My collection is inspired by my mother, Judith Kaye Smith. A very strong woman that unknowingly taught me so much about what makes a woman feel beautiful. She taught me to take time to listen to her, understand her, love her, and most importantly respect her. She taught me how to be in tune with my heart and emotions, and that showing vulnerability is strength, not weakness.

I lost my mom unexpectedly a year ago this past May, which was right before all of the fit testing, photo shoots, sample revisions, and everything else that went into the preparation of our SS17 Collection launch in August.

We had our most successful market ever in Atlanta and it warms my heart to think my mom had a hand in it. I couldn’t think of a better way to honor my mother than to design a collection inspired by her. Part of my healing process was to be humble in the face of this tragedy and to be thankful for the time I had with my mother and the many blessings she taught me.

My mother was full of layers and depth. She was one of the sweetest, most caring people you could ever meet. She was passionate, loving, and beautiful. She was vulnerable, but strong. My mother, like most women, was fearless, especially if you messed with her children. She was gentle and knew just what to do to make you feel better. My mother was incredibly humble and never wanted to inconvenience anyone. She always took care of everyone else, and rarely took care of herself. Her sense of humor was adored. My heart is my favorite gift from my mother. From the literal sense because each beat gives me vivacious life, and from the figurative sense because she taught me to love people and be compassionate. I began designing because of my admiration for women and the feeling in my heart when I helped someone feel beautiful when they didn’t before.

Just like my dear momma Judy, this collection is full of layers like an onion and cannot be described as just one thing. There are soft, angelic moments of silk chiffon, strong inner construction, romantic moments of lace, simple silhouettes, dramatic beadwork, and functional design innovation. With this collection you can be powerful, sensitive, romantic, fearless, and empowered. It is a collection with a heart and a valuable purpose: To empower you to feel beautiful at life’s special events.