True style and beauty go beyond aesthetics. It transcends into the very fabric of our being. As the founder + designer of the only Australian-made Tall Women's Clothing label, I want to share the incredible journey and the significance of our iconic statement piece: the Penni Single Breasted Blazer and Louise Loose Leg Trouser set.
Penni-Louise is the full expression of my name. At the time, I thought it fitting to name our first tall women's blazer and trouser set after myself. My ego has yet to catch up ... and I still find it mildly embarrassing. But I also feel a strong sense of pride in what the Penni-Louise set represents. This is the result of my mission to create a stunning, smart suit that's not just beautiful to look at, but beautiful to wear.
Like all our garments it's made with quality and exceptional craftsmanship. But what's unique about this set is the innovation behind it. Polyester really can be fantastic... especially when it comes to sustainable fashion.
The Fabric: Innovation Meets Sustainability
The Penni Blazer and Louise Trouser set is the first of its kind for tall women. The fabric is beautiful, smooth and luxurious... and it's made from recycled single-use bottles. Yes, you read that correctly - bottles. This innovative process transforms waste into a wool-like fabric, perfect for crafting a beautifully tailored suit for tall women that is pile-resistant and long-wearing. We are the only known importer of this fabric into Australia.
The deep melange black fabric is sourced from Japan, a country known for its cutting-edge textile technology and sustainability standards. We chose this special fabric because it provides a luxurious feel while promoting eco-friendly practices. The result is a durable, stylish, and sustainable fabric that meets the highest standards of quality.
Craftsmanship and Detail: The 'Penni' Blazer
Creating the Penni Blazer involved an extraordinary level of detail and precision. Our Australian, and incredibly talented, patternmaker has meticulously crafted the 113 pieces required in the graded size 8-20 blazer set, all by hand.
Remarkably, only two samples were required before we headed into production - such are the skills of the team who helped bring these garments to life!
This dedication ensures each blazer offers a beautiful fit and impeccable tailoring. For a full back story on how the Penni Blazer came to life, including my attempt at 'crowdfunding' read this blog - It's our time.
The 'Penni' Tall Women's Blazer boasts a fully lined and fused construction. This creates both durability and structure. It is handcrafted in Melbourne, Australia by specialised garment manufacturers. Every element of the blazer reflects our commitment to excellence:
Three-Button Sleeve Detail: Adds a sophisticated touch to the overall design.
Single Breast Closure with Matt Black Nylon Buttons: A sleek and modern finish.
Fully Functional Pockets: Combining practicality with elegance.
Notched Collar and Lapel: Classic tailoring for a timeless look.
Natural Stretch Recycled Polyester: Offers comfort and flexibility without compromising on style.
Tall Women's Shaped Bodice Length: Specifically designed to flatter taller silhouettes.
The Louise Trouser: Tailored Trouser Perfection
The Louise Loose Leg Trouser complements the Penni Blazer perfectly, offering a cohesive and stylish look.
The path to releasing Louise was a longer design process. To zip, or not to zip? Should it have a front fly or side zip? Elastic back waistband or a fixed one? Machine-applied hook & bar set or hand-applied? How loose in the leg should the design be - fitted in the seat and around the belly or equally loose? The possibilities were enormous... and each choice had to be carefully made, and required 5 different samples to be prepared.
We eventually settled for fitted around the seat and belly design - the blazer would smooth over this area and we wanted a design that would not add bulk - personally, as a tall woman, I have spent most of my life trying to minimise any additional bulk and appreciate the cinched look of a buttoned-up blazer.
The first release of 'Louise' nearly sold out immediately, and we are currently (May 2024) underway in restocking the Louise Trouser. It takes up to eight weeks for the fabric to arrive from Japan and clear customs. Importing fabric has its challenges that can easily be a standalone blog post...
The Louise trousers are available for pre-sale, with an estimated delivery time late June 2024. It's worth noting that there will be a $10 increase per pair once the new stock arrives due to the premium fabric and craftsmanship involved. Now is the ideal time to secure your pair of Louise Loose Leg Trouser at the current price.
Why Choose the Penni-Louise Set?
Exclusively Designed for Tall Women, by a tall woman: Only tall women know what is wrong with mainstream clothing, and all those ill-fitting niggles have been addressed in the Penni-Louise suiting
Sustainability: By choosing the Penni-Louise set, you're supporting eco-friendly practices and contributing to reducing waste.
Quality: Our commitment to using high-quality, innovative materials ensures that your suit will last for seasons to come.
Craftsmanship: Artisans meticulously crafted every piece, ensuring a beautiful fit and timeless style.
And it's not just me that thinks this... may I proudly share:
6' Monique 'the quality is excellent'
6'2 Amanda 'the quality of the fabric, construction and length is fantastic. As always'
6'3 Emma 'the cut and proportions are the standouts for me'
6' Candice 'so comfortable and smart'
6'2 Claire 'I LOVE IT!'
6'2 Dianne 'Hands down, brilliant - fit, fabric and finishing touches'
But what is the significance of such quality Tall Women's Clothing??
I've previously shared the role clothes play in contributing to an individual's well-being, meeting a basic human need for comfort and self-expression (when Goldilocks gets it right).
For tall women, the impact of a lack of choice is significant when we're completely left out of the fashion equation. The Penni+Louise suiting represents much more than just garments to be worn, it symbolises choice, affirmation and acceptance. We know clothes are tools for self-expression and social signalling, but this is impossible without availability. Unlike others, a tall woman can't walk into a store and shop freely for well-fitting garments (unless you visit our Hobart studio). Nor can we indulge in an online shopping spree with any assurance that the clothes are going to fit the way we want them to. Before the Penni-Louise suiting, a tall woman couldn't choose the level of quality and standard of their self-expression and social signalling.
Our tailored set changes that, offering tall women the quality and craftsmanship they deserve. And if you're wondering what our glorious 187cm Model Dr G chooses for her birthday celebrations, take a look at this stunning smart-casual combo...
Miss G and Me is the only Australian-made tall women’s clothing label, which reflects a passion for beautiful and sustainable fashion that fits tall women and lasts beyond a few washes. This article was written by the founder + designer, 6'1 Penni Lamprey who has a passionate focus on 'well' and 'being' and how clothes that fit positively contribute to an individual's self-esteem - the heart of the label's values.
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