Out of the Closet: At Home with 5 of Brooklyn’s Fashion Elite
Ellen Van Dusen
Designer, Dusen Dusen
Van Dusen specializes in basics made with vibrant textiles and alluring patterns, the kind of simple, swingy pieces that manage to be both unfussy and chic. Her collection, Dusen Dusen, has gained a host of fashionable admirers including Lena Dunham and Malia Obama. Her apartment in Fort Greene, where she lives with her dog, Snips, is full of fascinating objects and interesting garments, the result of a lifelong interest in design and architecture.
1. Least Worn Piece, But Can’t Get Rid of It
I bought this Betsey Johnson dragon sweater at a flea market, and I’ve never worn it. But I will never get rid of it.
2. Most Sentimental
This is my grandmother’s from the 60s. It’s vintage Geoffrey Beene.
3. Best Splurge
I don’t have a lot of basics, but I got these Acne shoes after I shipped a big order. Splurging on basics is always smart.
4. Oldest Item
I made this watermelon T-shirt in high school; it’s part of a series of fruit shirts. My nickname was Watermelon Ellen.
5. Best Bang for Buck Item
I do a lot of scouring thrift stores, which is where this came from. It was maybe a dollar, and I wear it constantly.
6. Something Everyone Should Have
In summer, I’m all about the easy dress like this graphic throw.
7. Go-To Oufit
This is from my 2013 spring collection; it’s comfortable and easy. I wear this probably once a week.