Americana Summer Sets Sail with New Mark D. Sikes Collection for J.McLaughlin

In another all-American move, Mark D. Sikes — the king of blue and white, master of the monogram, and curator of enviable boxwoods — has joined forces with über-American brand  J.McLaughlin on a collaboration that feels long overdue.

Rooted in a decades-long friendship between Sikes and J.McLaughlin CEO Greg Unis, the partnership is as personal as it is polished. For those familiar with Sikes’ work, The Monogram Collection reads as an extension of the world he’s spent years perfecting. From crisp tailored style and affinity for stripes to his ability to make everything beautiful — hence, the title of his Rizzoli boxed book set, Everything Is Beautiful — Sikes brings an instantly recognizable point of view.

This is Sikes’ first partnership with a fashion label. It’s also J.McLaughlin’s first collaboration with an interior designer, as well as the largest collaboration in the company’s history.  

To celebrate, J.McLaughlin recently hosted an exclusive in-store cocktail event at its Dallas location in Preston Center. The perfectly polished guest list of true preps arrived with gusto; who, after all, would miss an opportunity for face time with Sikes? The charming multi-hyphenate designer held court as some of our city’s swans admired the timeless collection of classic silhouettes. Sisters Kimberly Whitman and Krystal Schlegel Davis, as well as Caitlin Wilson, Christy Doramus, Whitney Cameron, and Tanya Davis, all marked the moment by trying on their favorite pieces. Whitman looked particularly magnetic in the Charlotte Dress, a fit-and-flare with a flowing skirt in a striking shade of red.

Sikes told PaperCity that the red pieces stood out in Dallas. “I think the red color in the collection really resonated with the Dallas crowd because it is bold and happy. The floral pattern was also well received because it is as cheerful as it is elegant.” (He’s right. The Audrey Dress in Dragonfly Garden sits high on the top of our summer wish list.)

Sikes’ unwavering love of big white houses, blue stripes, and Jacqueline Kennedy has launched a design empire. Add to that the redecoration of Blair House in Washington, D.C., which serves as the White House guest house, as well as offices for Jill Biden’s East Wing office. 

For this Americana summer and our country’s 250th birthday, we know exactly what we’ll be wearing.