Sigh No More, The Perfect White Shirt Is Here | Brand Spotlight: Grammar NYC
Often the most important elements of a wardrobe are the hardest to find. Take the classic white button-down shirt; an iconic wardrobe staple and one of the most versatile yet classic pieces of clothing that should have a place in everyone’s closet. Made even more popular by icons such as Lauren Bacall in Key Largo, Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday and Diane Keaton in Annie Hall, the white shirt has had a rightful place in our world from the 1950’s until now. However, in all its’ glorious simplicity, the white shirt is notoriously hard to find.
The Brand
Brooklyn-based designer Althea Simons saw the gap in the market for this wardrobe necessity after she tragically lost her home when her apartment building burned down in 2016. In trying to replace all her belongings, she struggled to find the perfect wardrobe essentials, quickly concluding that they did not yet exist. With a keen eye for detail, that can be thanked in part to her degree in neuroscience, Althea founded GRAMMAR, her thoughtful collection of re-imagined variations of the white button-down.
The Fabric
Produced in small batches in New York, GRAMMAR’s shirts are made with quality and sustainability in mind. Using 100% organic GOTS-certified (Global Organic Textile Standard) cotton, GRAMMAR ensures their high standards for sustainability and ethics are met during every step of the supply chain. Additionally, the buttons are constructed from shells, instead of their typical plastic counterpart. The brand’s understanding that a clothing item is only as beautiful as its’ ethical and ecological impact is a refreshing stance in our fast-fashion world and one that garners a fat round of applause, in my opinion!
The Pieces
The concentrated line features eight variations of cotton white shirts that are as practical as they are beautiful. Althea’s understanding of the importance of a minimalist wardrobe is made clear through her thoughtful, inclusive designs. With a strong focus on the female form, each piece is meant to enhance our proportions while staying true to the classic silhouettes from decades previous.
My current (aptly-named) picks include The Antecedent, the brand’s modern variation on the peasant top, The Quotation Tee, a playful top with a high boat-neck and puffy sleeves and of course, The Verb, the classic button-down.
Check out the rest of the incredible line here.
