Dillingham Fair’s Jessica Murnane, and an envelope-shaped clutch
Launching an online-only shop may seem like a contradictory move for Jessica Murnane, a designer whose line of letterpress paper goods, Suitor, is a tribute to handwritten notes and other old-fashioned forms of communication. “This is a big step for me,” she says of Dillingham Fair, the website for “unique, special gifts” she officially launches early this year.
Each Dillingham Fair release is a collaboration between Murnane and one of her favorite designers or artists or one of her creative-industry friends—many of whom are based in Chicago. A new limited-edition object will be added each month, starting with an envelope-shaped clutch ($125, above) sewn from vintage leather by women’s clothing designer Elise Bergman (its fabric lining was Murnane’s concept).
In February, Murnane teams up with De’Mar Hamilton—drummer for Plain White T’s, a band known for love songs such as “Hey There Delilah”—to craft a Valentine’s Day card ($5). And in March, she partners with Panna Dolce bakery on a box of eight macarons ($16.50). (Watch for an exclusive hat by designer Nina Falana—handcrafted by Optimo Hat Company—later this spring.)
Photograph: Nina Thompson