The Vacay Shirt:

A Tapestry
of
Style and Substance

Photography by George Pimentel. Courtesy of Whitney Linen

In fashion’s ever-evolving landscape, where trends are as fleeting as the seasons, few remarkable creations best the ordinary, embedding themselves into our cultural fabric. The “Vacay Shirt” has such clarity and vision that it demands attention. Conceived by Whitney Westwood and brought to fruition with the stylistic insights of Kim Appelt, this multifunctional garment is proof of the power of collaborative genius.

“Linen is a fabric that I believe can be categorized as a classic,” Whitney Westwood  

“A white linen shirt is an absolute essential.” Kim Appelt,

Picture this: two minds, Westwood and Appelt, pondering the essence of travel fashion.

“What is that one essential travel piece?” 

“What is that one essential travel piece?” they mused. The answer lay in the timeless appeal of linen. “Linen is a fabric that I believe can be categorized as a classic,” Whitney shared, echoing her rich experience in the fashion industry. Kim, a stylist par excellence and author of “Style For Everybody,” who has an eye for the fundamental, added, “A white linen shirt is an absolute essential.” This conversation sparked the inception of the Vacay Shirt. The duo envisioned something that could transition from beach to cocktails with just a flick of style— a chameleon shirt that adapts to the wearer’s needs and setting.

Westwood’s brand has always been synonymous with sustainability, and the Vacay Shirt is no exception. “One of the amazing properties of linen is it is an inherently sustainable fibre,” Whitney explains, highlighting the garment’s eco-friendly pedigree. Small batch production and local manufacturing further underscore the brand’s sustainability commitment. Appelt’s vision of the shirt as a versatile element that complements various body types is in keeping with her belief that in her book “Style For Everybody,” she advocates for inclusivity in fashion. “The Vacay shirt works with all body types and all different styles,” she says, illustrating its universal appeal. Whether you’re an apple or an hourglass, preppy or boho, this shirt moulds itself to the wearer’s style. Its design accommodates diverse fashion sensibilities, from the classic to the avant-garde, whether a casual day out or a sophisticated evening affair, making it a quintessential piece for anyone’s wardrobe.
This collaboration goes beyond the confines of fashion; it ventures into the heartlands of social responsibility. Aligning with CANFAR’s mission to combat the HIV epidemic, Westwood and Appelt have demonstrated how fashion can be a formidable force for social change. By donating a percentage of sales to CANFAR, they used the voice of fashion to echo the causes that need to be heard. The shirt of the hour saw its launch, without a surprise, during a stylish philanthropic event, ‘Evening of Style,’ right in time for the holiday season. It gathered a collective of prominent fashion and beauty experts, where the industry luminaries delved into various subjects, including fashion counsel, the creative landscape, emerging trends and personal style, to set the tone for holiday seasons.

The Evening of Style wasn’t just an event but a catalyst for change. “It’s about packing a punch with every piece you wear,” Westwood reflects. “Our event was about imparting that wisdom.” Appelt adds, “It’s fashion, but it’s also about building confidence, about crafting your story.”

The Evening of Style was about packing a punch with every piece you wear,” Westwood

“It’s fashion, but it’s also about building confidence, about crafting your story.” Appelt
As they close off, they leave with some sizzling-style tips. “Quiet luxury is still very much in season,” says Appelt as she acknowledges the understated elegance of the era. Whitney chimes in, “The beauty of linen is its longevity,” promoting sustainable yet stylish choices.

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