There once was a farmer’s son more interested in beads than in seeds and an urban lass dedicated to making the world a more beautiful place for lovers of green and orange and purple. Their paths crossed, in 1969, during an elevator ascent at Pratt Institute. Words and glances were exchanged, and within a week seams were sewn. Dresses were made and creative lives were set in motion.

Wedding vows and jobs were taken. Together, they drove an ice cream truck, and later worked at Giorgio Sant’Angelo. Tom taught at RISD and Linda worked in visual merchandising. After a decade (which included annually costuming animated figures for the Christmas windows at Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue) the couple set out to make a few simple dresses for Linda’s own wardrobe—this would culminate in their first collection—and remains the inspiration for all those that have followed.