The Old School Glamour of This Fashion Designer Drowns Out the Instagram Noise: Molly Moorkamp Tells Us All

With her Hitchcock-blonde locks, patrician features, and partiality for a martini, up-and-coming designer Molly Moorkamp could have stepped straight out of a Slim Aarons photograph. And her designs follow suit. From ball gowns and cocktail frocks to silk skirts and trim coats, the rising fashion star’s garments were made for the modern day version of the social swan (just take it from early devotees like Bradley Agather Means and Natalie Bloomingdale).

As she prepares to launch her much anticipated e-commerce site, Moorkamp stopped in Dallas for a trunk show at Canary, where her new collection can be pre-ordered just in time for holiday parties. Read on to get to know the fabulous MM:

Your brand of old school glamour is so hard to find these days. How would you describe the Molly Moorkamp look?  

The Molly Moorkamp aesthetic is both timeless and energetic. We’re anchored in color and femininity. She’s not afraid to be too dressed up at a party, and can drown out the noise of Instagram trends.

We want to know more about you! Where did you grow up?

My co-founder and brother Sam and I grew up in St. Louis. We come from a very creative family. I started my career as an intern at Oscar de la Renta, and spent most of my career designing dresses at Ralph Lauren. I’ve always searched for the sweet spot of wearable clothing that gives women the confidence to lead their best life.

You’ve partnered with your brother Sam to bring your line to life. Were you raised in an entrepreneurial household? What is it like working together?

Yes, growing up, we were raised to be very independent. We were raised by the 10,000 hour rule. If we hadn’t practiced for 10,000 hours, it wasn’t perfect yet. That is the foundation of our work ethic and focus.

Sam and I are a complete yin and yang. My specialty is the technical side of things. I drape, sew, patter, and embellish all our custom clothing to ensure I know it’s a perfect fit. Sam is more of our ‘big picture thinker.’ He’s fantastic with clients, and is never afraid to ask for what he wants. It’s really inspiring to work together on a daily basis.

Who are your style icons?

My mother, who always taught me to never look to the past to copy someone else’s style, but rather to focus on developing my own unique perspective.

What are your favorite films for style inspiration?

I have very specific films I look to for inspiration. I concentrate not so much on literal aesthetic inspiration, but the joie de vivre attitude of a character that embodies a Molly Moorkamp girl. Auntie Mame (“Live! Live! Live! Life is a Banquet!” I want to print that on a T-shirt…if I wore them…), The 1963 Pink Panther, Natasha Richardson in The Parent Trap, Melanie Griffith in Working Girl, Dolly Parton in Steel Magnolias, Anne Bancroft in The Graduate, Julianne Moore in A Single Man.

What is your go-to hostess ensemble?

I have a reputation for throwing a mean cocktail party. What’s the best part of throwing your own party? You get to dictate the dress code! Ball skirt, black turtleneck, eyelashes, bare feet, and a killer MM martini in my hand.

What music are you listening to when driving with the top down in a fabulous scarf?

An MM cocktail party playlist of course! Henry Mancini, Astrud Gilberto, Lesley Gore, Jack Jones. And you know I can’t resist anything Migos after dinner.

Who is your dream client to design a party dress for?  

Jayne Wrightsman.

I have loved following you ever since discovering your designs on Natalie Bloomingdale’s website, The SIL. And you have a big announcement coming up — what can you share?  

The holiday season is the busiest time of year at MM. We’re thrilled to be launching our e-commerce site just in time. It’s going to be the new go-to spot for all things fabulous for the holidays and beyond.

Will you continue to do custom design work?

We must! There are too many chic parties and ball gowns in need to stop now.

What will be available in Dallas at Canary? Any other retailers?

You’ll be able to pre-order our Holiday 2018 collection at Canary, which is really excited for our Dallas customers. We’re primarily direct to consumer, which helps us give our customers a better product at a more reasonable price. We’re providing attainable luxury for the girl looking for classic, timeless clothing.

While you won’t find us in major department stores, we are carried in a select few specialty stores, such as Tootsies in Houston.