Under Cover Issue #41

Cloak and Dagger’s Brookelynn Starnes celebrates the mysterious side of women

By Stephanie Niedospial
Published: September 1st, 2009 | 3:37pm

If you like your fedoras slanted and your dresses Jazz Aged, look no further than the Gatsby-inspired designs of Cloak & Dagger’s Fall ‘09 collection. Unapologetically progressive styles find common ground with Old World playfulness in a line that celebrates mystery. Daisy Buchanan, eat your heart out.

What makes Cloak & Dagger unlike other brands?
BS: I try not to be trend specific, but rather item specific. This way our customers can get more wear from each item and always stand out in a crowd. Our customer is feminine with an edge. She looks for flirtatious dresses, sophisticated outerwear, and has a love for vintage and items that are tailored and easy to wear.

Your pieces seem to be constructed well, with quality materials. Can you speak a bit about the importance of quality and construction for your business?
BS: Quality is very important to me — it is the basis on which I started my company. Although, I must admit that it has become increasingly difficult to get good quality at a competitive price doing all of our production here in New York. I am proud that we produce everything domestically although I would like to offer our customers more options and more elaborate embellishments without having to charge designer level pricing.

Aside From your name, you seem to have a love of Brooklyn. Would you say that Brooklyn is a source of inspiration for Cloak & Dagger?
BS: My garden in Brooklyn is my oasis. It’s a private place where I can sit for hours and sketch. I try to do most of my creative work there.

You also work with Libertine. How Has that experience affected what you do for Cloak & Dagger?
BS: My work with them is great because it reminds me to raise the bar. Some of Libertine’s creations can be very avant-garde — which is so great for strengthening my creative muscles.

For more information on Cloak & Dagger, visit cloakanddaggernyc.com.