“At Lingua Franca, the concept of ‘a common language’ extends beyond mere words. It’s about evoking emotions, forging connections, and expressing narratives that transcend the literal. It’s about creating a sense of connection with others through fashion that goes beyond the surface level,” says Rachelle Hruska, founder of the sassy brand that embodies the essence of slow fashion with made-to-order hand-embroidered sweaters and more.
In 2016, after nearly a decade at the helm of digital media company Guest of a Guest, Hruska started hand-stitching vintage sweaters in response to a severe bout of postpartum depression. Soon after posting a sweater to Instagram emblazoned with the word booyah, friends, family, and followers alike, tickled by the cheeky exclamation, wanted sweaters adorned with references of their own, and proverbially, the rest was history.
Now in her 12th season with offerings beyond sweaters (like wallpaper and jewelry), sold in over 150 stores, Hruska has fully realized the power of language. In an endeavor she calls “kismet, imbued with purpose,” she made the decision to raise money for the American Civil Liberties Union after a sweater reading “i miss barack” struck gold. From there, “Lingua Franca emerged as an ideal platform to engage a broad audience passionate about wearing their convictions and contributing to causes close to their hearts,” she says. This move catalyzed a journey of philanthropy “affirming the significance of using our platform not only to express individual passions but also to effect tangible, meaningful change in the world.”
Hruska’s fascination with the capacity of language continues to push the brand forward. For her spring 2024 collection, she found inspiration in the rich past life of the West Village, where she lives with her husband, hotelier Sean MacPherson, and their two sons. “It pays homage to the artists, dreamers, lovers, and residents, past and present, of Jane Street and its surrounding blocks,” she says of the collection that includes pieces like a cotton silk sweater boasting a hand-embroidered map of the street underlined with the phrase “You Can Go Your Own Way,” a sheer “Cheever” skirt decorated with prose from the writer delicately embroidered on tulle, and a top named Lucinda after a character in Cheever’s short story “The Swimmer”.
“We are only as compelling as the stories we help tell,” says Hruska. Here, Hruska’s favorite things tell the story of her life, from enchanted Cartier charms to finding comfort in the Montauk cliffs.
Style File
DAILY UNIFORM: Besides loving cashmere, you would be shocked at how many pairs of jeans I own.
FOR WALKING: Birkenstock classic sandals.
WRIST CANDY: My vintage Cartier charm bracelet that my husband, Sean MacPherson, adds charms to for special occasions. It is building the story of our lives together.
DATE NIGHT: I like to mix something fun over something proper. I absolutely hate wearing stilettos—the pain is a distraction to my evening. I prefer comfortable boots. I have three pairs from Reike Nen.
OUTERWEAR: Marfa Stance.
Self-care
CURRENT OBSESSION: BeautyBio GloPro.
HOLY GRAIL: Goop’s Himalayan salt scalp scrub shampoo is one of the most luxurious things you can do for yourself that takes less than a minute. I have been using it for years. It makes me so happy.
PERFUME: I love mixing Aerin Rose de Grasse on top of an oil.
BODY CARE: Tata Harper body oil.
WORKOUT: Tracy Anderson.
At Home
SOMETHING SENTIMENTAL: When I was a young mother navigating postpartum depression, I was kidnapped by friends (not literally!) to make artwork in the Montauk cliffs where we got married. The photographs with our painting over them from that time can be found throughout my house and are so special to me.
AROMA: Pure chaos bottled from the MacPherson family.
ON THE WALLS: In our boys’ room, we’ve used Andrew Martin’s Mythical Land prints.
IN THE KITCHEN: I’m not much of a chef, but our Japanese knife set and Alice Waters hand-forged egg spoon stand out to me.
For Pleasure
READING: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver.
LISTENING TO: Taylor Swift, who isn’t?
STAYCATION: The Hotel Chelsea.
WEEKEND GETAWAY: Windham ski. My favorite skiwear is Perfect Moment.