Did you see our Interview with LA Weekly?!

With a career spanning premium loungewear and luxury accessories, Elisabeth Weinstock embodies a passion for design and community impact. Her latest venture, Andine, revives her early foray into fashion with a sophisticated twist on loungewear, blending Parisian-inspired elegance with a modern “sleep-to-street” aesthetic. Nestled on West Third Street in Los Angeles, Andine’s flagship location doubles as a creative hub, where customers experience the artistry and personal touch behind every piece.

In addition to her work with Andine, Weinstock dedicates herself to Only Miracles, a nonprofit she founded to support formerly incarcerated individuals and gang members in building purposeful lives. Through initiatives like weekly mentorship meetings and transitional programs, Weinstock channels her personal journey of recovery and resilience into creating meaningful connections and driving change.

In this interview, she shares the story behind Andine, the inspiration behind her flagship boutique, and her mission to create a lasting impact through Only Miracles.

Could you start by sharing the story behind Andine’s founding? 

Andine is a relaunch of the brand that I had many years ago, when I was in my early 20s. It was named Coton Blanc and it brought me great joy and success, but I was naive and after a few wrong turns, it fell apart. After designing clothing, I moved into interior design and home accessories for most of my life, yet the passion I have for designing women’s apparel has always yearned. Relaunching this brand during covid was my way of getting back my roots, my unfinished business that I always wanted to return to. The core of both iterations of the brands is the same – handmade in Los Angeles with Parisian inspired styles and details.

(Andine) 

What inspired you to open your flagship store in Los Angeles?

Our atelier on 3rd Street was actually the first home that was built on 3rd St. in West Hollywood, so I rebuilt it as a home to tell the story of Andine and show the world how she lives.  When you walk, you see an unmade bed and a fresh bouquet of roses, as if Andine just left but you are free to shop her closet. Since we are a true atelier, we are afforded the opportunity to interact with our customers and tailor items to their liking. Shopping at Andine is such a personal experience, we make you feel like you’re at your best friend’s house.

Andine has such a distinct, signature vibe—how would you describe the kind of person who truly connects with your designs?

Andine is every woman and has a beautiful story about her. I created a persona about Andine, who she is, what she eats, the languages she speaks, how she lives, etc. She is not a pajama brand, but a chic leisure brand. Each of our collections are very versatile and there is something for almost everyone. I like to think of it as a bit more sophisticated, with a European flare and effortless chic.  As all of our pieces are sold separately, mixing and matching fabrics and shapes are encouraged and really makes it fun.

(Andine)

With a focus on a “sleep-to-street” aesthetic, how do you balance luxurious quality with everyday wearability in your collections?

Quality is most essential.  If an item is not perfectly crafted, it is not going to leave our building.  You can make a beautiful design, but if it’s not produced correctly, it’s not Andine! We pay close attention to details, specifically when it comes to deciding on delicate lace trims, buttons and satin bows. Most of our pieces can be worn out, depending on what it is paired with.  All of our tops work great with a pair of jeans, not to mention that we see many of our customers walk into our store wearing just a chemise and sneakers.

Since your production is based in your flagship location, could you walk us through Andine’s design and manufacturing process? 

We have a team of artisans who cut the pieces in our cutting room and move right to the back to be crafted in our sowing room. I have cut thousands of pieces myself with an electric cutting machine. Believe it or not, with many layers of fabric piled on top of each other, it’s easy for me to cut hundreds of units in one day! I am always creating and designing new concepts, so collaboration is at the core of Andine. We all work together to craft the best quality garments for our clients.

(Andine)

In addition to Andine, you’re also dedicated to community work through your nonprofit, Only Miracles. What motivated you to start the organization?

I got sober from a major drug addiction when I was a teenager. Shortly after, I started volunteering at a youth center in South Central Los Angeles and worked closely with the active gang members that were employed at the center. Over 25 years later, I continue to show up each week offering guidance and support for gang members and those formerly and currently incarcerated. Through our initiatives at Only Miracles, we aim to create a ripple effect of hope and transformation.  We believe that as we broaden our community, and support is provided to those released from more and more prisons, we are creating safer communities nationwide.

What is the mission behind Only Miracles, and how has the organization made an impact on its members so far?

Our mission is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. At Only Miracles, we are committed to transforming lives by helping former gang members, individuals who were previously incarcerated or those who have lived a life of crime, transition into society and build purposeful, meaningful lives. We offer a safe place for those who believe that redemption is possible.

I currently facilitate weekly virtual OM meetings for The Francisco Homes, a group of men’s transitional homes. This fall, I started an in person OM program at a men’s maximum security prison. The meetings are a spin-off of the twelve-step program that dig deeper into the lives and stories of each person within each group, encouraging conversation as a form of pressure release, and emotional growth.  Additionally, we host events bringing our OM families together for a meal, a round circle meeting and human connection, which fosters a sense of belonging and encouragement.

What has been the most fulfilling part of your journey with Only Miracles?

Creating genuine human connections with each individual is powerful. Being able to walk onto that prison yard every week and hold OM groups for the men is so rewarding. Many of the men have been imprisoned for ten, twenty, and thirty plus years, some having life without parole, so to show up and support, offer solutions and hold space for them fills my soul. I have always believed that love heals all.

Looking ahead, are there any upcoming milestones or projects for Only Miracles that you’re excited about?

I wish for Only Miracles to continue helping as many people as we can to reintegrate into society, or prepare to go to board to possible release. I look forward to growing the OM community, opening transitional homes for the men and women coming home, and gaining more participants in our online meeting that we hold each week. Each meeting is meaningful, so I am eager to hear more stories and have more moments to cherish.

As both a business owner and a nonprofit founder, how do you balance these two passions?

Life is all about balance. It is my belief that we must leave this place a little better than the way we found it. Trust God, clean house, help others; I must have balance in my life every day, that means mind, body and spirit.

Andine is my great love, my creative playground, spending my days at our atelier, that is also my design space. It truly is a beautiful thing. If I did not devote my life to helping others, Andine could not work. They are my life’s balance.

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