Reese Witherspoon’s surprising secret weapon? Her Southern charm
The American sweetheart is venturing into television and has launched a fashion collection on Net-a-Porter
Reese Witherspoon has made a career that would make her on-screen alter-ego Elle Woods proud. Like her much-beloved character in Legally Blonde, Witherspoon has achieved success in acting and film producing, and is now on her way to building a fashion empire with unapologetic demeanour, inexorable passion and irresistible charm, like a ray of Southern sunshine.
“I did not grow up in a big city. I don’t have parents who are in acting, movies or fashion, but I was able to use my creativity and people skills to create a career for myself,” Witherspoon says. “It’s so important to be friendly, open and nice to people. It can take you very far in life.”
Witherspoon has translated her American sweetheart roots into Draper James – a Southern-inspired lifestyle brand she founded in 2015. The brand launched an exclusive capsule collection with e-commerce giant Net-a-Porter last month as its first wholesale venture.
The 21-piece collection features pastel-coloured A-line dresses and jumpsuits featuring joyful magnolia or flamingo prints or colourful Gingham checks and accessories such as straw satchels.
Witherspoon has been hands-on with her foray into fashion in order to keep the brand authentic. For starters, the brand was named after her grandparents.
“In the South, we wear lots of colours. I was having a hard time finding the kind of style and pattern I grew up with and that my grandmother loves,” New Orleans-born Witherspoon says. “It’s an opportunity to share how I grew up with my audience.”
Recently, Witherspoon hosted a luncheon in celebration of the Draper James capsule collection exclusively for Net-a-Porter.
