Growing out of Chicago as the lovechild of Jennifer M. Brown, Under the Root is a lingerie brand that makes an architectural and modern statement. Underwear pieces connect wearers with their personal charm, burlesque nature, conscious responsibility and utilitarian character.
The ‘post apocalyptic hunting lounge’ theme of the Autumn/Winter 2009-10 collection was the perfect reason to interview Jennifer, a genius designer that complements the nostalgia of the vintage eras and the functionality and advancements of the twenty first century.
How did it Under the Root (UTR) label start? What’s the story of your name?
I love this question. My great-grandmother was a seamstress and my curiosity came to fruition inside a high school classroom from another woman in my life that was silently grounded. I have always admired the human body and simply wanted to swaddle it. The drive to master design was, and continues to be, secretly the adventure running concurrently to my desire for body movement. Under The Root brand was inspired from a children’s trilogy by Zilpha Keatley Snyder. The tiny peoples lived in the trees and underneath the roots with skin-like wings which helped them glide from branch to branch. It was the offering of flight which intrigued me.
What makes it stand out from the crowd?
I believe, every designer has a place where the creations come from and it is more about their story than the ‘tagline’ which makes a label original. As a dancer, and a woman, I am deeply rooted in our awakening. I have always wanted to ‘clean up’, ‘clean out’, and connect with those individuals whom desire freedom and mindfulness as a means to help balance each other with our individual quests. UTR has always used reclaimed, re-purposed, vintage materials for the designs. The designs are vintage-inspired from the beginning to the end and cater to the inner desires of feminine lifetimes.
Where do you find inspiration for your collections?
Inspirations, at this moment, are found within the lush nature of individuals and the soft curves of a sonnet. Many inspirations are focused with circus arts, vaudeville, Parisian cancan, modern dance, burlesque, harmony, chaos, vintage, stage, theater, cabaret, and the sauntering swoons.
What’s your favorite piece from UTR boutique?
At this moment, my favorite pieces are the Nixie Garden GuardHers and Sidhe Sitting Stockings. The Autumn/Winter 09-10 collection has an Ivory Tower PlaySuit which increasingly draws my attention.
Except from bras and panties, is there any other lingerie drawer “must”?
A unitsuit grabs your whole core and wraps it with a hug. The choices with the reclaimed and sustainable fabrics gives a sweet tug of care that enhances the body and our relation to it.
If you could put UTR in one word, what would that word be?
Desire
Under the Root online boutique is at your service 24/7 on Etsy.
