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Lissy Verkade

Brooklyn Based designer and new mom Natasha Chambers combined a love of illustration and textiles into a fashion lifestyle brand called Lissy Verkade. This print based collection is inspired by Natasha?s love of nature, luxury fabrics and easy comfortable style.

Describe your brand ?

Lissy Verkade is all about print. When we moved to New York in 2012 I was working as an illustrator - the label was created as a way of translating my illustration onto textiles. I had always been interested in textiles when I was living in Japan and India, the transition from paper to silk seemed an obvious and natural progression.

How does travel influence your style?

I feel a cultures tell their stories through the prints and patterns found in textiles - in the 21st century we are exposed to so many cultures, I just love the diversity of influences that travel inspires.

What city do you have an endless love affair with?

If I have a love affair with a city it has to be New York New York, for the energy, the opportunity, for the fact that each day can be so different to the next.

Can you share your top three favorite spots for eating, drinking, and shopping in your home town?

I am based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn My favorite spots are my rooftop where we love to host dinners, Cafe Mogador because the food is unfalteringly consistent. Recently I became obsessed with Devocion Coffee on Grand and Wythe and am now completely and utterly hooked on their coffee.

For shopping I love to go to AD HOC (right next to Mogador on north 7th and Wythe) because it is such a carefully curated store featuring small-scale designers and vintage in Williamsburg. I also love STELLA DALLAS.

What is your most desired passport stamp?

My most desired stamp would be Nagaland.

Best trip so far?

My first trip to Rajasthan with my sister when I was just 18 years old. We went to all the tourist spots and then took a camping trek- Camel safari into the desert for a few days. Sleeping under a sheet of stars in the open air next to our cheeky camels was unforgettable.

Always in your suitcase?

A Lissy Verkade sleep-mask

Most beloved souvenir?

2 little tiny lead pewter dwarves my husband (Olly) found in a London market that I always carry for good luck.

Ultimate escape fantasy?

I would love an adventure that involves days balanced between working with local artisans and long hikes and relaxing swims - Peru springs to mind.

*photos courtesy of Natasha Chambers