One to watch: borne by Elise Berger

borne by Elise Berger has been on our radar for quite some time, but for one reason or another – clashing timetables and different countries, for starters – we’ve never quite found the right moment to sit and share the lovely low luxe label.

So, consider this your chance to get acquainted.

borne is the brainchild of Christine Elise Kölnberger, a German girl who once had a dream to design after watching her grandfather, then a menswear tailor, create clothes in his workshop.

Fast forward a few years via design stints at Vivienne Westwood and others at Preen, Christine’s dream finally became a reality last year when, after moving to Barcelona, she set up borne, a contemporary label focusing on individual pieces at affordable prices – something she felt had been lost in a market of mass-production and designer collaborations.

And we’re going to be honest, we kinda love it. Now in its second season, borne’s all about the detail and an inherent sense of comfort that makes you feel achingly cool as you laze around in the sun, nonchalantly picking flowers in between admiring glances at your pretty little dress that’s decidedly chicer than everyone else’s without screaming about it.

Ah yes, subtlety. It’s one signature borne’s got nailed. Modern separates feel luxe in silks, chiffons and the softest jersey, but each is relaxed with an understated ease that makes it especially wearable. Shapes are masculine, inspired by her grandfather’s work, no doubt, but come laced with feminine touches for wear-anywhere versatility.

Who doesn’t want to throw on an easy jersey dress and run through the fields with flowers in their hair?

You can find borne stocked at ASOS, or online at borne.co.uk. Click through our gallery below to see borne’s debut SS11 collection and highlights from the new AW11 collection.

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