California Tailor's Superb Shirting is Inspired by LA and London

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California Tailor is on a mission to craft the perfect button-down, and more than a few style bloggers would agree that a classic collared shirt is essential to every girl's wardrobe. Founded Brit-bred designer Gill Mclean, the new menswear-inspired line's debut collection, Shirt No. 1, has already earned praises from Tomboy Style's Lizzie Metler for its embodiment of London's city smarts and LA's laid-back cool. (The brand even toasted the blogstar with clever tees.)

"I sourced the softest fabrics of the highest quality from around the world and spent over a year perfecting the gently tailored feminine boy fit," London-bred Mclean tells us. Priced at $168 a pop, the LA-made range is all about dressing for our the many diverse nabes and lifestyles beneath our city's sunny skies, from DTLA all the way to the beach. Comprised of single-pocket shirting in an array of made-for-everywhere colors and patterns—including this Liberty of London floral print—the line's currently available at California Tailor's e-shop.

We had a quick chat with Mclean to find out what inspired her brand—read all about it after the jump.

What inspired you to move from London to LA?
"The move to LA was initially for work! Having visited the city for many years on inspiration shopping trips and personal visits, I took up the opportunity to live here full time about three years ago! After several years working with large fashion retailer in the city, I decided to go it alone and so the California Tailor dream began."

Did you have a particular moment that sparked your quest to create the perfect button-down?
"I have always loved the classic wardrobe staples. The white tee, cashmere sweaters, your favorite denims. For me, the woven shirt is the ultimate classic staple. It goes with anything and everything. Perfect for work, but still amazing dressed down at the weekend. In my early design career, I was a woven shirt designer and my love for the perfect button down has always been with me. I knew I would revisit the classic woven shirt one day, and with California Tailor I have been able to create Shirt No. 1 my perfect button down."

Tell us more about the line's London x LA influences.
"Shirt No. 1 carries the spirit of London tailoring and mixes it with California sunshine. London has such an amazing heritage in shirt making and tailoring. I wanted to create a woven shirt that carries these tailored influences, but is more casual and carefree. Something that feels modern and fresh. At home in the city but equally suited for a lazy day at the beach. The fit, trims, details all started from classic wovens and through the design process evolve to become more carefree and suited to the modern girl."
· California Tailor [Official Site]