IN CONVERSATION WITH ANDINE

interview by JANA LETONJA

Elisabeth Weinstock is a celebrated Los Angeles based designer and founder of luxury loungewear brand Andine. Her work quickly gained attention, leading to custom orders from celebrities like Justin Bieber and ASAP Rocky, as well as collaborations on exclusive capsule collections. Prioritizing the feel of each fabric, Elisabeth ensures every Andine item is divine to the touch and effortlessly chic. Brand’s new line captures the essence of cool Parisian chic with timeless style, featuring nightshirts, pants, chemises, wrap robes, and tanks in luxurious cotton, silk, and buttery-soft fabrics. 

After shifting your focus to home goods and accessories for over a decade, what inspired you to return to women’s clothing with Andine?

Incredible loungewear and sleepwear has always been a passion of mine. I created a brand when I was just 20 years old, called Coton Blanc, that was an overnight success. Once it burst, I moved into real estate, interior designs and creating luxurious home pieces. It was right before lockdown, when I had the idea to scale back my snake brand and relaunch my love for lounge, and rename it Andine. The core of the brand is the same, handmade in Los Angeles with Parisian inspired styles and details. 

How do you stay inspired and adapt your creativity across such different categories, and what do you do to recharge and find new ideas?

I am always inspired by the world around me. I stay inspired by feeding my curiosity and exploring new ideas and materials. I love to travel and draw inspiration from art, culture, nature, and everyday life whether it’s in the cobblestone streets of New York, a cafe in Barcelona, or a boutique on a remote island. I believe in pushing the boundaries of design in every collection by experimenting with unconventional silhouettes, fabrics, and textures. 

You started with Coton Blanc at a very young age, creating a multimillion-dollar success before 25. What were some of the biggest lessons you took away from that, and how did your experiences with Coton Blanc in the 1990s shape the way you approached Andine’s launch?

I’ve learned that things need to take their time and things need to stay, organically.  We grew so quickly and I was so young, I put my trust in the wrong hands and the company escaped me. One can call it a whirlwind experience. That’s when I pivoted to other ventures of creation, but it's always been something in the back of my mind. I feel like Coton Blanc didn’t get a chance to blossom enough, so that's now Andine. She’s my loungewear rosebud that I will continue to nourish, love, and watch grow. 

How would you describe the essence of Andine? What key qualities define the brand?

Andine is the world’s best friend. She can make friends with just about anyone, even if they’re not her jam. She is playful and weird, but in a good way. She has a pretty good voice, but will sing with great confidence. She will be quick to dare you into doing something strange. She is trustworthy beyond limits and you will easily give her the passcode to your phone. She will make you laugh when you are feeling awful, as she is kind and interested. She speaks a few languages and loves to cook. She is a strong woman who can fight anything. We all have aspects of this and that’s why everyone can wear Andine. 

Andine emphasizes luxurious fabrics like cotton and silk. How do you select materials, and why is fabric quality so important to your brand?

Everything has to be comfortable enough for the home or pretty enough to wear in the street. If it doesn’t do both, I won’t make it. That said, when I am looking for new fabrics,  I only choose materials that are soft as butter and divine to the touch. We source from all over the world and love to mix and match lace trims with buttons or bows. We love to say at Andine, you have to feel it to believe it. 

How do you balance functionality and style in Andine’s pieces to ensure both comfort and elegance?

It’s all about the details. Andine plays in the hues of black, white, and gray styled in timeless silhouettes. I am careful to set my own trends and design what I think flatters the body. Take the Lulu crop tank for example. It’s a v neck tank with lace trim along the hem and ribbon ties. Styled with the matching Gigi boxers, it elevates one’s sleepwear into a full matching set for a flirty night in. That same Lulu tank styled with some jeans and heels on a night out can be a game changer. Tie the ribbons into a bow or keep them loose for a little playful moment. 

Your custom designs have attracted celebrities like Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Usher. How does collaborating with high-profile clients shape your approach to luxury and exclusivity?

Some of my novelty, custom snakeskin pieces have attracted different celebrities, from my snakeskin boxing gloves to the Dodgers snakeskin baseball bat. I made a pair of snakeskin pants for Rihanna’s world tour and a custom snakeskin boot when Usher was recovering from an injury. They are a fun clientele. When two creatives get together, magic happens. While I love designing luxurious things, I tend to stray from exclusivity and aim to create pieces for all to enjoy.

What do you see as the role of social responsibility within the fashion and luxury industry?  

I see the expectations of consumers changing, looking for brands that align with their values on top of making cute clothes for purchase. There is a higher standard that brands must adhere to and it's the balance of beauty with accountability, ensuring that elegance and ethics are intertwined. We cut and sew the majority of our pieces at our Atelier in West Hollywood, and clients feel that when they enter the world of Andine. True luxury, after all, respects both the hands that make it and the environment it comes from

What can you share with us about your goals for Andine in the coming years? Are there any particular projects or expansions you’re working on at the moment?

I want Andine to be synonymous with quality loungewear and have everyone know her name. I would love to collaborate with artists across the world that have a different artistic approach than me. In the way that I used to have local painters create unique designs on Weinstock snakeskin goods. We had a whole collection with painted roses by local downtown LA street artists and another from Devon DeJardin. Again, I think collaboration fosters great art. 

Tell us more about Only Miracles Foundation and the inspiration behind starting a non-profit dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated individuals?

Our mission is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. At Only Miracles, we are committed to transforming lives by helping former gang members, individuals who were previously incarcerated or those who have lived a life of crime, transition into society and build purposeful, meaningful lives.

I started volunteering at a youth center in South Central Los Angeles in 1996 and worked closely with the active gang members that were employed at the center. Almost 30 years later, I continue to show up each week knowing I am making a difference, offering guidance and support to those in need. I currently facilitate weekly virtual Only Miracles meetings for The Francisco Homes, a group of mens transitional homes. This fall, I started an Only Miracles program at a men's maximum security prison. The meetings are a spin-off of the twelve-step program that dig deeper into the lives and stories of each person within each group, encouraging conversation as a form of pressure release, and emotional growth.  Additionally, we host events bringing our Only Miracles family together for a meal, a round circle meeting and human connection, which fosters a sense of belonging and encouragement.

How has working with Only Miracles influenced you personally and professionally? Has it had any impact on your approach to business?

My philosophy with starting Only Miracles is the belief that through compassion, community, and mentorship we can unlock the potential for a new beginning. 

Each of these weekly sessions, tailored to the unique needs of recovering criminals and gang members, provide a safe haven for individuals seeking redemption, healing, and a new path forward.  Through our initiatives, we aim to create a ripple effect of hope and transformation.  We believe that as we broaden our community, and support is provided to those released from more and more prisons, we are creating safer communities nationwide.

Only Miracles is at the forefront of my businesses as each design venture ties back into being a good person. With my Weinstock brand of snakeskin, for instance, I hired people from my program to work at my store or collaborate on merchandise and create art. By amplifying these voices, we strive to inspire others and advocate for the transformative power of second chances.