Somehow, our prayers have been answered: Sanctuary Clothing has not only perfected easy, carefree staple pieces, but the brand has also just debuted its denim line.
Coincidence? We think not. It’s clear that Sanctuary is constantly at the forefront of everyday, ready-to-wear fashions, and thankfully The Knockturnal was lucky enough to sit down with Creative Director Debra Polanco to get the exclusive scoop.
The Knockturnal: We are huge fans of Sanctuary! What led you to found the brand, and can you speak about your personal journey in the fashion industry as a whole?
Debra Polanco: Fashion has always been my passion. I started sewing at the age of seven. Having worked for several brands before starting our own company, we started off with five great bottoms. One of which was an army style pant, as I set out to recreate a pant with an ode to my fave vintage styles. It was also hard to find great fitting pants, so I worked really hard on perfecting our signature fit.
The Knockturnal: And those army cargo pants are a still a Sanctuary sample! What are some of your “bread and butter” signature Sanctuary pieces, either bestsellers with customers or personal favorites?
Debra Polanco: We have a long history with camo and will always be close to my heart, our signature surplus rebel pant is a staple in army green and camo. As well as our runway legging , it’s such a great fit and the fabric really performs. This can be worn dressy or casual.
The Knockturnal: Sanctuary is famous for being the perfect price point, and modern twists on classic pieces. What are the inspirations behind each collection, especially the upcoming spring one?
Debra Polanco: Each season we dive into culture research and really try to base it on what we think she will want. We believe loud colors and bright prints are our future, with a resurgence in optimism and positivity these new fun colors and prints will inspire everyone’s purchases.
The Knockturnal: Who is the Sanctuary customer, when designing?
Debra Polanco: Our target woman is 25 to 45 although it expands beyond. She really is today’s woman, We like to be on trend, but not trendy. Anyone with a fashion modern attitude, will see our relevance, and you cannot beat our quality for the price.
The Knockturnal: The brand expanded into curvy sizes a few years ago. What led to that decision?
Debra Polanco: We really saw a void, and it was strange how everyone would design a separate older product design for curve. We wanted to give the woman in the curve fit the same product for the same price. It’s all one style and attitude. Inclusivity is part of our brand DNA, we wanted all women wearing Sanctuary to feel relevant and beautiful.
The Knockturnal: Tell us about the denim launch! How did that come to be?
Debra Polanco: We love denim , and as master pant makers, it was a natural for us to offer our great fit and styling at our affordable price point. The ’90s straight leg is my fave, it comes in curve too.
The Knockturnal: What can we expect for spring?
Debra Polanco: More dresses in knit and woven, and LOTS of adorable little patio dressing sets, so fun ! we are dubbing it the “Peacock” year! Everyone wants to be out and dressed fun and loud doing it .
The Knockturnal: Where do you hope to see the brand in five years?
Debra Polanco: Stay tuned, we are launching more categories this year! It is a very exciting time for the brand. The team is having so much fun!
