BL.Tops' Rooftop Launch Celebration
Over the weekend on August 17, we hosted and invited content creators to celebrate the launch of New York-based BL.Tops, the innovative brand that created the world’s first 100% silk camisole top with built-in support! The event took place on the rooftop level of Hotel 50 Bowery at The Crown NYC and guests were welcomed with rosé and great food. Plus, everyone had the opportunity to make their own bouquets under the guidance of two talented florists, Olivia and Doris, from Branches in Bloom!
Although BL.Tops only officially launched about 2 months ago, the product actually took over 2 years to come to life. The founder, Kai Fei, visited countless manufacturers and spoke to many designers before he finally found a women-owned factory based in New Jersey that was able to create what is available on their website today. The concept may appear straightforward, but the actual technology of attaching a built-in bra to silk is in fact very challenging.
As a full-time lawyer, Kai’s wife struggled with finding the perfect bra to wear underneath her silk camisoles. We all know how annoying strapless bras can be sometimes! The first prototype was in fact hand-sewn by her using a sports bra; she simply didn’t want to sacrifice stylish choices for something that is purely functional. And that was how it all began!
The braless silk camisoles are designed for the busy modern-day women who simply wants stress-free and comfortable staple pieces for everyday wear, whether it is going to work, running errands or meeting friends for a coffee! Currently, there are 3 colors available to choose from.
Kai Fei and his wife, founders of BL.Tops. Photo by Wini Lao.
Upon receiving the top and trying it on for the first time, Leana Esch from The April Issue wrote to us:
“I just received the top and it’s absolutely PERFECT!! …. the blue is gorgeous and I love it so much! I’ve always been hesitant about camisole tops without a bra and this is the solution to everything. Love it!”
We were so happy to have Branches and Bloom’s team with us on the day of the event. As experts in the luxury event and wedding industry, the NYC-based florists thoughtfully created a “DIY bouquet formula” for our guests. They also prepared beautiful bags that made carrying the flowers easy — we thought that was so considerate!
The best part of the event, in our opinion, was seeing all of our guests showing up in their luxurious BL.Tops! It was so much fun seeing how everyone styled the same camisoles so differently — check out some of our favorites below:
We are so honored to have been given the opportunity to work with BL.Tops and to organize such a momentous event for them! Follow us on Instagram for other happenings in the #theonceupon family.
Xoxo,
The Once Upon Team
< Photography by Wini Lao >