The Jane Birkin effect is real. The beloved actress inspired the handbag with the most pop cultural clout in history, the Hermès Birkin, and there’s no denying that her iconic laidback style was instrumental in defining the look of the ’70s. Her death last year sparked a contemporary reappraisal of her sartorial contributions on TikTok. There’s currently over 13,000 posts tagged #JaneBirkin in the app, which collectively have accrued a whopping 374.7 million views.
While Veronica Swanson Beard and Veronica Miele Beard are not on TikTok (good for them!), they’re on the same page as those who do use the app. Their pre-fall lineup was inspired by their ’70s muses, with Birkin taking top billing. “She’s the heroine of our collection,” said Miele Beard, with her sister-in-law adding, “We were all about these classic pieces that she always made her own, the cornerstones of a wardrobe that are important when we get dressed every day.”
Veronica Beard is the kind of American fashion business that exemplifies what it means to make a trusty, good ol’ wardrobe essential. This much is on display in this look book with barn jackets made in supple wool and cut to be worn as both jackets or mini dresses, buttery leather separates, just-right denim washes on jeans and shirting, and a couple of air-spun Alpaca knits. A tapestry print offered both in chiffon and covered in transparent sequins added a boho ’70s flair, but the stars of the season are a cashmere blazer and a plush shearling jacket, both of which are part of a new premium priced assortment within the brand’s existing line.
Also new here are the first few Veronica Beard handbags. Instead of staying put in New York, the Veronicas decamped to Los Angeles to throw a launch party for the new category. Their goal is to get their customers to wear their bags as much as Brikin did hers. “These things are made to be worn,” Miele Beard said.