Coutorture

Five Questions For Catherine Holstein

coutorture — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:52:25 -0700

We've been smitten with Catherine Holstein since she first landed on the Fashion Week circuit three seasons ago. Her easy, sophisticated clothing has made her one to watch and her shows--packed with editors, models and industry folk--are a sure testament to that fact. This week, we caught up with Holstein for quick interview...

What was the inspiration behind the Fall 2009 collection? The inspiration behind the fall collection was "vagabond, creature of the night." The idea of just passing through town to town with no home or destination, just a suitcase. I suppose I'm kind of a loner so it felt natural.

This Fall you lowered your price point slightly. Can you tell us what led you to make that decision and whether your line will stay within that range? I offered some items for a lower price than last season such as t-shirts and flannels. We wanted to branch out to a larger demographic. We will continue to offer these pieces (and hopefully more!) every season. Our main goal is to price 90% of the collection under $1000 retail, which is proving to be hard for a small designer, but we are finding ways.

What is a typical work day like for you? A typical work day consists of waking up at 8 o'clock, in the office by 9:30. Once I am in the office its usually answering emails and phone calls, resolving with some sort of crisis (I have gotten really used to that!), working on my boards, and dealing with a severe amount of anxiety. I usually leave around 6:30 on a slow day in the middle of the season. Around show time, it can go all night.

Any clues on what we can expect to see this Spring 2010? Easy, breezy everyday wear for women. Clean, yet eclectic. Lots of neutrals with hints of color. I love spring, it's my favorite for design. I wear spring pieces all year round. A pair of black tights and some cashmere can make anything go into winter, so I'm more in touch with that season. Fall can be a bit confusing for me.

Where do you see your brand going in the next few years? I would really like to evolve into a brand that offers an array of classic tailored and drapy pieces for women. I guess what I mean is I would like to be the go-to designer for sophisticated, yet playful garments that can be implemented into anyone's wardrobe. My overall goal is for my collection to be inviting. So we shall certainly see what happens...(it's been a pretty crazy ride so far!)

In The Showroom: Catherine Holstein Fall 2009

coutorture — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:04:04 -0700

Last week, we checked out New York designer Catherine Holstein's Fall 2009 collection in the showroom. Holstein lowered her price point this season meaning that there were less ornate details and more bang-for-buck pieces. Most exciting to us was an oversized boyfriend jacket which will retail for around $300. Only time will tell if Holstein will stick with this plan, her Spring 09 offering was one of our favorites from the season but perhaps it makes more sense to sell at that heavenly Topshop price point. Check out our snapshots from the showroom and her Fashion Week presentation in the gallery below.

Low-Fi Offerings From New York Fashion Week

coutorture — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:41:20 -0800

Left, Catherine Holstein, Right, Abaete

No, we're not talking about our grainy photos, we're talking about instances of real-life affordability on the catwalks. Last night, at Catherine Holstein's presentation, we were told that the designer's price point has lowered this season. While there were some murmurs of criticism, most of the young gals were talking hurriedly about which pieces they would buy. As for other examples, we saw Abaete's Payless range on the catwalk just a few hours ago. To us, the chain-wrapped ankle boots and platforms looked just as chic and, at times, difficult to walk in, as anything.

New York Fashion Week: Catherine Holstein Fall 2009

coutorture — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:14:22 -0800

02/12/09 New York. Photos by Coutorture.com.

Spring 2009: Nude Makes A New York Comeback

coutorture — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 06:00:00 -0800

For Spring 2009 head to toe nude looks are back and better than ever. Ralph Rucci, Carmen Marc Valvo, Tommy Hilfiger, Aurelio Costarella, Chris Han, Anna Sui, Milly by Michelle Smith, Doo Ri, Catherine Holstein, Calvin Klein, Proenza Schouler, Thakoon, Chris Benz all went for trend.

Sample Sales On The Rise This Season

coutorture — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:01:39 -0800

We all knew this was coming and now it's time to open up about it--this season's sample sales are going to be, to put it mildly, a vortex of indulgence. Hurt by consumer's lack of spending this season, retailers will be pulling out all the stops in order to move merchandise. Many designers who don't typically partake in such spectacles are being forced to corral the masses and mark their Fall 08 goods down significantly. You could say that the inauguration of these events will take place this weekend, with Lucky Magazine's 5th annual Lucky Shops event at the Metropolitan Pavilion. Brands like Eskell (whom we love), Vena Cava, Geren Ford, and See By Chloe are participating with markdowns up to 70 percent. Tomorrow also marks New York darling, Catherine Holstein's first ever sample sale, which will run through the weekend. Our suggestion? Set aside a fixed amount of money and shop wisely. If you're not in New York, never fear...there's always e-commerce.

Catherine Holstein Spring 2009 Runway

coutorture — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 06:48:36 -0800

Catherine Holstein Spring 2009 Runway

Photos by: Slaven Vlasic

In The Showroom: The Previews Continue...

coutorture — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:39:49 -0700

Coclico Spring 2009

Trovata Spring 2009

Catherine Holstein Spring 2009

Burfitt Spring 2009

We're off to attend the Paul Wilmot Press Preview where we'll be capturing Spring 09 collections from the likes of Adam, Uniqlo, L.A.M.B., and Monique Lhuillier. Stay tuned tomorrow for posts on the event as part of our In The Showroom series. Photos above from our first Spring 09 appointments.

In The Showroom: Catherine Holstein Spring 09

coutorture — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:51:12 -0700

Williamson PR & Showroom, Catherine Holstein Spring 2009.

In The Showroom: Catherine Holstein Spring 09

coutorture — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:14:29 -0700

This morning we visited the Denise Williamson Showroom for some face time with their Spring 09 offerings. First up was Catherine Holstein's highly anticipated Spring 09 collection which was one of our favorites from New York Fashion Week. She might be known as a cool, pretty girl around town but Holstein's designs go far deeper than that. What was impressive in person was how Holstein balanced so many elements without compromising that classic contemporary feeling. The palette included mustard yellow, indigo, and red, the fabrics ranged from lace to cotton, and the silhouettes went from billowy to pin-straight. There wasn't a piece in the collection we didn't like but if we had to choose our top three favorites it would be a pair of her low-slung trousers, a knit head wrap, and that garden-worthy lace dress.