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Cleo Wade has always understood the power of words—how they can heal, uplift, and inspire us. As a poet and New York Times bestselling author, her work explores themes of love, resilience, and hope, guiding readers toward a deeper sense of self-compassion and connection.

But with her latest collaboration, Easeful Essentials, Wade turns her attention to a different kind of storytelling: one woven through fabric, fit, and the feeling of comfort in one's own skin.

A longtime admirer of Velvet, Wade’s connection to the brand began serendipitously in her teenage years while working part-time at a boutique in Louisiana. “I remember when they started carrying Velvet,” she recalls. “I had a friend who had a navy blue Velvet shirt that I borrowed—probably never gave it back. That piece was in my life for over a decade.” Now living in California, Wade finds that Velvet’s signature blend of ease and refinement aligns even more so with her lifestyle. “In New York, clothing is like armor,” she says. “You’re dressing to protect yourself from the weather, to express yourself in this gritty environment of individuality. But in California, I realized I could lean into simple, comfortable pieces that still made me feel put-together.”

Cleo Wade has always understood the power of words—how they can heal, uplift, and inspire us. As a poet and New York Times bestselling author, her work explores themes of love, resilience, and hope, guiding readers toward a deeper sense of self-compassion and connection.-Desktop Cleo Wade has always understood the power of words—how they can heal, uplift, and inspire us. As a poet and New York Times bestselling author, her work explores themes of love, resilience, and hope, guiding readers toward a deeper sense of self-compassion and connection.-Mobile
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Art of Dressing with Intention 

Easeful Essentials isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about curating a wardrobe that fits effortlessly into a full, dynamic life. Wade herself gravitates toward uniform dressing—white tees, linen pants in rotation, cozy oversized sweaters. “I wear the same things over and over,” she admits. “I buy four of the same T-shirt. I don’t care if I’m wearing the same outfit every day. It actually makes my life easier.” 

But make no mistake—this approach isn’t about indifference. It’s about intention. “There’s a difference between ‘I don’t care what I look like’ and ‘I’ve structured my life to not overthink what I look like.’” Wade designed this collection with that ethos in mind. “Every piece had to be something I could wear at home with my kids, to a meeting, or to dinner with my girlfriends—without having to change.” 

While the collection champions ease, it also reflects the thoughtfulness that defines Wade’s work. “When I write, I start with how I want my reader to feel,” she explains. “With this collection, it was the same. I thought about my friends—the ones who work in politics and don’t want to stress about getting dressed, the artists who want to feel comfortable but beautiful, my mom, my mom’s friends. I wanted every woman to feel at home in these clothes, wherever they are in life.” 

Rituals of Adornment 

Wade is no stranger to the transformative nature of clothing. “Being a Black woman from New Orleans, adornment is deeply cultural. Feathers, beads, Mardi Gras celebrations—what we wear is part of our joy.” While her daily dressing is rooted in practicality, she still honors the moments that call for that special something. “There’s no in-between for me—I’m either at zero or 100,” she laughs. “If I’m going to a premiere, I’ll put on a tuxedo and go full out. Dressing up can be a way to rise to an occasion, to bring a certain energy into the moment.” 

But for the days spent writing, mothering, and creating, Wade returns to the beauty of simplicity. “This collection is really about life that day,” she says. “Everything pairs together, works with denim, fits in a carry-on. I asked myself, ‘Could I pack only this collection if I was traveling somewhere 78 degrees?’ That’s the energy behind the collection.” 

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Cultivating Compassion For Yourself 

With Easeful Essentials launching during a time of devastation in California, Wade knew the collection needed to do more than just exist—it needed to give back. A portion of the first day’s sales will support the Altadena Girls Wildfire Relief Fund, helping those affected by recent wildfires rebuild their lives. “So many people lost everything—including their clothes,” Wade says. “I couldn’t in good conscience focus on launching a clothing line without also acknowledging the real loss happening around us.” 

Beyond this initiative, Wade believes in small, daily acts of love. “Compassion starts with how we treat ourselves,” she reflects. “It’s hard to give to others what you don’t give yourself. If you struggle with self-judgment, you might think you’re being empathetic, but it could actually be sympathy. Real compassion flows freely when we learn to extend it inward first.” 

Sounds of Simplicity, and Red Everywhere 

If Easeful Essentials had a sound, Wade imagines it filled with the voices of timeless storytellers. “Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Bonnie Raitt—that kind of energy,” she muses. “That’s what I was drawn to when I first moved to LA, and it still resonates.” And if she were to design another collection inspired by one of her books? “Something red,” she says without hesitation. “I never realized how much I’m drawn to red until I looked at my books—there’s red everywhere.” 

In many ways, Easeful Essentials is a love letter to that idea: finding beauty in what is simple, making space for ease, and dressing in a way that allows life—not the outfit—to take center stage. “The gift of this collection,” Wade says, “is that you don’t have to think about yourself too much. It’s already taken care of.” 

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