Armed with an art history degree and years of experience in NYC’s haute couture scene of the 1990s, Sue Sartor moved back to the South 30 years ago. It was in her 40s that she decided to pursue the second iteration of her design career. Her name was on the label this time, and she was building a brand that fed her soul. The idea that had been simmering all along was now boiling over.
Sue had long dreamt of starting a luxury line of tunics, dresses, and kaftans made from quality textiles ethically sourced from around the globe. She shapes sustainable, comfy fabrics (like natural cotton, silk, and satin) into flattering, modern silhouettes. Then she gives each piece a joyous personality through unique hand-stamped patterns, hand-dyed colors, and custom embroidery. The result has caught on like wildfire.
We’re thrilled to welcome Sue Sartor as our latest FACE of the South. Image: Brittany Daniel Studio
Each Sue Sartor piece is dripping in vibrant hues, unexpected textures, or botanical whimsy. Sue has made something perfect for the region she now calls home. They’re ready for all seasons, packable, breathable, flattering, and fun. Sue Sartor makes wearable rays of sunshine, and she’s a ray of sunshine herself. We are honored to share a little of her story.
Tell us a bit about your younger years. Were you always style-savvy and creative?
Being a creative has always been an integral part of who I am. The visual world is what lights and lifts me up. Painting, art history, fashion, and flowers have greatly interested me for as long as I can remember.
When did you know you wanted to make fashion your career?
I worked with Calvin Klein Women’s Collection in NYC in the early 90s. It was such a magical time in fashion. Since then, I’ve always wanted to have my own meaningful, smaller-batch brand.
Sue picks from old wood blocks in India — often hundreds of years old — and adds her own spin through new colorways, fun piping, and unexpected shapes.
Some magical back-and-forth brainstorming (through the Whatsapp app) with her workshop in Jaipur led to trips to India with her growing team.
What’s something that people are often surprised to learn about you?
I grew up in Massachusetts and New Jersey and spent summers on Cape Cod. I met my husband at Tulane University in New Orleans, and from then on, Louisiana had my heart.
Where can we find you on your days off?
Walking our two dogs on the levee to clear my head, designing block prints and new styles, catching up with family and dear friends, watching movies, or cooking. But mostly, I’m always working because I love what I do. It’s woven into my everyday life.
Sue’s sophisticated, breezy, day-to-night pieces have become synonymous with Southern style.
How does the South inspire your designs?
I have always loved super-feminine, easy dressing. Living in the south for about thirty years has given me even more affinity for joyous feminine dressing … florals, color, and flattering silhouettes.
Sue Sartor now sells online, wholesale to stores across the country, and in her flagship shop on New Orleans’s Magazine Street. Image: Elizabeth Dondis Photography
When a woman wears one of your dresses, you want her to feel …
I want her to feel her best self! I want her to be able to go and do whatever life takes her. I want her to be able to run errands, jump to a meeting, meet friends for lunch, and then grab cocktails and feel fantastic and comfortable all day long. These dresses are workhorses. They travel well and take you everywhere you want with femininity, comfort, and ease.
What’s a common misconception that people have about working in textiles?
There is so much variety out there regarding quality and carbon footprint. When you’re working with natural hand-stamped or hand-loomed textiles, it is genuinely made by hand, one garment at a time. It is not mass-produced at all. People are caring for and handling each of our garments with love. It’s remarkable to watch, and the finished product is truly a beautiful result. We strive to be best in class for beauty, quality, and environmental consciousness.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, and from whom?
Be authentic to yourself always. My dad and mom told me that. Be your brand. You must always represent it well. That was a lesson I learned observing Calvin Klein’s ability to brand. Stay in your lane and do what you do well. And don’t diversify too soon! I learned that from The Southern Coterie event in Sea Island, Georgia. And finally, my own life experience has taught me to always move forward and go toward something, not backward.
Leading with that “be your brand” mindset, Sue is there for every step of the process. From the dress sketch to its photoshoot!
Who’s inspiring you right now and why?
We just returned from India, working with our teams. I’m so inspired by the masterji (Indian for male teachers) there who cut patterns, sew, and embroider. When I met them for the first time, I cried. They are true masters of their craft and so devoted to making our garments the highest quality, one dress at a time. I’m constantly inspired by artists, writers, and other designers … Really, ANYONE!
Besides faith, family, and friends, name a few things you can’t live without.
Flowers, art, coffee, red wine, water, our dogs, and a few designer accessories
And our final “lightning round” of questions!
- Favorite recent meal: Oberoi Amarvillas at the Taj Mahal. It was a classic Indian meal on a balcony overlooking the Taj Mahal at night, a traditional dance below, and the sun setting. Delicious and surreal!
- Current clothing staple you can’t stop wearing: Chanel quilted Dad sandals
- Favorite hidden gem in New Orleans: Lilette Restaurant
- Last vacation: Jaipur, India (I worked, too!)
- What’s on your bedside table: water, Tatcha lip mask, lavender pillow mist, a satin eye mask
- Go-to birthday present to give: a block print dress, of course! I’m also a candle-a-holic, so I love to give candles and room atomizers. I make a blend called Placidity out of seven essential oils into a room spray or candle. It’s so peaceful and spa-like. I hope to produce it for our line someday. I also love to give Diptyque candles in Baies or Feu de Bois, depending on the time of year.
Thank you, Sue, for sharing a bit about your life, travels, and designs! All images were submitted by Sue Sartor.
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