LAUNE x In All My Glory
Meet Courtney Mertz Walker, founder and designer of the clothing and lifestyle brand In All My Glory. Pennsylvania raised but living in the New York City area for many years, Courtney founded In All My Glory in 2023 and launched its debut collection in January 2024 with the goal of creating an empowering fashion and lifestyle community that stands the test of time. The brand aims to create simple, classic, quality pieces that have their own energy while also cultivating an engaged community. In All My Glory is made in Portugal and designed by Courtney in her at-home studio. The brand’s pieces are timeless and great wardrobe staples, perfect for a number of occasions. Get to know Courtney and learn more about In All My Glory below!
1. Tell me about In All My Glory? How was it created?
I have always had a fearless sense of self and style from a young age. I love to create looks and inspire others to get out of their comfort zone with their wardrobe too. I am the friend/sister/daughter that when someone says “I could never wear that” I immediately style it on them and show them that YES, you can! I love making people, women in particular, feel confident. To me, style is not all about what you wear, but how you wear it. I would much rather live with style than in style. It was only a matter of time that I merged my passion for inspiring people to be their best selves and clothing to create a brand.
Living in all my glory has always been my motto, the foundation of who I am. I grew up playing 3 sports, went on to play lacrosse at Penn State University, quit my last year to leave Penn State to follow my love of acting, finished college online while I attended an acting conservatory, moved to New York City after booking the ABC network acting showcase, then just recently moved to a more rural area outside of NYC because I’m truly a country girl with a city heart. As you can see, I am complicated and have many different passions. I used to think being so invested in a lot of different interests was a character flaw, then I realized that it was just me, in all my glory. In All My Glory was created in hopes to give you, too, the confidence to celebrate and tap into all of you: interests, flaws and all- you in all your glory. My goal is to create a space that inspires you to stand a little taller, walk a little slower and feel a little more at home within yourself. A space that inspires you to be all of you. All the while building a capsule wardrobe that is quality, classic and effortless. Simple, flattering pieces that are have their own energy and thrive in self-confidence.
2. What is the LAUNE (mood) of In All My Glory?
I would say the mood of In All My Glory is authenticity and effortlessness. We are not formal or intricate. We encourage inner confidence first that is then accentuated by the soft, beautifully casual IAMG silhouettes. It’s all about being yourself, loving yourself, styling the pieces authentically to you, and being open to growing in confidence and style to become the most you.
3. What inspires you?
I find inspiration everywhere, particularly through people, stories, movies, different lifestyles, and nature. I get really inspired to create feelings through clothing. How I want the customer to feel wearing each style- that’s the part I love most.
4. What does the design process look like?
Since we only just launched in January, I’m sure the design process will change and grow throughout the years. But for now, it is quite simple. I find inspiration for what I want to create, make a tech pack, have design calls with my team in Portugal, and start the sampling process! I am quite the perfectionist so the sampling process can be long. But I always love when the first sample is perfect, that’s when I know it was meant to be!
5. What are three staple items that every closet should have?
This is definitely different for everyone! But for me it’s a go to simple black dress that can be dressed up or down, a pair of jeans that fit perfectly, and a classic cotton fitted white t-shirt.
6. Your clothing is ethically made in Portugal and you are committed to ethical and sustainable fashion. Tell me more about your ethos and mission.
I knew when I decided to start a clothing brand that I really wanted to feel good about who was making our clothes, where, and how. I am aware that the clothing brand market is very saturated right now, so creating in a way that felt good to me and that felt like I wasn’t fully contributing to a huge problem was important to me. I visit our factories in Portugal and have become close with the people behind our garments. Portugal is not only a stunning country, but the ethics, quality and craftsmanship are top-notch. We also produce in low quantities so there is less waste. We use primarily organic and eco-conscious materials. At the end of the day, we really care about the details behind our brand and do the best we can to be as ethical and eco-conscious as possible.
7. What’s next for In All My Glory?
Building the IAMG community is sooo important to me. So hopefully a pop up in the near future to meet our customers face to face. We are going to keep building your capsule wardrobe for years to come of course. But we are a lifestyle brand which means maybe some home… maybe some beauty…! I am obsessed with so many things so the possibilities are endless!
Rapid Fire:
1. Favorite brand?
I love to thrift so I am constantly wearing all different brands. But if I had to choose, I would say that I definitely tend to gravitate towards classic, timeless brands like Ralph Lauren.
2. If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?
I’m so boring but probably Ralph Lauren! I am all about the easy, simple, less is more vibe. You can get so many looks from just a few of their pieces. I’m a country girl with a city heart so brands that can work in each environment seamlessly are my favorite.
3. Favorite place in NYC?
I am a big West Village girl. I can walk around for hours!
4. Favorite drinks spot in NYC?
The Bowery Hotel for a drink with my husband is my fave
5. Describe your style in three words.
Timeless. Easy. Natural.
6. Favorite restaurant in NYC?
Caffe Reggio in West Village has my heart. There is so much history there and it is just the New York vibe I love so much. I used to go there after auditions and treat myself to a meal I most definitely could not afford at the time. It is the perfect place to laugh, cry, drink too much coffee, bring friends, have a solo date, meet other interesting people. Just love it!
7. Favorite style icon?
I love the 90’s-early 2000’s so much. I love Meg Ryan, Salma Hayak, Jennifer Anniston, Penelope Cruz, Victoria Beckham and Pamela Anderson all in their 90’s-early 2000’s glory.
8. Favorite movie?
I’m a Sweet Home Alabama girl through and through.
9. What are you loving right now?
I feel like I’ve always loved casual-chic. A great maxi skirt, a white tank, Old Navy flip flops, little bit of blush, natural hair, lip combo, I’m good to go.
