Women's Wear

April 05, 2008



FIFTH AVENUE SHOE REPAIR FALL 08

Swedish label Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair finds inspiration in conserving tradition as well as breaking those same norms. The label is inspired by an old shoemakers shop in London that has gone from generation to generation passing on knowledge in craftsmanship and traditions of this old profession. Since classic tailoring, pattern making and authentic knowledge always stays a priority and a necessity in the collections the label was named Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair in 2004. The designers, Astrid Olsson and Lee Cotter focus on a creative draping technique where the silhouette progresses through sculpting. In contrast, advanced shapes are combined with classic wear such as the old man’s chino or the classic white shirt. Attention to detail and love of fabrics is something they work hard to achieve. We’ve got some pics of fall 2008 after the jump.

 

 

 

 

 


"FIFTH AVENUE SHOE REPAIR FALL 08" »


February 16, 2008



RUNWAY: HOUSE OF HOLLAND IN LONDON

Henry Holland is London's buzziest designers. His neon slogan tees that riff on the names of his designer and model friends have helped him establish himself on London's fashion scene, and his BFF relationship with top model Agyness Deyn is well documented in tabloids and major fashion magazines. This season Holland took his collection to the next level, working with a team to create a full sportswear collection for men and women. The result was reminiscent of vintage Westwood, but Holland made the look his own, by designing his own coat of arms featuring the image of Deyn, and designing his own tartan designed for him excluisvely in Scotland. Aggy's eye infection didnt stop her from walking the runways. Holland designed an eyepatch in tartan that looked just swell.

Pics after the jump.

 

 

 

 (pics: NyMag)

 


"RUNWAY: HOUSE OF HOLLAND IN LONDON" »


February 09, 2008



CALVIN KLEIN TO BEGIN E-COMMERCE IN JULY 2008

Yesterday, I was tipped off by two very reliable sources at Calvin Klein that they are to jump on the eCommerce bandwagon this Summer. The company has recently opened five US retail locations for their White Label, and the website will stock items from the store, and possibly exclusives as well. While their underwear line already has its own site, I have to admit I am far more interested in what they make to go on top, than underneath. Although perspicacious labels like YSL already offer online shopping, its still nice to see that they're getting in on the action!-(VJ-R)



February 01, 2008



TARA SUBKOFF FOR BEBE

This time of year, most of us are pretty much broke; between the wads of cash that we so generously spent on people we really couldn't afford to, and the amazing "deals" on fabulous items we couldn't even dream about buying before the season was over (not that they aren't probably still overpriced) there's hardly anything left for... Valentine's Day!

So it warms my heart (or maybe that's just the extra insulation from the dough lining my pockets,) to know that Tara Subkoff is doing a line for Bebe! I mean sure, she leant her name to Easy Spirit before, but those shoes were way too editorial, and nowhere near reasonably priced. This time around, however, the prices range from $59-$189. The feel is very '40s, with a hint of pinup. I can't wait to add the Ruffled Wrap Dress to my collection of "fabulous and (subsquently) memorable items" that I can, for that reason, only wear a handful of times. But its the "nature of the beast," I suppose. Besides, a portion of the proceeds goes to charity. See, we all win!

-Virginia Jackson-Reed

 

(More pictures after the jump!)

"TARA SUBKOFF FOR BEBE" »


January 31, 2008



BRANDS WE LOVE: SOPHOMORE NYC

Sometimes, I need a break from the avant-garde. I mean, while I am an advocate for looking stylish at all times, I don't think that you need to be a fashion victim to do so. Because let's face it, we all have those days when we just want to throw on a pair of skinnies and a tee, but should we have to look terrible because its an "off day"? I think not.



"BRANDS WE LOVE: SOPHOMORE NYC" »


January 15, 2008



COUNTDOWN TO CAPSULE: PA:NUU

If there's one thing that usually renders me particularly vexed, its pretentious fashion. Fashion should be fun, because at the end of the day, what's in this week, will be out the next. Ah fashion, a fickle friend indeed. Besides, when you're young (as am I), you might as well enjoy your neon, and lamé while you can still pull it off. And if there's one label that knows how to have a good time, that label would certainly be Pa:nuu.

The Danish label, brainchild of Catharine Nielsen and Jacob Hoilund, doesn't use "analysis, market research, color scales, trend boards, or the likes thereof." Where they do pull from however are the 80s, acid-pop, and bold prints that would give Jem a run for her money.



"COUNTDOWN TO CAPSULE: PA:NUU" »


December 18, 2007



RETAIL: CARROTS, SAN FRANCISCO

In one of the oldest commercial neighborhoods in San Francisco, a thoroughly modern, high-end boutique has opened its doors. In November, Carrots officially took over the Jackson Square real estate that once belonged to the restaurant famous for its scene in Alfred Hitchcock's classic 1958 film, "Vertigo." Now, the 4,000 square foot locale carries 50 ready-to-wear lines for men and women, along with tons of designer denim and sprinklings of accessories, housewares, and skincare.

 Posted by Laura Kenkel

 

photo from apparelnews.net


"RETAIL: CARROTS, SAN FRANCISCO" »


December 06, 2007



BERNHARD WILLHELM S/S 2008

I simply adore European fashion! And when I say "European fashion," I assure you that I don't mean Chanel or Cavalli. I mean the wild, hipster brands that boutiques like (my fave) Seven on Mercer carry. One of those labels is Bernhard Willhelm; their crazy colors and wild silhouettes are always well executed and never blasé or cliché. But their Spring/ Summer 2008 collections for both men and women, straddle the line between crimes against fashion and crimes against humanity! Frankly, no man or woman should be given license to leave their home dressed like this, and we all know that some fashion lemming who "wants to be a non-conformist just like everybody else" is bound to do so. 

(Posted by Virginia Jackson-Reed)



"BERNHARD WILLHELM S/S 2008" »


December 03, 2007



BRANDS WE LOVE: DAVID DAVID

I often find that some of the greatest things in life we happen upon mistakenly; Penicilin was discovered from everday bread mold, and fashionistas often gush over treasures they've found in quaint little shops on trips to Europe. This is a bit like the way I discovered Brit label David David (well, a bit less campy of a tale). I was flipping through the current issue of Missbehave sometime in late September or early October. I had purchased it not only because M.I.A. was the cover girl, but also because Missbehave is just a great mag! Well, to make a long story short, she had on a pair of David David leggings, and I've been in love ever since.

(Posted by Virginia Jackson-Reed)

 


"BRANDS WE LOVE: DAVID DAVID" »


December 02, 2007



DESIGNER TO WATCH: P O U R

Lately, Swedish designers have been taking the fashion world by storm and POUR is no exception. The line, created in 2001 by designer Robert Berggren, is inspired by icons of the Beatnik Generation like Jack Kerouac and Patti Smith. With edgy remakes of classic pieces like thick knits and toggle coats, the line continuously showcases effortlessly cool pieces that unrestricted by fleeting trends. The Winter 07 line for women features oversized sweaters and relaxed fit bottoms for a bohemian feel, while the men's line is composed of shockingly dark separates with luxurious mixing of texture and fabric. Since becoming recognized as a high quality mainstream label in Europe, POUR has reached out to other parts of the world such as Australia and Tokyo. Until they make it over to the States, find select pieces at trendy online boutiques like 111Vox.

 Posted by Laura Kenkel

photos from pour.se


"DESIGNER TO WATCH: P O U R" »


November 16, 2007



NEWS: RACHEL ROY GETS A CASH INFUSION

Designer Rachel Roy has got some new backers, reports Vogue.com. TSM Capital, which also owns a 22% or Matthew Williamson’s company recently acquired a minority stake in Roy’s business.  The CFDA-level designer – who is married to hip-hop mogul Damon Dash and is expecting the couple's second child early next year - told WWD that she hopes a cash injection will enable her to grow her brand through global wholesale, new lines and the launch of freestanding stores in the US. "It's expanding the brand and building it into something I wouldn't be able to do on my own because funds wouldn't have come as quickly," she says of the partnership.


November 15, 2007



BRAND NEWS: MEMBERS ONLY BACK AGAIN?

Ummm, We can't decide if this is funny or not , but we feel the need to pass along this info. WWD reports that Members Only is once again being resurrected. The brand has had more comebacks than Luke & Laura and we're not sure why no one has been able to make it stick. By now, we feel the time has passed for MO, and maybe the brand should be shelved for another 12 years until the next generation can "discover" it for themselves. The Members Only Licensing Group,including Seventh Avenue veteran Arnold Simon, and former celebrity tabloid editor Kelli Delaney are working to revive the brand for spring. "We are resurrecting one of the most famous brands in the world, because great brands never fade," Simon said to WWD. We say, let it fade Arnie!

 

 

 

 

photo: WWD