Hot Flash: Local designer launches fashionably comfortable line

In August 2012, Courtney Adams began designing clothing that she wanted to wear: clothing that is effortless, glamorous and, most importantly, comfortable. After months of searching for the perfect fabric and creating the right look, Adams launched her debut collection in August. The brand, called Tocco Lusso, is her first fashion line.

Adams never believed she would be in the fashion industry, much less designing clothes.

“I can’t draw, I can’t sketch, but I wanted to create something and I had a vision of what that was,” says Adams.

Each piece is made by her first — she drapes, cuts, and sews and then those sample garments are broken down into patterns.

The concept for the line came while Adams was training for her first marathon. She would finish training at 8 a.m. and have to be at work at 9 a.m.

“If you tried to get me into jeans, I’d probably scream. If you tried to get me into a dress, I’d probably cry,” said Adams. “I needed something to get into that was comfortable enough to be in after a 14-mile run, but nice enough to wear to work.”

The clothing line is geared toward the “active woman.”

The fabric and the design of the pieces provide that perfect transition. When designing the collection, Adams’ intent was to create those “go-to” pieces in everyone’s closet — pieces that can be worn all the time, that look good and feel good while still looking fashionable.

“It’s super soft and with drape, which really accentuates curves,” says Adams of the line’s viscose fabric. All of the pieces in the line feature classic, neutral colors. “Those pieces that you don’t want to take off, those were my inspiration.”

The drape design also provides the option for the pieces to be buildable. By adding accessories, layering or putting on a pair of wedges, the outfit can be taken to a dressier level.

Pieces in the collection range from $40 to $200. It is available online at ToccoLusso.com or by scheduling a private showing.