Interview: April Cornell for Martha M

So what is it that makes these pieces so special, pieces that make you want to never take them off again once you finally slip them over your head? The secret is in the cloth. It's also in the mood of the pieces themselves. They combine the femininity of yesterday with the whisper of cotton and the rustle of flannel. Add to those the details, and you have a winner.

LoveToKnow spoke with April Cornell and Martha M for more details.

April Cornell’s Early Days and Inspiration

How did you get started with your line? How did you branch from there into lingerie (Martha M)? What was the inspiration for the expansion of your product?

The first nighty that I made was based on a vintage Victorian piece that I had seen on Canal Street in NYC. I loved the soft worn out cotton and the pleats and the eyelet lace. People told me for years that they lived in our nighties--wore them until they were in shreds--they particularly liked the soft cottons and the flowy femininity. When Martha inquired about licensing the nighties in the USA, I knew I had found somebody with the same appreciation and passion for the nighties as my customers have.

Where do you get your inspiration for each piece now?

I still travel the world from Paris to Montreal to small towns in Vermont, looking for Vintage inspiration. I have added matalasse for dressing gowns and charming Indian block prints for pajamas into the line. Cotton still remains the fabric of choice.

How would you describe the overall feel/vibe of your lingerie? Romantic? Vintage?

The collection definitely has deep roots in vintage details, with pleats, tucks and laces, crochets, and embroideries as key trims.

I think it is also feminine and womanly, romantic and sexy, in the softest of ways.

Martha M’s Lingerie History and Plans

How did you get started with your line?

I have been fortunate to be personally associated with April Cornell for about eight years as a sales representative. In 2007, I decided to focus specifically on April’s lingerie (I wear April Cornell nighties or pj’s every night!) and formed my own company, Martha M, based in Portland, Maine.

I always loved working with and selling April’s products because they have a way of making our customers feel so good. Women just seem to relate to the great fabrics, prints and fabulous details! I have independent sales representatives in Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago and Seattle selling April’s designs under the Martha M label to department stores and boutiques.

What are your future plans for the lingerie collection?

Martha M is continually working with April on new designs and prints to add variety to the line as well as continuing with the time honored favorites.

Finding April Cornell for Martha M

Where can women buy these pieces? Are they online only or can they be purchased in department stores, boutiques, etc.?

Martha M is in the process of developing a website that will make this beautiful nightwear available online as well as in retail stores across the country. In the meantime, just contact me (Martha McEvoy: 207-774-4512) and I will be happy to send you to a retailer! This Web site will also provide the names of retail shops nationwide that carry Martha M.

What Stands Out?

Tell me about the fabrics you use in your lingerie collection.

Martha M nightwear by April Cornell is made from the finest whisper soft cotton, enhanced with vintage embroidery, romantic styling, and delicate designs. Soft warm cotton flannels are included in the fall/winter designs and all of this wonderful nightwear softens with each washing.