Made in Fort Worth: Sunday Supper

Who among us has yet to find themselves wanting a complete style makeover? Unless you spend a fortune or you buy fast fashion that is cheap but not environmentally friendly and is usually ethically dubious, a style makeover is difficult to achieve. Until Sunday Supper. Owner and designer Kate Mefford has created delightfully original collars that instantly change any outfit. Madeworthy talked with Kate about her unique style, antiques, and accessories.

Madeworthy: What was the motivation for creating Sunday Supper?

Kate Mefford: I was always obsessed with history, folklore, human behavior, and decoration, so I originally set out to help people style their homes in a unique way. Along the journey, I kept being drawn back to fashion, which is my passion. Using things I sourced for home design to produce wearable pieces sparked an energy, and people responded favorably.

Photo courtesy of Sunday Supper

MW: Tell us about your tagline, “Storied Style, Slow Fashion, Handmade”.

KM: Looking at the textiles we use, you get a sense of our brand values. They’re all vintage pieces I’ve sourced, and they hold so many stories. Each collar is made by hand; like most quality items, they take time. Our slogan, “No Cold Shoulders,” is a double entendre that refers to the coziness the collars provide and the inclusive and encouraging ethos of the brand. I’ve never met a stranger, and I will compliment you in the grocery store!

MW: Why collars? Why now? We remember the lace ones from the ‘80s, but how do you make them look chic for today’s woman?

KM: A collar is a cozier version of a necklace. They can be quite architectural and show-stopping and simultaneously calming. With Americana and Western wear so hot, I’m excited to bring a fresh take on neck accessories. Our one-of-a-kind collars are still about layered adornment like their predecessors but are sustainably made, more thoughtful, and have soul with a bit of an edge and some swagger.

Photo courtesy of Sunday Supper

MW: What is the Sunday Supper woman’s lifestyle? What does “Southwestern Ranch + East Coast Jet Set style” mean to you?

KM: The Sunday Supper woman knows how to host a charity ball but doesn’t hesitate to roll up her sleeves and stock a food bank, clean a horse stall, or schlep her own bags. She lives for the rodeo, live music, and margaritas with her crew. Sunday Supper is ultimately the marriage of my parents’ vibes. My dad is the quintessential Texan, and my mom is a very preppy East Coast queen. Aesthetically, the Sunday Supper woman loves a classic wardrobe but leans into interesting accessories to showcase her personality. She blends feminine and masculine style elements into something completely her own.

MW: What did you learn as a TCU fashion major that you still use?

KM: My favorite TCU fashion class was Costume History. I’ll always remember learning about collars and their importance in many cultures. I didn’t know back then that they would be such a big part of my life! I also loved my Textiles and Entrepreneurship classes, and studying abroad in Paris and Lyon made a big impact on me.

MW: Round Top! Tell a rookie Round Topper what to expect.

KM: Round Top is its own universe; the rest of the world stops when you are there. If you go in with an open mind, prepare to leave completely recharged, creatively inspired, and with more friends than you brought! Don’t try to do it all unless you are a psychopath like me. But if you want to, I recommend breaking it up into chunks.

Photo courtesy of Sunday Supper

MW: Tell us about your travel and buying trips to find vintage and antique home decor to make someone’s home fabulous.

KM: No matter where I go, I’m always sourcing! My mom and grandmother lived this way, and I learned from the best. Though I love sourcing from typical vacation spots like Nantucket, Santa Fe, and Charleston, one of my favorite things is shop the antique malls in tiny Texas towns.

MW: Will you ever venture into clothing design?

There is no greater joy than making someone else feel fabulous. While part of me would love to do a whole line of garments, I want Sunday Supper to be accessible to any woman of any shape. Every girl deserves to put on a piece that frames her beautiful face, makes her feel fabulous, keeps her calm and cozy, and sets her apart from the crowd. One-size-fits-most is the route I’m currently taking because it feels right and good.