Cinderella Could Never

Playing Dress Up in Lex and Lynne With Real Life Princess Molly O’Sullivan

When we think of princesses, we often think about Cinderella or Snow White. We become nostalgic about their elegance and confidence. Inspired by their stories of overcoming hardship. We don’t even realize how similar we are to them. Like princesses, we are all on a quest for self-discovery -- trying to understand the complexity of life while society interjects it’s opinions and social norms. However, what I’ve noticed in most princess stories is that they often revolve around the princess making someone else happy. Someone other than herself – with that we’re here to say: cut the crap. In 2020, we’re add selfishness to our crown. It’s time we focus on reinventing ourselves for the better. One thing I’ve noticed (in my 21 short years) is that we are all so consumed with making other people happy, we forget that we are the princesses of our story.

That said, why not dress like one? Here is our visual journal with Molly O’Sullivan – real life princess, fashion designer and total fashionista who will one day rule her own fashion kingdom. (Check out her designs @mysticmolly_) She’s dressed ever-so-eloquently in Lex and Lynne, a sustainable online boutique for the everyday princess.  

Words from the designer, Alexis CorRy KAPPEL:

How do you keep your pieces sustainable? And could you tell us more about the fabrics you use – how are they sustainable?

 All of my designs are handmade and small-batch production; we try to do our best with materials and colors and most of our garments are natural cotton and wool. We are launching a new line of sweaters (only a few styles) within the next few weeks that are all composed of recycled wool from Chile. My designs are also meant to be worn season after season, they do not adhere to any specific temperature or season. The craft in which they are made makes them truly heirloom pieces that will last forever.

The Lex & Lynne knitwear brand began as a 100% organic cotton brand that was a natural ivory hue; we have kept our core styles but have expanded in to various colors and wool. We are launching a very minimalist line of cotton tops, bottoms, and dresses in 2020 that are all handmade in India and all hand-dyed with vegetable dye.

What inspired this collection?

Neutral hues like ivories, wheat colors, and warm grays; crochets, floral designs, and a little bit of Jane Birkin influence. Our most recent collection includes our Sophia Midi Dress and Sienna Mini Dress, both of which were featured in British Vogue’s December Issue and the Sophia Midi Dress was featured in WGSN as the “Prarie Girl Dress” for SS20. The Sophia and Sienna were inspired by truly seasonless designs that can be worn as simple dresses with a nude slip, or as jumpers in the cooler months with layers like turtlenecks and black bottoms.

Words: Kiana Kanoa

Model: @mollyosullivann

Photos: @kianakanoa