From A Gala to A Red Carpet

From A Gala To A Red Carpet

By Debbie Stone Photos Linda Carfagno

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nyone who enters Lily Falk’s Palace Avenue dress shop, Lily of the West, is immediately immersed in a world of luxurious silk, vibrant color, eye-catching designs and all things beautiful. And then there’s Lily herself, a stylish woman with an impeccable eye for fashion, who takes pleasure in creating clothing for women.

“I get a lot of satisfaction seeing how a client responds to wearing that special piece of clothing, one that truly fits her body and makes her feel good. It’s like fulfilling a dream for someone; my clients are my inspiration,” says Lily.

Most of the Santa Fe business is high end custom design, though Lily does sell some pieces off the rack in her store. It’s all done by

appointment, and consultations are a necessary step in the process. “It takes time,” explains Lily. “I need to know about the event where the dress will be worn – the theme, time of day, location and, of course, the budget. I also cue in to body shape and how the woman carries herself. Most of my clients have a good sense of who they are and what works with their particular body type.”

She adds, “I liken my work to that of an architect because it’s 3-D and involves measurements and structure, but it’s different in that it’s moving architecture.

The clothing has to be able to move with the individual.”

Lily discovered her passion for creating clothing as a child. Her mother and grandmother sewed, making clothes for Lily and her seven siblings. She began making doll clothes, and later clothes for herself. While living near Telluride, she received her first commission: a buckskin shirt for a Wall Street investor.

It came naturally to her. “I love my work,” comments Lily. “I’ve always been innately attracted to beauty in life and in people.”

After living near Aspen—where she made deerskin coats which many celebrities purchased— Lily moved to Sedona and opened the first Lily of the West store, where she started working Lily Falk, owner

with silks. She relocated to Santa Fe in 2000 and, over the years, she has built up a base of clients that include locals, second homeowners and out-of-state visitors. Many have been coming to her for years, and not always for evening attire. “I do a fair number of special occasion dresses for galas and charity events,” explains Lily, “but I also have clients who have difficulty finding clothes that fit, so I make them pants, tops, suits and other outfits.”

Lily’s creations are made of fine silks and custom French lace. Her inspiration comes from a myriad of sources, ranging from elements in nature to noted fashion designers like Chanel, Dior and Tom Ford. She has an entire room of vintage couture pieces she has collected, which she studies for their design and finishing techniques.

At the end of the day, Lily believes in the transformative power of clothing.

“What you wear is a statement of how you wish to present yourself,” she says.

“It’s a recognition of who you are and an understanding of what’s possible.”

Lily of the West 323 E. Palace Ave. 505.982.5402 lilyofwest@icloud.com www.LilyOfTheWest.com