ELEVEN SIX + LINNÉ

ELEVEN SIX visited Jenna Levine (Founder of LINNÉ ) at her Brooklyn home to create a photo story of her favorite FW17 ELEVEN SIX pieces, and to discover more about the mission of her beautiful, natural skincare line…

Styling + Art direction: Catherine Carnevale

What led you to create LINNÉ botanicals?

I started making skincare from natural and edible ingredients for my mother and sister when I was ten years old. My sister, then only 7 years old, had perfect skin, but years later she developed cystic acne. She began a course of Accutane while I was studying botany and herbal medicine, so I decided to focus my thesis work on improving the health of her skin through safer alternatives. Together we iterated until we had what is now known as BALANCE face oil. Her skin is now radiant, clear, and scar free.

Jenna wears Sofia sweater in Bordeaux | Made in super, soft alpaca-blend yarn hand-knit by Peruvian artisan women, with LOVE

What is the mission behind LINNÉ botanicals?

We created this line for hardworking people like my sister. We know busy schedules don't always allow for the healthiest practices, or elaborate routines, so we aim to provide a healthy, effective, simple-step protocol (indicated in roman numerals- a reference to the taxonomical classification system developed by our namesake, botanist Carl Von Linné). All our ingredients and components are scrupulously sourced with the health of our customer, and planet, in mind. Whether your self-care regimen be a quick, nonchalant act or a sacred ritual we want to provide the highest quality product for an experience that simulates the results, and has the feel of, a luxury spa.

Jenna wears Mara ruffle tank + Lilliana sweater skirt in cream | Made from baby alpaca in Peru with LOVE

What are the exciting plans you have for the future of LINNE botanicals?

LINNÉ would like to work more intimately with our suppliers, whether they be foragers, farmers, or chemists, and work towards making our operation more sustainable.

Jenna wears Lorena sweater hand-knit in Claret and Lilliana sweater skirt in cream | Made in baby alpaca yarns in Peru, with LOVE — Jenna wears Lorena sweater hand-knit in Claret and Lilliana sweater skirt in cream | Made in baby alpaca yarns in Peru, with LOVE

What does the ELEVEN SIX brand mean to you?

LINNÉ resonates with the ELEVEN SIX philosophy: the commitment to sustainability, support of indigenous culture and industry, and the appreciation of artistry and craftsmanship. The clothes feel unique and special, but are unfussy - perfect for hardworking women like us!

Jenna wears Camilla sweater hand-knit in mélange grey + Lydia track-pant in Salt & pepper tweed | Made in super-soft baby alpaca in Peru, with LOVE — Jenna wears Camilla sweater hand-knit in mélange grey + Lydia track-pant in Salt & pepper tweed | Made in super-soft baby alpaca in Peru, with LOVE

What is standing out for you from ELEVEN SIX FW17 collection?

I adore the sumptuous-textures of the super-soft, baby-alpaca, hand-knit pieces, particularly the popcorn stitch of Camilla sweater, and modern cables of Lorena sweater. I often stick to wearing neutrals, but when I tried on the rich Claret and Bordeaux colors I was won-over by their beautiful cast. I love the versatile end-use of the ELEVEN SIX FW17 collection, and that I can pair the pieces in different ways, dressing them up or down. I enjoy how they make me feel simultaneously comfortable and at ease, while remaining sexy, flattering and fun!