Haley Tucker, an assistant, and two seamstresses use sustainable fabrics for wardrobe workhorses with distinct possibilities.

The clean lines of minimalist Sol LeWitt, a hint of cheekiness of conceptualist Sophie Calle, the whimsical nature of surrealist Joan Miro — these are some of the fine art influences in Only Child’s line of wardrobe basics with a little edge. Self-taught designer (and only child) Haley Tucker is a former gallery assistant with a photography MFA who believes that all of the arts are connected.

Tucker began Only Child in 2015 as a one-person operation from her studio apartment in Oakland. Inspired to create things she wanted to see in her own closet, she has expanded her operation to a larger space in Jack London Square and employs an assistant and two seamstresses. Hers is primarily an online business.

Sustainability is a big part of Only Child’s ethos. All pieces are made from machine-washable natural fibers (cotton, raw silk, wool, linen), which have been chosen for their lower impact on the environment. Tucker also punctuates each season’s collection with limited-edition pieces, which she fashions from surplus deadbolt fabrics.

Unexpected details are hallmarks of Only Child’s closet staples: a well-placed diamond shape at the shoulder of the Arden top, diagonal lines hinting at an hourglass shape in the LeWitt skirt, or rectangular cutouts at the sides of the classic, sleeveless Column dress.

Only Child’s 2018 spring/summer line debuts this month. Look for the Cardiff work jacket in cotton twill earth tones of rust and ochre. Every detail has been carefully considered: Large pockets hold all the things you need for your day, wide kimono-style sleeves easily fit a layer underneath, and a shawl collar can be folded over or flipped up.

 

Find Only Child at OnlyChildClothing.com or at Dandelion Post in Temescal.