ONLY HEARTS

FOR HELENA STUART IT’S ALL NICE

By Katherine Sloan

Based in Manhattan, Only Hearts is Helena Stuart’s baby, her creative outpouring of love. Stuart coined the fashion term “inner/outerwear,” and while it’s now a permanent fixture in the fashion world, it was revolutionary in the late 1970s. Back then, it wasn’t always fashionable to dress in something comfortable, soft to the touch, and incredibly sexy and smart. Times change and today the term inner/outerwear is quite common. At Only Hearts it’s not only appealing to the eye, but nice that it can also work as an entire outfit and is practical, too.

The intimate collections are suitable layering pieces under your most tailored looks. Back when the fashion look was “more is more” and the funkier and louder the better, Stuart was entranced by lingerie that felt good against the skin: soft, feminine and comfortable has always been her motto and inspiration. And for Stuart there’s nothing more luxurious this Spring than a buttery soft fabric.

Impeccable Fit

As a child, Stuart spent time backstage at fashion shows (her mother was a model) and while growing up in Italy fashion was everywhere. It was common to purchase bespoke clothing. To this day, it has influenced Stuart: custom-made clothing with an impeccable fit has always been the driving force for Only Hearts. The brand’s continuous stream of creatively designed lingerie makes it a consumer favorite. Her latest line includes a playful plaid mesh inspired by Vivienne Westwood, as well as toneddown camouflage prints, and even a stained-glass print.

As a graduate of FIT who first worked as an assistant to a sportswear designer, Stuart has remained true to her roots. She always wanted to design and make clothing she couldn’t find anywhere. It wasn’t until Stuart, at Liz Rosenberg’s behest, was persuaded to create a release party for Rod Stewart’s You’re In My Heart at Regine’s that she gained enough confidence to open her concept shop. Stuart also wanted to be sustainable and ethical and takes pride in the fact that the brand has remained loyal to these beliefs since it became a mainstay in New York City in 1979. Only Hearts has two locations in Manhattan and one in LA.

Having A Design Sense

Stuart always follows her desires and design intuition. Some of her most popular items are aptly called Second Skin. Peel out of your Second Skin slip and feel good in various intimates and tops. After all, good fabrics have always been a means of self-expression for Stuart. She trusts her intuitive design sense and, when inspired, goes to Paris for even more inspiration.

There’s nothing more modern than slipping out of your work clothes and relaxing in a delicate camisole that was discreetly hidden under your blouse during the day. In summer, you can wear a long slip as a dress and an organic cotton cardigan—and you’re all set! Stuart is incredibly excited that now, more than ever, Ready-to-Wear clothing is inspired by lingerie.

Today, Stuart is inspired by real women who are fully engaged in life; her ideal model is anyone who wears her clothes! If you notice, on social media, none of the women modeling Only Hearts are retouched (complete with freckles, tattoos, and piercings). This is the face of sexy, confident women for 2023. Stuart’s designs can also be found at Shopbop, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, and Free People.

For more information on Helena Stuart and Only Hearts, visit onlyhearts.com