Hazel & Florange

The budding New Orleans brand- Hazel & Florange is the brainchild of Andi Eaton, the creative behind New Orleans Fashion week. I finally had the chance to stop by her space on my recent trip to NOLA on my birthday. The quaint space is located in the historic Bywater neighborhood of the city, in a lovely historic residence-turned-retail space that Andi shares with the Gaudet Bros. The space has a very hospitable Southern charm to it, which coincides with the brand and some curated vintage pieces that she also includes in the shop. I’ve seen photos of the brand, but getting to actually touch n’ feel and try on was a whole different ball game. The brand is locally designed and manufactured right in the Crescent City, using high quality fabrics for the dresses, tops, skirts, etc. Upon feeling and wearing the garments, I felt that the construction and yummy fabrics were top-notch, setting the mood for the rising talent in the NOLA fashion industry. Andi (who’s style is always evolving) has been in the fashion and beauty industries for around fourteen years and has found that living in such a vibrant city has helped her dig deeper into her creative side and want to actually design and make. “There are so many resources for design here and finally a year ago I decided to go for it,” she explained. Her dream was realized in March 2013, where Hazel & Florange was born. “The line is named for and inspired by two Louisiana lovelies, muses living on the river. Hazel loved sweet tea, a parade and a jazz band by the moonlight… Florange loved sipping espresso and playing Scrabble late into the night always with a ‘oui s’il vous plait mon cher.'” With that in mind, once I tried on the “Tropical Hazel” dress in mini and maxi, along with the “Diamond” maxi skirt paired with the “Bubbles and Friends” tee; I too, felt like I wanted to stroll along the banks of the Mississippi, Lake Pontchartrain or through the quaint hidden streets in the French Quarter or Bywater while sipping on a delicious sweet tea or mint julep. Hazel & Florange is for the gal who “is constantly evolving, she’s ever chic, with a retro glam vibe and she’s always the coolest girl in the room.” Part Southern gypsy jet setter, part vintage chic…Hazel & Florange is bound to not disappoint, for many seasons to come. You can shop online or if you are a NOLA local, check out Time Warp Boutique and Hattie Sparks for your Hazel & Florange fix. As of November 1st, the shop (located at: 2702 Chartres St.) will be open Tuesday- Saturday 11-5.