'Best Silk Blouse Ever' Exceeds Kickstarter Goal in 24 Hours
Designer says her fabric and model are cut above others,
— -- With everyone from Martha Stewart to Angelina Jolie wearing them, silk blouses are a wardrobe staple that many fashion labels have been selling in a variety of colors for years.
But one brand claims to have a lock on the "best" version available -- and now women from downtown San Francisco to Down Under are clamoring for it.
Bay Area-based clothier Popbasic's Kickstarter for "The Best Silk Blouse, Ever" raised more than 170% of its fundraising goal in just 24 hours of launching.
"Kickstarter allows us to gauge the true demand for this product," said designer and Popbasic co-founder Madeline Veenstra. "Reaching our goal in under five hours has proven that this is something people want."
A native of Australia who moved to the U.S. in 2012, Veenstra told ABC News that she has been researching the best silk blouse for the last year before launching the crowdfunding campaign.
"We were determined to find the best silk fabric possible, and find a manufacturer who could deliver on craftsmanship, which was very time consuming," she said, noting that Popbasic's pattern uses a 16mm fabric. "Often with a lighter silk blouse you have to wear a camisole underneath due to sheerness. With the 16mm fabric we've chosen, our customers won't have to worry about this issue."
Other aspects that Veenstra believes make her blouse superior are additional peaching to create "a super soft finish" and a concealed button to prevent gaping at the bust.
Popbasic also touts that its product is more affordable than others of similar quality.
"While other brands offer 16mm versions as well," said Veenstra. "Those blouses retail for hundreds of dollars."
Popbasic is selling its version at $75 per blouse on Kickstarter in two styles, cream colored or a strawberry print. Backers can vote for additional styles as the brand continues to reach its stretch goals. After that, Veenstra will be taking on a new challenge.
"Our community has suggested we create the perfect blazer and leather tote next," she said. I'd love to create a blazer that has the perfect fit."
