Stella Ishii, the creative force behind the fashion label 6397, has a unique way of keeping track of time. Every morning, she rips off the day’s page from her paper calendar, placing it aside before starting her day. This seemingly simple act is symbolic of the meticulous approach she and her team have taken in shaping the brand. Ishii, along with head designer Lizzie Owens and the newly appointed career merchant and former Barney’s doyenne Judy Collinson, have built a collaborative spirit within 6397, resulting in a collection that feels both familiar and fresh.
“We’ve been, for a few seasons now, expanding the community of 6397,” said Owens. “This has meant we’ve been asking bigger questions about ourselves, and Judy herself had a lot of questions, which has been clarifying and helped us distill it back to what it’s been.” What Owens implies is that this current iteration of 6397 represents the label’s most evolved, authentic, and refined form. “We all feel really good about this one,” affirmed Ishii.
This season’s collection showcased several stand-out pieces. The gray jersey skirt, a 6397 equivalent of a comfortable pair of sweatpants, was a clear winner, as was a pair of shorts and a matching shirt crafted from the lightest, most luxurious silk. Two trench coats, made with iridescent fabrics that almost disappear in the blink of an eye, offered a surprise of delightful linings. Another must-have was a pair of jeans made from a denim so thin it resembled tropical wool suiting, and a kimono crafted from austere yet embracing fabrics.
Over the last few seasons, 6397 has discovered a renewed energy. This shift can be attributed, in part, to the arrival of Owens as a designer, as well as the brand’s unique approach to collaboration. “How many inter-generational women are round table-ing the design decisions we make as a brand?” Owens asked, highlighting the diverse perspectives that contribute to 6397’s aesthetic. The result is a collection that encourages a sense of ease and purpose, clothes that invite you to embrace every moment and live life to the fullest, much like ripping off the pages of a calendar and experiencing each day with intention.
