Sometimes the best ideas are those kept simple. Take, for example, Letau Designs’ pair of signature scarves, both designed by Maren Reese and her late partner, Robert Matunda. The reversible hooded scarf can be worn with the hood raised or lowered and with either side of the double-sided scarf exposed depending on your mood. The drawstring scarf can be worn as an ordinary flat scarf, but it’s much more exciting if you pull the scarf’s internal drawstrings to gather the fabric, morphing it into an organically-shaped Elizabethan ruff. Alternatively, you can wear it as a shrug by tying the drawstrings behind your back. Dramatic and functional accessories, either scarf can instantly add a striking twist to a party dress and a hint of boho-chic-ness to a basic winter coat while keeping you warm and toasty.

It’s not only the innovative design that draws a repeat clientele to Letau. Maren’s careful choice of textiles attracts diverse and sophisticated customers who’ve been buying up these scarves since the company started this past year. Crafted from ornate brocade, iridescent taffeta, nubby wool, understated silk and bright stretch jersey, the beautiful materials alone induce you to fancy more than just one.

While Maren has dabbled in other accessories and sees the company’s product line expanding, for now she’s taking a cautious approach, focusing her energies on establishing the drawstring scarf as a staple in every woman’s closet.

To reach her goal, Letau Designs’ scarves are already carried in quite a few stores, both around Philadelphia and beyond. In addition, Letau is available for trunk shows, home shopping parties, or by appointment in her South Philadelphia studio, and within a few months, you’ll be able to buy their scarves online at letaudesigns.com.

Letau Designs’ scarves are available at the following retail locations:

Echochic
1700 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 569-9555
www.echochic.com

Closet Fever
707 North 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 627-4600
www.closetfever.com

Topstitch
311 Market Street, 2nd floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(267) 322-4057
www.topstitchboutique.com

Remix
716 N 3rd St
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(267) 861-6500

By Lauren McCutcheon
Photography by Brett Thomas

Some of the most beautiful, changeable wool, satin and textured scarves come from a converted artist’s loft in South Philadelphia. Last year, designer Maren Reese and her late partner, Robert Matunda, came up with two kinds of woven wraps — and the couple couldn’t make either fast enough. The first style includes a drawstring with a toggle: Cinch the string, and the scarf becomes an organic, geometric ruffle. Let the string out, and the scarf stays flat, perfect for turning into a belt, a bolero for a dress, or a traditional neck wrap. The second style is simpler — just a reversible hood that extends into two long, flat ends. “You can wear it in the wintertime and it doesn’t mess up your hair,” says Reese. The designs are simple, smart, unerringly of-the-moment, and flying off the racks. $66-$350.

Available at Closet Fever, Conspiracy Showroom and Echo Chic.

From: http://www.phillymag.com/articles/good_life_homegrown_wrap_artists/