Holly Holden modeling her “Gloria” dress, named after Gloria Guinness.
Society and design expert Holly Holden launches a new fashion line for the gala crowd of Palm Beach.
Inspired by Truman Capote’s Swans, a group of glamorous and well-connected women who were part of his inner circle, Holly Holden (hollyholden.com) has partnered with Gramercy Atelier to launch a fashion collection for the Palm Beach society set. We caught up with Holden, who also authors a popular weekly newsletter, to get the haute details on the new line.
What inspired you to expand into fashion? I was invited to be the chair of the Salvation Army’s centennial celebration dubbed “Mrs. Post’s Paradise Ball,” a white-tie gala with 450 guests. There was no question that I wanted to design my own gown for the ball. I had worked with a designer to design custom gowns for me throughout the years, but I recognized an opportunity to do something grand.
Who did you pick to partner with? Prior to the gala, I collaborated with Maria Pucci of Gramery Atelier. We share the same vision of timeless elegance and styles with well-appointed details. Maria has a stunning bespoke clothing line. We fit together like opera gloves, where elegance meets a traditional and genteel lifestyle. I could design, and she could execute them in her atelier in NYC. And the first dress we debuted together was the ballgown I wore to the Salvation Army’s Paradise Ball in Palm Beach.
What is your inspiration? I named my debut collection “Swans” which resonated with me because of the very pink (my signature color) Assouline book of the same name on my bookshelf. Embracing the glamour of old Palm Beach and tantamount to Truman Capote’s Swans (who were admired for their intelligence, wit and independence), I feel that my collection symbolized their era of elegance and glamour, channeling legends like C.Z Guest, Babe Paley, Dina Merrill, Marjorie Merriweather Post and Lee Radziwill. They are leaders, gloriously well-traveled, clever and fun!
Where can we find your collection and what’s your favorite piece? My two favorite pieces are “Mrs. Post’s Ballgown” because of its sweetheart neckline, graceful train, and regal bow in the back. I also adore the “Ladies Who Lunch” day dress with a scalloped neckline, named the “Dina” dress, after exquisite Dina Merrill. My designs are available through Gramercy Atelier (gramercy-atelier.com).
How are you spending the rest of the season in Palm Beach? I’m hosting dinner parties at our “Petite Fox” in Palm Beach, traveling to give talks about regal interior design, and hosting a “Live Royally” event for CEO.org in England, I am actively planning another gala as a co-chair for the Salvation Army, and it will be fabulous, so I am excited to design another ballgown!
Photography by: VLAD LARVIN
