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Two years ago, Wismar began sketching clothing items that she thought her daughters would enjoy wearing. With just a few sketches and a muslin mock-up of a poncho in hand, Wismar approached a friend who had owned an outerwear company who advised her to have some samples made. Her journey began there.
It took two years to develop the line, source fabrics, work with pattern makers and manufacturers, but the collection finally took shape and was launched a few weeks ago.
Wismar’s decision to focus solely on rainy-day apparel was deliberate.“I decided to create a rainwear line to really make it a niche. I didn’t want to compete with every clothing line that made a coat, jacket or cape,” she explained. “That was too much. I wanted a smaller market and fashion rainwear was it. While many designers may make one piece, an entire collection of fashion forward, designer rainwear was unique.”
Wismar’s designs incorporate tailoring elements that one would expect in designer brands and are rarely seen in children’s rainwear – the garments have double stitching for durability, piped trim, and logoed hardware.
The designs themselves are surprisingly stylish and may invoke envious looks from big sister (sizing stops at girls size 10)! The collection includes a rain jacket modeled on an opera coat with elongated ruffles in a silver metallic fabric, a snappy Macintosh with apple red trim, and a mod poncho with leopard faux fur lining.
In addition to her website, oilandwater.com, Wismar’s jackets can be found locally at the Darien Sport Shop. Wismar is excited that her rain gear will soon be available in other states as well, including New York City, New Jersey, California, Louisiana and Florida.
Ann Quasarano is a Westport-based freelance writer and the author Fairfieldista.
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