About Us

Hello, I’m Claire.

Some of my happiest memories smell like warm cotton and fresh steam from an iron.

It Began at My Grandmother’s Side

My grandmother Barbara had the most beautiful eye for style. She never called herself a designer, but she could look at a piece of fabric and know exactly what it wanted to become.

As a little girl, I would sit next to her while she sewed on a loose button, mended a torn seam, or took in a hem until it fit just right. She’d smile and tell me, “Take your time. Good things deserve care.”

I didn’t know it then, but she was teaching me my first lessons in fashion.

Turning Love Into Learning

As I grew up, I couldn’t let go of those afternoons. I wanted to understand what she seemed to know by instinct: why one fabric drapes beautifully and another doesn’t, why some clothes last for years, and why the right fit can change how a woman feels.

So I studied fashion design and textiles at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, earning my Bachelor’s degree. I learned about fibers, weaves, finishes, and garment construction, and how the right fabric and fit work together. The more I learned, the more I saw Barbara in every detail.

A Dream With Her Name on It

When I was ready to open my own store, there was never any doubt about the name. Barbara & Claire New York was born from her taste, my training, and one shared belief: style should be personal and made to be loved for years.

22 Years in Fabrics and Fashion

I’ve spent 22 years living and breathing fabrics and fashion, and I’m still learning something new every season. That experience guides every piece we choose, from the feel of the fabric to the final stitch.

What You’ll Find Here

Clothes, shoes, and a small collection of jewelry for real women at every stage of life. That means everyday favorites, polished pieces for work, dresses for special moments, and comfortable shoes that keep up with your day.

Every piece is chosen with three questions in mind: