Is Nanette Lepore worth it?+
Nanette Lepore sits in the contemporary designer segment rather than top-tier luxury, which is much of its appeal: feminine, detail-rich pieces at a more reachable price than the big houses. The label is known for thoughtful cuts and attention to detail, so a well-chosen dress tends to feel special and wear well. If you want personality and craft without a luxury price tag, it is an easy yes.
Is Nanette Lepore good quality?+
The brand has a reputation for careful construction and flattering, intricate design within the contemporary tier. Nanette Lepore's signature is feminine, youthful clothing full of bold colors and bright prints, with ruffles and lace that read playful rather than fussy. As with any contemporary line quality can vary by piece, so it rewards checking the fabric and finishing on the specific item.
How do Nanette Lepore dresses fit and size?+
The cut follows a contemporary fit model, shaped for a defined waist with proportional bust and hips, which is why the brand's fit-and-flare silhouettes are so flattering. Sizing impressions vary by reviewer, so checking the garment's actual measurements against your own is the safest move. With a defined-waist style, a curvier figure can size up and have the waist nipped in.
What is the Nanette Lepore look?+
New York magazine has described her gypsy-influenced designs as feminine and youthful, full of bold colors and bright prints, with ruffles and lace that look "good-time-girly but not overly frilly." It is romantic, colorful, and unmistakably feminine. That joyful, print-forward sensibility is the brand's calling card.
Who is Nanette Lepore?+
Nanette Lepore (born January 1, 1964) is an American fashion designer based in New York City. She moved from Ohio to New York, attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and graduated with a degree in design, after earning an earlier undergraduate degree from Youngstown State University. From those roots she built a feminine, color-rich contemporary label.
How did Nanette Lepore become well known?+
She gained fashion-world celebrity after opening a boutique in Los Angeles and selling her outfits to clients in Europe and Asia, then having her pieces carried by Neiman Marcus. She also earned renown for her flair on the runway. That momentum carried the brand from a single boutique into national distribution.
Where are Nanette Lepore clothes made?+
Nanette Lepore has long been tied to New York's Garment District, and in 2010 she worked with New York politicians on the Save the Garment Center campaign to help protect local manufacturing jobs. That advocacy reflects the brand's roots in New York-based fashion production. It is part of why the label is so closely associated with the city.
Where can I buy Nanette Lepore?+
The brand is sold across America, including at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Macy's. It has also operated its own boutiques, in Boston on Newbury Street and in New York in SoHo and on Madison Avenue. So you can find it at major department stores as well as the label's dedicated shops.
Does Nanette Lepore make anything besides clothing?+
Yes. She has her own fragrance, named simply Nanette, and in spring 2007 she launched a collection of shoes with Keds, with Mischa Barton as the face of the line. These extensions carry the same playful, feminine spirit beyond the dresses. They are a nice way into the brand if a full look feels like a lot.
Which celebrities have worn Nanette Lepore?+
Her runway flair drew stars including Aida Turturro, Illeana Douglas, Lorraine Bracco, Eva Longoria, Kerry Washington, and America Ferrera. That mix of screen talent helped cement the label's reputation for fun, feminine clothes with real presence. The red-carpet visibility matched the brand's bold, colorful aesthetic.
Has Nanette Lepore appeared on television?+
Yes. In 2012 she guest-starred as a judge on Project Runway All Stars, and in 2013 she took part in Levo League's live business-leader Q&A series, "Office Hours," to share advice with young professionals. Those appearances put both her design eye and her entrepreneurial voice in front of wider audiences. They reflect a designer comfortable as a public figure as well as a maker.
How should I care for a Nanette Lepore dress?+
Because the line leans on delicate detailing like ruffles, lace, and bright prints, gentle care protects the look: follow the garment label, hand-wash or dry-clean fragile pieces, and dry flat or hang to keep ruffles and embellishments crisp. Turn printed fabrics inside out if you machine-wash a hardier style to preserve the color. Treated with care, these feminine pieces stay party-ready for years.
