There are plenty of reasons to frequent Haley Corridor, located just east of downtown Santa Barbara - historic restaurants, wine tasting, breweries, and first-rate espresso - but perhaps the best reason and one that has us swooning is Catherine Gee boutique. This elegant flagship store and atelier, neatly curated with current collections, timeless staples and a tight edit of covetable accessories and lifestyle goods, could be right at home in SoHo. But to the delight of locals and visitors looking for an elevated yet approachable fashion experience, Catherine Gee, fashion designer, artist and owner of her eponymous label, calls Santa Barbara home. Over six years ago, the line debuted as an all silk collection, including her enduringly popular slip dress, and has since grown into a complete ready-to-wear brand. While printed silk blouses and dresses remain at the heart of the collection, offerings like jacquard coats, luxe velvet jackets, and perfectly tailored cotton twill pants hang beside them. Here, the designer talks about the birth of her brand, seasonal inspiration, her go-to look and more.
Silky Success Story
Catherine Gee launched in 2016 as an all silk collection, emphasizing the classic bias-cut slip dress and a clear vision: luxurious, quality silks with attention to drape and fit. The Mediterranean climate of Santa Barbara, combined with the phenomenal landscapes and light, informed the brand's DNA from the beginning and continues to inspire and direct the collections year after year. Initially, we discovered an excellent niche resort wear market, and over the years, I realized that I wanted to dress women from day to night. It is now a full ready-to-wear collection with our signature silk blouses and slip dresses as core classics, along with denim, twill and pima cotton pants and tees made in Peru. Our eye-catching, luxe, jacquard jackets are skillfully made in LA.
Practical Pragmatism, With A Side of Local Flora
Real, everyday women inspire me. I look at style and practicality - pragmatism with a little flair. When I travel, my eyes are always open to how women live and what they live in that makes them feel empowered, comfortable and beautiful. Strong women from all walks of life inspire my designs. I also find design inspiration on long walks all along the Riviera and have created many custom prints from ideas spawned by Santa Barbara flora and fauna.
Up Close & Personal Styling
Catherine Gee customers who shop our flagship location are treated to a highly individualized and intimate experience. We call the store a "boutique/atelier," and on most days, you'll see me amongst the upcoming season's design concepts, print swatches and bolts of silks. I actually work and conceptualize in the store! My colleague Lauren is a masterful merchandiser, and she has made it feel like a designer's space combined with a store, with a floor-to-ceiling mood board including press and fabric swatches mixed in as well. I am in the store Monday through Friday, so personal styling naturally comes with serving our clientele. Building a lasting wardrobe takes time, thought and attention to fit and detail. It's always a joy to meet new clients and see them return season after season to discover the new collections.
Currently in Rotation
My day-to-day uniform is the Daria Blouse (prints and solids) with the new Olivia pant in denim or ivory cotton twill. If I meet a friend for dinner or drinks, I'll put on the jacquard Lydia Jacket for a bit of flair.
Less = More Please
My style is less is more, and I also love investing in pieces that make you sing and feel great. Dress to enhance yourself and let your wardrobe help tap into your strength. And color or a lively print always gives a lasting impression. Catherine Gee is available in about 80 retail locations across the US. Go to catherinegee.com/stockists to find a convenient store location or visit the store at the Mill on Haley Street to discover our little world of style.
414 E. Haley Street • 805.324.4699
catherinegee.com
