In 1996, Jane Scott Hodges opened Leontine Linens after the frustrating realization that heirloom-quality linens were not readily available in New Orleans, a place steeped in culture and traditions. Today, the business thrives on Magazine Street, putting a particular emphasis on quality and individuality.
“We make every piece to order, which can be overwhelming,” Hodges says. “Our staff is trained to expertly walk each client through the options and designs that are best for their décor and lifestyle. We make all of our products to order from the best fabrics available.” n What’s the first thing you discuss with a client? Each client is different. Some start with a monogram style; others with a color palette. We build the ordering process around each client, just like we do the product.
What are some goals you have as a retailer? Our biggest hope is that our showroom is a respite from the typical retail experience. We want the client’s experience to be peaceful and undistracted. We’ve tried to create tools that allow us to come as close as possible to being in the client’s home when working on a custom order.
What are some trends that you’ve noticed? It seems that people are in nesting mode. People are investing in their homes, and they are entertaining from home more now than ever. Clients seem increasingly interested in properly outfitting their homes.
What are some things that people could find at your store that they may not be able to find anywhere else? The experience of creating a custom piece is unique in and of itself. It’s difficult to find a comparable product in the marketplace –– each piece is cut and sewn to order, and we are really there simply to facilitate the client’s vision.
