Seam and Heard: Jen Wilder and Mert Beraze of Bryce & Bouji

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

Jen Wilder (the American designer with the European taste) and Mert Beraze (the European entrepreneur with the American business sense) create clothes for the fashion-savvy in the form of label Bryce & Bouji. Here, the key to creating an uncomplicated dream dress—one that stops traffic—is combining sophistication with an LA-ease, vintage style with a fashion-forward feel. But Wilder always aims to push herself and the label further, determined to bring depths and definition into the Lala-land-mix by making us think with her intricate, intellectual designs.

What inspired your latest collection?
For the holiday collection, I was thinking about what would be the perfect blend of sexy and proper, to be ready for the big nights out, as well as meeting up with the family.

Who’s the quintessential Bryce & Bouji woman?
Reese Witherspoon, Chloe Sevigny, the Olsen Twins for their reinterpretation of fashion.

Who’s your favorite LA designer?
Can’t pin it down to one.

Who’s your favorite designer overall?
Lacroix—he’s the definition of over the top.

What are the advantages of working in LA over working in NYC?
My bike rides on the beach and being able to walk my dog everyday of the year.

What’s your go-to shopping spot in LA?
Opening Ceremony.

What’s the season’s must-have item?
Anything lace, black and gothic.

The season’s-not-under-any-circumstances – don’t care if you’re Posh Spice or Mischa Barton – have item?
Embellished t-shirts.

Bryce & Bouji is available at bryceandbouji.com. Photos by Christina von Messling. Makeup by Tania D. Russell/Makeupwerks.com using Smashbox Cosmetics.