A Weekend with Courtney Portell Founder & Creative Director of MARTINE. G
No to style made from animals; yes to style with animals. Get to know the tender soul behind MARTINE. G.
The story of MARTINE. G. and founding creative director, Courtney Portell, begins with an innocent, deep love for animals. After eight years of a corporate career in fashion clashing with volunteer work at a cat rescue and adoption agency, Portell realized she could only commit to one path. Though kittens eventually won over her heart, her love of fashion has never withered.
During her two years providing clinical care to orphaned neonatal kittens at animal shelter nurseries, Portell noticed the mutual exclusivity between luxury and comfort as she struggled to find presentable clothing that she could wear all day. Like a true knight in shining armor, Portell’s husband triggered her eureka moment when he suggested that she make her own options if she couldn’t find them elsewhere.
With eight years of experience in marketing, public relations and social media management for some of the world’s top brands (as well as some of her personal favorites), Courtney found the confidence to finally merge her two loves of fashion and animals. MARTINE. G. proudly donates 10 percent of all sales to support Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and rescue efforts for community cats. For more information about TNR and how you can help, click here.
Weekend dinner plans?
I follow a plant-based and gluten-free diet, so I am always on the hunt for new restaurants. My husband and I enjoy abcV for a fun date-night, or our neighborhood spot, Cookshop.
Friday day-to-night look?
Most days I’m wearing MARTINE. G, so just a quick shoe change in the evening is all I need.
Saturday go-to accessories?
Sunglasses and my Cesta Collective basket bag.
Sunday run or relax?
Relax! I love sleeping in and spending a cozy day reading on the couch.
Favorite homemade meal?
Anything with lentils!
Your beauty routine?
For skincare, I love the products from Activist Skincare, especially the cleansing balm and signature serum.
When I’m working from home, I like to let my skin breathe and avoid makeup. If I have appointments or meetings, I use under-eye concealer, tinted moisturizer with sunscreen, a swipe of mascara and Olio E Osso balm.
In the evening, I love to take a relaxing bath with lavender epsom salt and several drops of Clary Collection Bath + Body oil.
Travel essentials for a weekend getaway?
MARTINE. G. Phyllis sweatshirt, Kindle, Clary Collection balm, and my funny-shaped face pillow. It’s supposed to help side and stomach sleepers minimize sleep wrinkles – I take it everywhere!
A cherished memory since founding MARTINE. G?
There are so many! But seeing the collection come to life at the photoshoot was an exceptionally memorable moment.
Your favorite piece from MARTINE. G’s spring collection?
It changes often, but lately I have been wearing the reverse Breton stripe Angie bralette over a fitted tee on repeat.
Originally from Los Angeles, Alicia lived in Shanghai for 11 years before moving back to the states to attend the University of Miami, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and minors in art and philosophy. Currently residing in New York City, Alicia applies her knowledge of strategic communication and design in her career. She enjoys painting, rugby, exploring, and more often than not, you’ll find her petting someone’s dog.
