Jason Wu

Like our other featured designer Chris Benz, Jason Wu is a twenty-something graduate of Parsons who has made an impressive and lasting impression on the fashion world in a very short amount of time.

Wu launched his first collection in 2006 after graduation and quickly became a favorite of various celebrities and public figures. Based out of New York, his focus started and has remained on dressing his clients from head to toe. The designer says that he seeks to go “back to the days when women were always polished and styled to perfection… [he] aims to revitalize the art and perfection of dressing with a relaxed and youthful attitude.” Simply, Jason Wu clothing is often meticulous in its detail and uber-feminine.

For the fall we chose a great mix from the young designer’s collection. Living up to his philosophy of “perfection” dressing, all of the pieces we chose are for women who like to dress timelessly, but with a hint of playfulness. This can be seen in the stovepipe tuxedo pant, which will be available in black; as well as the retro inspired “sculpted dress,” which has a three quarter length sleeve and full skirt (also available in black). Wu upped the ante this season by also personally designing and fabricating his own lace. Intricately detailed and used mostly in black, we chose a great silk t-shirt available in charcoal, a blouse in sheer nude with the lace delicately placed over the shoulders, and of course beautifully fitted cocktail dresses with the cut lace added for drama.



Napoli circa 1956

Who am I?

Think of Jude Law in The Talented Mr. Ripley. Great movie, great clothing. A 1950s inspired cat. The jacket is from Lawrence Covell. Cotton brown and off white check. Unlined, patch pockets, side vents. Made in Italy. $595. Looks great with a lighter grey wool pant and white shirt. Also notice the pochette from Simonnot-Godard. With this outfit, imagine yourself in Naples, Italy – at the Hotel Grand Excelsior on the balcony overlooking the Bay of Naples sipping a “campari con ghiaccio” (campari on the rocks) with a slice of orange.  

Buonissimo!



New For Fall 2011: Chris Benz!

Given nicknames like “Prince of Prep,” and “Prince of Color,” Seattle born Chris Benz has quickly established an undeniable aesthetic. After graduating from Parsons in 2004, the 28-year-old designer has actively been working in the fashion industry for over five years. Building his experience by interning at Marc Jacobs and later designing formal wear at J.Crew, in 2007 he launched his namesake line. Ever since, Chris Benz has steadily become the face of the new school of American Sportswear.

On his website, Benz uses the idea of an “elegant tomboy” as a point of reference.  His evening wear is just as easily put together as your favorite t-shirt and jeans. Chris Benz truly encompasses the notion that style should be effortless, but timelessly chic. Like his nickname implies, he also focuses on color and comfort. Chris Benz clothing is not afraid of using unexpected combinations of bright hues and neutrals, just as his cuts have a distinct vintage appeal.

 

Chris Benz, Fall 2011

For the fall we chose a little bit of everything. Look forward to seeing some great separates-ranging from jackets to cocktail dresses that will be a wonderful choice for any of your holiday parties.

L'Wren Scott Coming Soon for Fall 2011!

"She loves a woman's figure...I would wear any L'Wren Scott dress, anywhere, any time." 

Sarah Jessica Parker

Having worked in almost every facet of the fashion industry (including model, stylist and now designer), L’Wren Scott has a distinct idea of how she likes to dress women. What began in 2006 with a single collection called “Little Black Dress” (various staple items, all in black) has now evolved into her eponymous label. In her own words, as described on her website, L’Wren Scott clothing is “a tightly edited expression of her taste for fiercely feminine, exceptionally made clothes.” Body conscious, but not limiting, her designs accentuate a women’s figure with an old Hollywood type glamour appeal. Never too revealing or obvious, her customer is someone, “…who appreciates real luxury, beautiful fabrics and the perfect detail.”



L'Wren Scott, Fall 2011

For the fall we decided to indulge in “A Tropical Conversation.” Inspired by the often mysterious but visually rich and colorful paintings of French Post-Impressionist, Paul Gauguin-L’Wren Scott’s fall 2011 collection highlights a feminine silhouette that can take you from the office to cocktails. We will be receiving sweaters with intricate sequin embroidery details that can be worn with your favorite jeans or paired with one of the collections pencil skirts (available in a stretch suede or wool); as well as some gorgeously cut dresses in wool, velvet and lace. The color palette involves saturated blue, red, and aubergine-and of course, classic black. We are only one of very few retailers who have the opportunity to provide this exclusive label to our customers, so please stop in to share our excitement for the fall of 2011!