Press
“Each afternoon, stroll along Williamsburg’s Metropolitan Avenue and you’ll see Olivia Reinertson sewing in her new storefront. The former pre-school teacher’s brand, By Liv Handmade, and its new store recalls the independent, unique spirit of New York boutiques of the past”
“Anything I make or sell here at the shop is something that I would put in my own closet. It has resulted in the fostering of a gorgeous community. There is much less early 1900s garb on the market which kills me because that is some of the most incredible clothing on earth. It’s inspired me to start reworking pieces from this era that are no longer in wearable condition into something new. But recently, we’ve started stocking some incredible independent designers that our usual vintage lovers have been flocking to, like Meg Beck, Mary McGrath, Madeline Malenfant and more.”
“For Reinertson, what started as a goal-driven hobby (creating clothes that were appropriate to wear to her job as a pre-school teacher but still allowed for self-expression within a limited budget) is now a business with its own brick-and-mortar location, in Williamsburg. Her pieces have been worn by the model Adwoa Aboah and the actress Diana Silvers, and she uses her Instagram account—which currently has more than 16,000 followers—to connect with her customer base.”
“If you think that the fashion industry is full of norms and that only projects that have a large budget move forward, you haven’t met Liv Jane yet. By Liv breaks the rules to give us garments that transcend the limits of the clothing. Made from textile scraps, her designs come to life in the wardrobes of those who are able to establish an emotional bond with their clothes and know how to listen to their inner child when dressing. Fashion as a form of free expression that finds its greatest virtue in spontaneity.”
“Vintage fabric scraps take on a new life at the hands of Liv Reinertson, a Brooklyn-based clothing designer. Liv's pieces are handmade and often custom-crafted, ranging from frill trimmed mini-dresses and patchwork sets, to fabulous bags and zero waste pillows. By Liv Handmade's dreamy custom work has been seen on artists ranging from Rita Ora, Adwoa Aboah and Diana Silvers”
“She’s made space for small, conscious brands like Handmade by Liv – a line of babydoll dresses handcrafted from antique and vintage fabric by Brooklynite Liv Reinertson”
“One step inside this clothing store in Brooklyn will transport you back to the twenties and thirties--But, this is not your grandmother's closet. The clothing racks are lined with trendy outfits made out of recycled antique lace, doilies, tablecloths, and anything else Liv Reinertson can get her hands on.”
“Rita Ora looked every inch the fashion maven as she headed out for dinner in a white handkerchief hem dress on Thursday.
The singer, 29, teased a hint of her ample cleavage as she opted go braless in the broderie anglaise dress.”
“Leigh, Catbird's creative director, discovered her store a little over a year ago on a ritual stop for sweets at Fortunatos Bakery, which is right next door. By Liv Handmade is a tiny storefront on Manhattan Ave in Williamsburg, with tin walls and a tin ceiling - a tiny treasure trove”
“Benzo wears Christian Dior dress & Maryam Nassir Zadeh boots & Aunjel wears Loveshackfancy dress, Liv Handmade skirt & Maryam Nassir Zadeh boots”
“You can find Olivia Reinertson’s designs over in Williamsburg at By Liv Handmade. The storefront carries homemade knits, prairie-like dresses, and vintage sewing patterns. Reinertson aims for cottagecore clothing with lace and ruffles galore that sometimes include a ‘70s bohemian twist.
‘When I started making clothing, it was out of necessity. I was a preschool teacher making a less than ideal salary, and couldn’t afford to buy ‘nice teacher clothes,’” said Reinertson. She wanted “something durable, comfortable, stylish and functional.’ ”
“Whether it's old tablecloths or discarded doilies, By Liv turns antique linens into chic outfits you can wear anywhere!”