A Note From The Lion's Desk

A few years ago, my grandmother gifted me a vintage Dior robe when she was packing up her last apartment.  No. 409 (like the carpet cleaner) was carefully arranged with pewter lamps, hand loomed rugs from frequent travels to far away places, a giant yellow breakfront with lion-faced drawer pulls, a blonde Eames recliner by the window and museum quality paintings that would give the Frick a run for their money.  The robe was floor length and rich, bright pink and fabulous.  This was the quintessential “Diamond Lil” lounge look.  If Bebe Daniels invented it my grandmother perfected it.  Lillian, or as I like to call her, the Queen of the Dein’s, is ninety-two years old now and just as regal as ever.

When I first told her I wanted to create a collection of luxury lingerie and bedroom attire in a forgotten style that she could understand, my grandmother had two pieces of wisdom.  First, she told me, “You make it the best way. You don’t compromise, and you definitely don’t make outside of New York.”  And then she said, “It’s not going to be easy, but when you’re tough, you’re tough.” 

The last time my family was actively involved in the fashion industry, we showed our lavish fur collection at the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel through both World Wars and a Great Depression.  Lately, people have been asking, “ What possessed a young women to launch a luxury lingerie line during the worst economic recession since the 1930’s?”   I tell them, “Ari Dein is from another era.  And some things, you just can’t help.”

xx, Ari