Photograph by Audra Melton
About 120 miles east of Atlanta, Adrienne Antonson has launched a mini fashion empire in the small town of Thomson (population 6,773). There she runs State, a hipster-approved line of smocks (yes, smocks—there’s even a hashtag, #smocktuesdays) created by local sewers. Made of denim, canvas, and other durable materials, the button-down smocks feature giant pockets that Antonson says are a hit with fashion-loving moms—and with those who want to carry, say, a bottle of wine. The line also includes a smattering of other garments, like wide-leg origami pants and “potter’s coats.” This fall Antonson is moving the business out of her house and into a new studio and warehouse in Thomson’s small downtown, creating State’s HQ, which will be open to the public and include a shop.
But it’s her “secret catalog” that’s stirring big buzz. Antonson commissions one-of-a-kind pieces—things that are often “too out-there for a normal collection”—from her favorite independent brands across the country and sells them via a gorgeous print catalog.
Perfect package
The summer edition of the Secret Catalog included brands like Brooklyn-based womenswear line Ace&Jig and Asheville’s Shelter. Preorder the winter edition on State’s website this month ($10), and it will arrive bundled with extras like fragrance samples—just in time for holiday shopping.
This article originally appeared in our October 2016 issue.
