Dreaming

It is not a stretch to say that no two industries share a longer and more intertwined history than fashion and travel. Both inspire dreams of freedom, discovery, adventure, creativity, and escape. And now, no two industries are more desired by people emerging from two long years of pandemic restrictions and lockdowns.

Travel has always defined my life and my work, and it’s without a doubt the part of my identity that I’ve missed the most over the last couple of years. Staying put did not feel natural; I have nomadic feet and a wayfaring heart. But now as I look forward, I feel full of hope, knowing that the time to reemerge and get back out into the world has finally arrived.

Photo courtesy of LAUDE the Label

As the team at LAUDE the Label started to discuss what the inspiration should be for our current collection campaign, we unanimously decided that the only possible choice was travel. Our team daydreamed about the far-off places that we’d escape to as soon as the pandemic was over, and of course, the wardrobe that we hoped would accompany us on our long-awaited adventures.

When our Creative Director, Katie Sansom, conceptualized the Traveler collection, she imagined an artful escape from the isolated and restricted existence so many of us experienced over the last two years. If we’ve learned anything from the pandemic, it’s that the world can no longer sustain the conventional ways in which we consume. At LAUDE the Label, we work daily to right the wrongs of the fashion industry with sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices. Instead of “fast fashion,” with its reliance on cheap labor and environmentally destructive manufacturing, we offer beautifully timeless pieces made by people earning a fair wage in a manner that does not destroy the environment.

Photo courtesy of LAUDE the Label

The second chapter of our spring collection, Traveler, focuses on new, timeless, feminine silhouettes inspired by a sense of wanderlust for a world that is once again at our fingertips. The collection is full of thoughtful pieces crafted from naturally dyed, earth-loving, organic textiles in colors inspired by summers spent on a romantic island. The clothes we created have us dreaming of sun-drenched places, the soft hues of flowers in bloom, and billowing layers of natural textiles caught in a warm soft breeze.

Santa Catalina Island, one of California’s best unkept secrets, served as a perfect inspiration for the collection and an accessible backdrop for the campaign photo shoot. The island is a gem in hidden plain sight. With white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, towering palm trees, and colorful architecture, it is reminiscent of the Mediterranean coast of France. Fresh seafood, wine, and island-brewed beer and coffee entice foodies. And history buffs will find no shortage of entertainment on Catalina, where Old Hollywood left a deeply romantic and nostalgic imprint. We found the island to be a dream for outdoor enthusiasts, and an idyllic place for beaching out, with shady palapas dotting the shore and an island breeze that cools and relaxes even the most stressed traveler.

Photo courtesy of LAUDE the Label

Our stunning campaign model explored both sides of the island in naturally dyed summer sets, textural tops, and easy dresses perfect for any vacation setting. The photo shoots, with their intersection of the elegant clothing and the beautiful setting, gave us hope for brighter days ahead. The Traveler campaign is our love letter to a world well missed – a collection designed to honor the earth and the maker equally for the customer. Like travel, this collection reminds us of our global connectivity and shared responsibility to one another.

The past 24 months have forced us all to reevaluate the importance of travel in our lives. For many, what was seen as a “want” before the pandemic has been reclassified as a “need.” Travel is good for the world and good for our souls. It opens minds, fosters connection, broadens perspectives, and fuels creativity and inspiration. The pandemic has made us examine our priorities, and travel has risen to the top of many lists as we recognize a new appreciation for our ability to move freely about the world, in clothing worthy of the places we’re fortunate enough to experience.

This year, I’ll be traveling to Guatemala, Mexico, Banff, India, and Peru. I look forward to the places I’ll visit, the people I’ll meet or reconnect with, and the pieces I’ll bring along with me.

Photo courtesy of LAUDE the Label

Not only is she the founder and CEO LAUDE the Label, Carly Burson is a mother and grandmother. LAUDE the Label was born from Carly’s decision to utilize her years of experience in the fashion industry as a platform to alleviate poverty among people in the developing world. Carly lives in Fort Worth with her husband Kyle, daughter Elie, daughter Pricila, and granddaughter Flory.