After following the Instagram account for Los Angeles-based Elhoffer Design for several months, it’s clear that Catherine Elhoffer, owner and namesake of the label, was absolutely destined to make unique, fanatically-infused fashion inspired by the wide world of geek heroes and nerd legends.
The first design that caught my attention last year was a (then, newly released) nearly perfect Peggy Carter two-piece, but the design library of Elhoffer goes way beyond street-ready versions of on-screen heroes. What makes Elhoffer so unique is the way they extract the visual qualities of their favorite characters and inject them into their own unique, original designs. Nothing is derivative, and nothing is a replica – each piece is 100% designed from scratch with a respectful nod to its nerdy muse, with recognizable details that only true fans could identify.
Badger Oversized Sweater, $90 | Galactic Baby Bot Cropped Cardigan, $75
The passion of Elhoffer, according to their mission statement, is “helping lady-nerds feel amazing and powerful, with the occasional unisex piece for those not as interested in feminine cuts.” That nod to inclusivity is just the tip of the iceberg. Elhoffer’s constantly-growing inventory is a paradise for the stylish nerd who loves what they love, but also love the versatility of brilliant fashion design.
Here’s what we love most about Elhoffer Design:
Beautiful Designs That Incorporate Easily
These designs have no logos, no licensing deals, and no branding. This is a direct reflection of the tastes of Catherine Elhoffer, who prefers her tributes to be subtle – a nod of appreciation as opposed to a high-decibel, passionate scream – which has its own applicable place and time, that time just isn’t every day. The gentle infusion of iconic imagery, cleverly-selected colors, and shape recognition keeps these garments totally unique, license-free, and easily incorporated into your existing wardrobe.
Warrior in Training Dress, $175 | Galactic Desert Hooded Cape, $135
If you’ve ever been a girl wearing a Star Wars t-shirt at a social function, you know the feeling of fatigue you get afterwards. Either every non-fan in the room has either decided you’re a total nerd and ask you about every nerd- or fan-related topic, or a fellow fan has challenged your trivia and knowledge of Star Wars lore with the highest attention to scrutinous detail. Neither are particularly pleasant experiences. But when you’re wearing something like an Elhoffer design, you only get the fans picking up on your nerdery, and when you bear a striking resemblance to a certain General in the Resistance, you become fansplainer kryptonite.
If you’re wondering what kind of people wear Elhoffer Designs, just hop over to their Instagram, the vast majority of which is photos of their customers – also known as “Starpuffs.” It’s feels a little bit cliché considering the context, but there’s something majestic about a woman in Elhoffer clothing. But I mean, I get it. It’s probably not hard to feel like an indestructible hero when you literally look like one.
Miss Amy May in the Serpent Slayer Cropped Cardigan | @DudetteColette in the Corps Sweater
Inclusive in Sizing & Marketing
One look at Elhoffer’s online store will quickly clue you in to their intentions when it comes to making everyone feel included. Most knit designs are run in a range of sizes between XS – 3X, and ample information is given about the construction of each piece to help customers select the perfect size.
This is the kind of store that will delight the frustrated, fashionable plus-sized fan. Not only are there sizes for almost everyone, but you don’t have to play the guessing game when it comes to how it will look on your not-a-fit-model-shaped body. Many of the products are modeled on both a standard size and plus size model. Additionally, their regularly-updated Instagram page serves as an excellent source of fit references. As I mentioned earlier, it’s full of customer selfies
It’s clear from the cuts of each original piece that tons of thought is given to the fit. Conveniently, the dresses and fitted items in Elhoffer’s inventory are as close to “universally figure-flattering” as you can get. Wrap dresses, high-waisted A-line skirts, and oversized cropped sweaters (yes, they’re flattering on almost everyone).
Behind-the-Scenes Transparency
Your eyes may have lit up at some of these prices, but Elhoffer is ready for that reaction, and they have a damn good reason why. One of the core values of this brand is transparency, so they make sure that their customers understand why their prices sit where they do.
First of all, at their Los Angeles-based factory where everything is made, workers are paid at least minimum wage. Elhoffer also uses high quality materials that are sourced locally. Both of these commitments mean that the higher labor wages and local support are reflected in the price. But after reading through their story and learning about their higher margins… I kind of expected the prices to be higher?
I look at a lot of independent and ethical brands, and when someone leads a brand biography with “we pay everyone in our factories minimum wage or better and source materials locally,” we usually see a few more multipliers on those prices. Sure, Elhoffer has some dresses that top out at a few hundred dollars, but they look like this:
Queen of Ashes Dress, $215
Corps Dress, $300
Most of the Elhoffer designs don’t even come close to those prices, though. Aside from dresses and special knits, most of their pieces are around $100 or less. Not only are they affordable, but the money you’re spending couldn’t be going to a more fulfilling place: an indie brand with an investment in their community.
Here are the current collections at Elhoffer Design:
- Galactic (Star Wars)
- Everyday Witch (Harry Potter)
- Treat Yo’ Self (Parks & Recreation)
- Queens of Winter (Game of Thrones)
- Heroes & Villains (DC & Marvel Comics)
- Magical Girl (Sailor Moon, et al)
- Friendly Spirits (Miyazaki)
- Revolutionary (Hamilton: The Musical)
- Fairytale (Disney)