The Nashville raised actress Reese Witherspoon launched a Southern-inspired sportswear and lifestyle label online Tuesday, Witherspoon is exhibiting her typical hands-on and all-in approach: She’s the majority shareholder in the brand. The brand is named after her grandparents, Dorothea Draper and Williams James Witherspoon. On Draper James’ website, she talks about her personal style and how Southern women approach fashion.
As for the Draper James line, the aim is to awaken a sense of patriotism among shoppers to the extent that they will actually travel to Southern cities and buy goods from businesses featured on the company’s Web site. “I hope that it sort of opens people’s eyes to how much the South has changed and to all of the cultural experiences happening there. We’re going to have City Guides but through my eyes, the places I love. We will have different Southern ambassadors that will show places to buy amazing Southern antique silver or where to find hand towels like their grandmothers had.”
Fans will find classic prints like gingham and stripes, and ladylike dresses in lace and bright florals, as well as cardigans and branded T-shirts. The collection ranges from casual wear to dressier attire (think Derby Day-appropriate) pieces. Accessories include pearl necklaces, leather handbags and, of course, a monogrammed iPhone case.
Witherspoon said she created the brand “to honor my past and allow others to embrace the beauty and style and excitement that embodies what is happening in the South today,” according to a press release.
