Stepping into Mood Fabrics in New York City is like entering a designer’s paradise, and for Laura Sylvia, the experience was transformative. This iconic fabric store, with its endless rows of vibrant textiles and a team of dedicated experts, provided Laura with everything she needed to start her journey for her luxury fashion brand, Tethys. Named after the ancient Greek sea goddess, Tethys is inspired by the world’s most opulent waterfront destinations—Saint-Tropez, Mykonos, Dubai, Portofino, Monte Carlo—places that embody a chic, high-end allure. With Mood Fabrics as her resource, Laura has created a strong foundation for her collection, capturing the lavish essence of these destinations in every stitch.
On her visit, Laura was thrilled to meet the kind and charismatic owner of Mood Fabrics, who runs multiple stores across the country, with additional locations in Miami and Los Angeles. The owner’s warmth and support made an already memorable visit even more special, and he kindly captured the moment in a photo with Laura, a gesture that added a personal touch to her fabric-sourcing adventure.
With an ambitious vision and an eye for elegance, Laura spent over four hours meticulously selecting the perfect fabrics to bring her brand’s aesthetic to life. Choosing luxe materials like silk, lace, and linen—the signature elements that would form the backbone of her debut collection. Each fabric seemed to embody a different facet of Tethys: flowing silks reminiscent of waves on the Mediterranean, intricate lace evoking the charm of a Mykonos villa, and light linens capturing the breezy luxury of a day spent on the Côte d’Azur.
Mood’s staff played a vital role in bringing Laura’s vision to reality. Each employee she encountered was not only helpful but enthusiastic about assisting in her journey, which filled her with confidence as she lined up her carefully selected fabrics along the wall. Fellow customers, including aspiring designers from institutions like FIT, took note of her choices and were inspired by her vision, even asking about her upcoming line. The atmosphere was electric, a hub where creativity thrives and connections are made.
As Laura was getting her fabrics cut, she was struck with a conversation by Hallamoda, another designer who shared her passion for luxurious, elevated design as he began the conversation complimenting her style. This serendipitous meeting led to a realization of having mutual connection Johnny Cohen, the owner of The Confessional Showroom in Manhattan and Miami, who happens to be planning an upcoming fashion show in Miami—Laura’s own base with Hallamoda featuring his designs. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, as Johnny’s show is set to debut during Art Basel, one of the most prestigious events in the art and fashion world.
Adding a layer of personal significance, Laura’s close friend, Francois, who owns Pamplemousse, a chic French restaurant in South Beach, has offered his venue as the location for the Art Basel show. The French ambiance of Pamplemousse aligns beautifully with Tethys’s high-end, Mediterranean-inspired brand identity, making it the ideal place to unveil her designs. It’s moments like these that demonstrate the beauty of creative connections and how, in the world of fashion, inspiration and opportunity are always intertwined.
As Laura prepares her collection, the fashion world is buzzing with anticipation. And, if you’re in Saint-Tropez, Mykonos, Dubai, or other elite locales, keep an eye out—Tethys pop-ups are expected to grace these glamorous spots soon, offering a taste of Laura’s exclusive, limited-edition pieces. Thanks to Mood Fabrics, Laura has taken a significant first step toward launching her brand, fueled by high-quality materials, invaluable connections, and the unwavering support of the fashion community. This is just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary journey for Tethys—a brand that is as timeless as the luxurious destinations that inspire it.
Check out Mood Fabric’s website for more information regarding hours of operation.
For more Lavish Places to go see and visit around the world, along with things to do, visit our website at https://www.lavishbylaulau.com
