StyledSara for Reformation!
The Design Process: Behind The Scenes
First and foremost - what a dream! Reformation is a brand I’ve loved and lived in for years. This collaboration feels like a dream come true, and it all came together so organically.
Let’s go way back for a second. My very first Reformation purchase? I remember it vividly - and I STILL own it! A yellow gingham dress I wore for my high school senior photos (baby, I know!). It had the old-school sheer tag, and it was my prized possession. Just a Seattle girl who found a dress that made her feel like a million bucks. I held onto that feeling and kept investing my hard-earned, sales-floor-position money into Reformation.
Photo Circa 2016
Never in a million years did I think I’d be designing my own dress one day. But this journey began last year, when I met Reformation’s amazing marketing team. I worked with them in a social capacity and was completely over the moon when, last spring, they asked me to co-host Ref in Residence in Ibiza. I mean - DUH! Talk about the most exciting call ever. I jumped for joy and said yes without hesitation.
That trip marked the beginning of a thoughtful partnership. Afterward, I expressed my interest in trend forecasting and consulting, and a few months later, they officially brought me on as a fashion consultant. I started working on monthly projects, sharing trend insights and feedback on styles. I even sat in on a shoe and handbag design meeting - truly a pinch-me moment.
I leaned on a mix of instinct, research, and the years I spent as a buyer, where offering feedback on brand collections became second nature. Consulting for Ref felt like everything I love wrapped into one role. This is the part of fashion that makes my brain buzz - forecasting, trend spotting, connecting the dots. When I took my content full-time, I felt like I was missing a puzzle piece. Consulting filled that gap.
One highlight from that time: I was so excited about the sandals I saw in the design meeting that I pitched an in-store event to celebrate their launch. It was surreal to speak about products I had helped shape and to meet so many fellow Ref lovers in the LA area.
Fast forward to early spring 2025 - we hop on a call to discuss the sandal event and then... PINCH ME. (Am I actually dreaming???) They offer me the chance to design one dress. The Sara Dress. I MEAN. I WAS QUAKING.
The second that call ended, I got to moodboarding (right after I sat in silence with myself thinking, did that really just happen???). I pulled together inspiration for just one special dress. And honestly, while a single piece might sound easier than designing a full collection, I found it more challenging. I had to distill everything about me into one design.
(A screenshot from my PDF I sent them earlier this year)
My criteria? Spunky, comfortable, special, wearable, and unique. I wanted to stay true to Ref’s DNA - the perfect linen dress - and sent over tons of inspiration images. The design team came back with a handful of sketches. We narrowed it down to three, and they made samples of each.
A few weeks later, I visited the office and tried them all on. And then came the hardest part: choosing The One. I loved all three, but one stood out. That’s the dress you all know now as the Sara Dress.
The Elements:
Scalloping: This was key for me. I’ve always loved scalloped details and feel like we don’t see them enough. I found a 1960s magazine photo with a scalloped dress and immediately knew I wanted to lean into that.
Belt Detail: Another underused touch that I adore. I saw a '90s runway model with a belted dress, and that image stuck with me.
Color Blocking: I love mixing colors and prints in unexpected ways. I wanted each colorway of the dress to feel distinct and complete, even without any styling.
The Three Colorways:
Parmesan: The perfect summer yellow with crisp white details.
Nectarine: A bright, juicy orange contrasted with a pop of coral (unexpected…but perfect!)
Stampede: If you know me, you know I LOVE animal print. This chocolate-brown zebra print had my name all over it.
And because dreams keep stacking: Ref sent me to Ref in Residence for the second year in a row- this time as the host - and we spent a few dreamy days in Provence... wearing the Sara Dress. One evening, all six of us wore it to dinner, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t tear up seeing everyone in my design for the first time.
This entire project has been rewarding on so many levels. First, working with a brand I’ve loved and worn for years. Second, being trusted to share feedback on product beyond just my dress. Third, seeing my consulting work evolve into designing and launching a piece of my own. Fourth, being able to share it and see it so beautifully on some of my favorite people. I hosted an intimate lunch to celebrate the launch, and it was truly surreal to see these incredible women all wearing my dress.
We gathered at Chateau Marmont over Spritzes (perfectly matched to the Nectarine colorway!), a zebra cake, and endless laughter. It was the most special way to introduce this piece to my LA community.
I think Sara from seven years ago (honestly, even Sara from 2024) would have had a full-on panic attack if I told her this was in her future.
I’m endlessly grateful to Reformation for this opportunity - and to helping my ideas come to life - perfectly! And to all of you, for supporting me and resonating with my taste, style, and creative voice.
I hope you love this dress as much as I do. I can’t wait to see you all in it!
With SO Much Love,
Sara
The Sara Linen Dress Designed By Me For Reformation
Launching June 25th In Stores and Online in the US, Canada and UK.
