A Note from Jane
Did anyone else wake up last week ready for fall? It seems I am not the only one, the weather here at home has dropped and I am officially in my fall uniform - dark denim and my favorite wraps from Alice Walk. Since I was introduced to the brand, I have packed my cashmere wrap in my suitcase for every. single. trip.
Emily Keneally, Alice Walk's Founder, and I connected through a connection from my time at Lilly Pulitzer. Sometimes I can't even believe how small the world is! We're excited to team up with the Alice Walk team for our next Girl Gang. You can enter to win over $900 in JW and Alice Walk favorties here. And Kansas City, you'll see us on the road together next month!
xx Janie
Emily! Welcome to the Girl Gang. Tell us a bit more about your background.
I am a huge fan of Jane Win and honored to be part of your Girl Gang! I grew up in Hingham, Massachusetts and spent the first five years after graduating from Bowdoin College working for an investment management team at Goldman Sachs in New York City. It was during these years that I became frustrated with cluttered department stores and sorting through racks of trendy, poorly-made clothes – and felt like there had to be a better approach. I also had an entrepreneurial itch and was craving the creativity required to start a business.
I read that you launched with semi-custom garments in 2016. How has Alice Walk evolved since you founded the brand 8 years ago? What is your favorite part of that evolution?
Our move away from custom production was such a drastic shift that it honestly feels like two different companies. We always refer to those early years as Alice Walk 1.0. While Covid was the driving force behind the evolution, I think deep down our whole team knew that being an online-first, ready-to-wear brand was the direction we were headed anyway in order to scale. Those custom days taught us SO much though about fabrics, construction, high-end finishing techniques and fit – so I wouldn’t take anything back. The best part of the pivot experience (and living to tell the tale!) was seeing how much our small team could accomplish together – I’ve never been prouder.
WAIT! We have to discuss- the name of the brand is Alice Walk but your name is Emily. Who is Alice Walk?! And why is she so important to you?
People are often confused by this - Alice Walk is actually a place! It’s a historic seaside path behind my parent’s home in Hingham, MA – and where my husband and I got married! I didn’t want to name the brand after myself but still wanted the name to feel personal and feminine – so Alice Walk was the perfect fit. People actually call me Alice all the time and I don’t bother correcting them! Ha.
I am OBSESSED (!) with all of my Alice Walk pieces. They are so thoughtfully and intentionally made, and completely timeless. Your packaging is to die for, have I mentioned lately that I have a major appreciation for packaging. Why are the details so important to you?
It’s all in the details! I really believe in a “less is more” design approach – but when you pare back all the fuss and excess, the subtle details become even more important. We fixate on things like fit, comfort, wearability and versatility but also the presentation and speed with which you receive your items. We want you to love the entire Alice Walk shopping experience – start to finish!
I love your Jane Win stack. You wear our Hope Coin and the Mini Wishbone. What drew you to these pieces?
I was immediately drawn by the intricacy of the Hope coin design – but also the meaning behind it. And I love the pairing it with the simplicity of the Mini Wishbone layered on top. I’ve received so many compliments on the stack! I actually was at dinner with some girlfriends the other night and every single one of us was wearing Jane Win!
Do you have a female founder role model who inspires you?
Yes, there are so many! It’s hard to name just a few, but I’ve been particularly inspired by the stories of Coco Chanel, Martha Stewart, Vera Wang, Kate Spade, Sarah Blakely and Serena Williams. Although it’s my local female founder community – and my family – that has been the most impactful to how Alice Walk has grown and evolved over the years.
Ok a few quickfire questions! What is your fall uniform?
In the fall, I am all about layering, so my current uniform looks something like this: our striped turtleneck tee, our ivory cashmere crewneck sweater, a comfy pair of Mother Denim jeans, our signature cape, and of course my Jane Win stack!
Love it or leave it: Pumpkin Spice Latte? Love it!
What are you binging right now? Just finished binging Presumed Innocent (loved it) and the Perfect Couple (didn’t love it as much as I thought I would!). Currently reading Hello Beautiful, which I am loving so far.
Where is your next dream travel destination?
I am actually heading to Nepal in November to visit our cashmere wrap factory – which should be a wild adventure! After the factory visit, we are tacking on a few days in neighboring Bhutan, which is supposed to be beautiful and so interesting. I am excited!
