, and many more. She also holds a residency at Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi in Lincoln Center.
Karla has a playful and edgy sense of style. My friend Carrie described it as “comfort-electic.” She could teach a masterclass on how to look exquisite while climbing a ladder. I asked her how she does it.
Tell me about your personal style. What are you living in right now?
KARLA: Comfort is key when it comes to my style. I’m always on the go; usually lugging flowers or filling buckets so it’s important that I can move in my clothing. I’m living in crop tops with baggy bottoms right now - whether that is loose denim, parachute pants, wide leg trousers, or long skirts. I just need to feel flowy and breathable working in New York weather.
How often do you shop?
KARLA: I’d like to think I don’t shop very often but, I always feel something is missing from my wardrobe so I’m kind of always on the hunt. My cart on SSENSE is forever full. I take a while to pull the trigger when shopping online, but when I shop in person I’m definitely more of an impulse buyer. So all that to say, on average I’ll shop once or twice a month.
Where do you shop the most?
KARLA: The RealReal and SSENSE are my go-tos, mixed with vintage, independent designers and well-curated boutiques. Some of my favorites right now are Eckhaus Latta, Acne, Collina Strada, Diotima, Out of Seam, SALASAN Vintage, Front General Store, Tumbao, and Chop Suey Club.
KARLA’S MOST WORN:
GANNI WIDE LEG JEANS
MARGIELA WHITE TABI KNEE HIGH BOOTS
VINTAGE LEVI’S BOYFRIEND JEANS
ECKHAUS LATTA BLACK SKINNY JEANS
JIL SANDER PLATFORM THONG SANDALS
Best buy of 2024?
KARLA: Minena bolsa ballet bag
What are you currently searching for?
KARLA: A statement trench coat, platform leather moto boots, an Issey Miyake suit or dress, and a vintage fur coat.
Does your style change when you go to work?
KARLA: Slightly. Although most of my outfits are made to work in. My rule of thumb is, if I can climb a ladder in it, then it’s a winner!
What’s your go-to out for a night out?
KARLA: I like to wear skirts or dresses if I’m going out; something that makes me feel sexy and shows a bit more skin. I almost always dress in a way that allows me to go from day to night by just changing my shoes. I have this weird quirk about not wearing open toe shoes at night if I’m walking in NYC, so I usually wear a closed toe option at night.
What do you always travel with?
KARLA: Simon Miller platform bubble clogs and at least one pair of sunglasses.
Do you change your accessories daily or wear the same ones?
KARLA: I don’t really wear many accessories, but I always have my two favorite rings on. If I’m dressing up a bit, I will usually add more rings. The one accessory I rotate a lot based on my outfit is my sunglasses. I got really into sunglasses recently. I like the feeling of being protected when I have them on in public since my eyes are not so visible. My favorites at the moment are these green translucent vintage Gucci rectangle frames and my black Loewe angular cat eye frames.