Couture linen designer Jane Scott Hodges founded Leontine Linens in 1996. This New Orleans-based leader in the home and luxury products industry has a loyal following and is known for tailoring high-quality linens to fit the lifestyle and aesthetic of each client.
Even though Jane Scott’s brand has a loyal following nationwide, she remains true to the Southern influence behind her company and an emphasis on enduring quality and customization. For an exquisite, two-dimensional tour of Leontine Linens, Jane Scott’s book, Linens, is a testimony to the beauty that can be achieved with linens. Meet the lady who is creating couture linens for today that will be heirlooms of tomorrow. Welcome, Jane Scott!
What Southern cities have you lived in, and how has your Southern upbringing inspired you as a designer and business person?
Lexington, Kentucky, and New Orleans, Louisiana.
Being a born-and-raised Southerner has a lot to do with my fascination and passion for all things old-fashioned and keeping them relevant in today’s world. My business is entirely based on creating heirloom-quality linens that can be used and loved every day. The underlying value of my business philosophy is that there is an art to living well. That, in my opinion, is a thoroughly Southern way of thinking!
Describe the first set of linens you designed.
The very first monogram I introduced is one that I named Etienne, and it was the very first design I had published in a national shelter magazine. That was over 15 years ago, and our collection has grown since then. But to this day, Etienne remains one of our most popular styles and is a signature look of the Leontine brand. It resonates with a lot of people! I love the way the letters elegantly tangle into a chinoiserie motif.
What collection from Leontine is on your bed?
My bed has as many ensembles as I do in my closet! Right now, I’m favoring a lavender set, featuring the Frances monogram and applique Driscoll border. My room really doesn’t have any lavender in it, but I find it creates a cool and refreshing retreat, especially on oppressively hot New Orleans summer nights. So many clients are obsessed with matching the décor of their room exactly, but I love the look of a bed that suits your mood! Like the fun scarf that adds style to a basic outfit, your weekly rotation of sheets should do the same.
What does a typical daily checklist look like in the professional life of Jane Scott Hodges?
The beauty of running a small business is that every day is different, and I never know what opportunity or challenge will unfold as I begin my day. So, the first thing I do when I get up is take a walk in beautiful Audubon Park without my cell phone. It’s the perfect way to ruminate on the day before and prepare for the day ahead, with no distractions or disruptions. An iced coffee from PJ’s Coffee Shop is paramount to the start of my work day. From there, nothing about what I do is typical. Every day holds something different, so I’ve learned not to be too obsessed with the idea of a schedule. It allows me to react positively to last-minute events and opportunities!
What is the best advice you have ever received? Do you have a favorite quote?
I’m not sure where this originated, but my personal mantra is, “You are the master of your fate.” I tell my daughter this all the time, and it is a tenet that I personally believe. Make decisions that you can be proud of, and all will come together in your life.
Do you have a favorite summer cocktail?
My dear Southern pal, author Julia Reed, introduced me to the Pimm’s Royale — I love this refreshing summer cocktail of Pimm’s, champagne, fresh mint and an orange slice. Cheers!
If someone is traveling to New Orleans, what are the top three restaurants you recommend?
1. La Petite Grocery — Chef Justin Devillier and his wife, Mia, are doing amazing things on an unsuspecting corner of uptown Magazine Street. You must try the blue crab beignets!
2. Clancy’s — It is a fantastic uptown New Orleans restaurant with a thoroughly local crowd and a menu that has stood the test of time for decades. My favorite indulgence is the fried oysters with brie and creamed spinach.
3. Coquette – A neat little restaurant in the hub of Magazine Street’s Garden District scene, Coquette has a very seasonal and local menu and is well known for their craft cocktails. The menu is different every time I go, which I love!
Is there a must-have seasonal fashion item in your closet?
Anything Dries Van Noten!
What three lighthearted things could you not live without?
I love a satin quilt, my Jody Candrian cuff and a crisp white shirt!
Any closing words for our readers?
Always entertain at home! Your friends and their children will cherish the memories of special times together.
Thank you, Jane Scott, for a glimpse inside Leontine Linens, as well as sage advice!
Leontine Linens are available through their flagship store on Magazine Street in New Orleans, and online at leontinelinens.com. Clients may also choose to collaborate with a local sales representative or interior designer in their respective cities to create an entirely unique design from Leontine Linens.
