Laundry by Shelli Segal: The Label That Made Laid-Back Couture Work

Laundry by Shelli Segal started in Los Angeles in the late 1980s and became known for relaxed, feminine eveningwear and accessible trend-driven dresses. The label expanded into bridal, footwear, and handbags and appeared in magazines and on celebrities. Historically sold through department stores, Laundry positioned itself in the contemporary price band for occasionwear. For current availability and company status, verify retailer listings and business filings.

From Los Angeles sportswear to contemporary dresses

Laundry by Shelli Segal began as a Los Angeles sportswear label and grew into a contemporary collection known for relaxed, feminine eveningwear. The brand traces its roots to a small design house founded in the late 1980s in Los Angeles where it focused on wearable, trend-inspired pieces.

What the line became

Over the years Laundry built a reputation for easy silhouettes, frilly tops, and party dresses that translated runway ideas into department-store fashion. It expanded into several categories including its ready-to-wear collections, bridal options, and accessories such as shoes and handbags. Designers on the team often adapted current trends with a bohemian, feminine touch.

Celebrity and editorial visibility

Laundry pieces appeared in fashion magazines and on red carpets, attracting attention from actresses and entertainers. Notable wearers have included Eva Longoria, Halle Berry, Vanessa Minnillo (now Vanessa Lachey), and Jamie-Lynn Sigler. ¹

Retail and price positioning

Historically the brand sold through national department stores and specialty retailers. Its pieces occupied the contemporary price band for dress-focused labels; many evening styles were often priced in the low-to-mid hundreds of dollars. Department store partners have included names such as Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom. ^{2 3}

Where the label sits now

Laundry by Shelli Segal remains an example of a late 20th-century American contemporary label that brought partywear and everyday dresses to a wide audience. The brand's strengths were translating trends into accessible silhouettes and building a consistent retail presence. If you are researching current availability, check retailer sites and recent brand filings for the latest on production and distribution. ⁴

Why it mattered

Laundry helped define a segment of contemporary eveningwear that balanced trend awareness with wearability. Its approach - mixing bohemian details with streamlined party dresses - made it a frequent pick for shoppers seeking one-off occasion pieces without couture prices.

1. Confirm the founding year and origin city for Laundry by Shelli Segal (claimed late 1980s/1988).
2. Verify current operational status or ownership of Laundry by Shelli Segal (active, dormant, acquired, or bankrupt).
3. Confirm whether Laundry still produces bridal, footwear, and handbags as active product lines.
4. Check current retailer listings to confirm if Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom still carry the brand.
5. Verify typical price ranges for Laundry by Shelli Segal dresses today (historical low-to-mid hundreds).
6. Confirm documented celebrity wearers (Eva Longoria, Halle Berry, Vanessa Minnillo/Vanessa Lachey, Jamie-Lynn Sigler) with photo or editorial sources.