Sunroom Q+A: Julie Harrah
We're thrilled to introduce you to Julie Harrah, a new-to-Sunroom collection inspired by a love of treasured vintage, the Italian coast, and strong, iconic women. Julie's line is the perfect blending of resort ease with one-of-a-kind twists and special details...read on to discover more about how her career evolved from working in costuming and wardrobe for film and tv into starting her eponymous line.
Can you share a bit more about your background and the path that led you to founding your line?
Fashion has been in my blood from my Grandfather who had a menswear line, and Grandmother that loved designer clothes and was on a first name basis with Sara Fredericks and Martha; fashion legends with their eponymous couture boutiques. Growing up around them in both Rhode Island and Palm Beach, I experienced so many different types of fashion and trends from high-end vintage to trendy resort wear you want to style all year.
Your brand draws inspiration from vintage clothing. Where did your love of vintage first stem from?
My own style evolved with a passion for vintage and from my affinity for the glamorous, strong iconic women of the seventies: Veruschka, Marisa Berenson and Diana Ross. After college, I moved to Los Angeles for graduate school and worked as an assistant to a wardrobe stylist for TV shows, diving into the costume warehouses only deepened my love of vintage textiles.
Can you share more about how Capri serves as muse for your collections?
Capri has been one of my favorite travel destinations over the years. It has continuously been one of my most loved inspirations and where I would first wear these special vintage pieces, often tailored and reworked just for me, and realized there was a market for that old school 70s feeling of formal informality.
Can you share a story about a favorite piece in your collection?
I’ve always had a soft spot for my Roper Caftans. They never go out of style, can be worn anywhere from the beach to black tie and make everyone feel glamorous like on a yacht with Jackie O, no matter where you are.
Can you share a story behind a recent favorite pattern or print?
Our new burlap cotton collection! It is the first time we’ve done this fabric before and it has been so exciting to see it come together. I chose to make it in a classic JH set, our signature slip dress and balloon wrap top. On a recent trip to Mexico, I had it balled up in my suitcase and it became the sisterhood of the traveling burlap set and worn almost every night!
+ Quick Fire!
What are some small things you're doing right now to take care of yourself:
Taking my dogs for hikes on the weekends! Starting my morning outside in the sunshine and hiking to a great view has done wonders.
My creative/design ethos in three words:
Modern Day Hostess
I always start my day with:
SkinTea and a cuddle from my yorkie, Lola.
Secret talent: I can meet anyone and tell them their celebrity look-alike!
Song or musician I’m loving right now (link a playlist or album if you’d like!)
Lay Low by Ava Maybee
The thing I find myself recommending over and over again:
My getting ready obsession - the OPTE tool and my Lord Jones Lip Moisturizer!
My ultimate escape – real or imagined:
Hotel Il Pellicano
