Designer Sigrid Olsen has a new gig—and a decidedly sunny outlook.

BY BRIGID SWEENEY

Photo by Jesse Burke.

When parent company Liz Claiborne shuttered Sigrid Olsen's clothing line last summer, abruptly halting her 25-year fashion career, plenty of female baby boomers shed a tear. Not Olsen; instead, the 56-year-old designer let out a sigh of relief. "Under Claiborne, there was so much focus on the finances," she says. "I didn't want those concerns to dictate my life anymore." Determined to devote more time to her painting and printmaking, the New England native stopped jetting to Europe and New York, and moved to live full time in the heart of Gloucester's picturesque Rocky Neck artist colony.

Olsen may no longer be the creative director of a $100 million business, but her definition of "relaxing" looks little like vacation. This summer she opened Isla Beach House, a shop bearing her trademark island-casual vibe and selling colorful knits and maxi dresses, statement necklaces made by her daughter, and woven nylon totes from Mexico, all priced under $200. Once it closes for the season in October, Olsen will lead "inspiration retreats" with her sister, a yoga teacher on Martha's Vineyard. And, when her noncompete clause with Claiborne expires next year, she just might launch a new clothing line, too. "I want to keep things simple and lighten the load," Olsen says. "But I'm also a compulsive creative." 

77 Rocky Neck Ave., Gloucester, 978-281-1766,isla-beachhouse.com.