From left all Wool and the Gang at Net-a-Porter: Wool scarf kit $150, Wool hand-knit scarf $300, Hand-knit wool waistcaot $315, Hand-knit wool hat $125.
Paris-based design collective Wool and the Gang makes hand-knit clothing and accessories that are more street than granny—fingerless gloves and cropped vests—but that still bring focus back to the basics of handwork and craft. The design group recently opened their first store in New York's SoHo neighborhood, where they sell wooden needles, Peruvian yarn, and simple knitting patterns. This scarf kit, available in multiple colors, is the perfect holiday gift for aspiring artisans.
Preen Line, the second more affordable collection from Preen design team Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi, has been a breakout success since its launch in spring 2008. For resort 2009 Net-a-Porter purchased exclusive Preen Line pieces—including a few items which were sold out within days of hitting the site. Here are five covetable pieces, including a pair of PVC pants and a tiered cotton tank, which are still available online.
The best fur (and faux fur) vests this fall come in shades of ecru and gray with subtle details that set them apart from the rest. Helmut Lang's winter white funnel-neck shearling, 3.1 Phillip Lim's grosgrain ribbon and fur gilet, Karl Donoghue's asymmetrical, raw-edged wrap around, and Rebecca Taylor's knit-trimmed faux vest each make the cut for our favorites toppers of the season.
Is it me or is it hot in here? Net-a-Porter challenged Preen Line to create a must-have dress for under $500. They succeeded — $380, to be exact. This Vogue-featured frock is undeniably Preen, from the lace-up detail to the asymmetrical shoulder. It can be found in NAP's Designer Exclusives section where you can sign up to be alerted when it's ready for the taking.
Victoria Beckham's ready-to-wear range continues to do well online, particularly on Net-a-Porter. The celebrity-cum-designer's sculptural but classic dresses from Fall 2009 were praised when they first showed in New York in Februrary--so it's no surprise that they were also a hit on the retail floor.
The push toward fall is becoming increasingly hard to ignore as online retailers are beginning to sell out of coveted cold-weather merch. From a Topshop sequin blazer, to a Wang it-bag, to a four thousand dollar goat coat by Burberry--all signs are pointing to next season, not this one. We recommend following suit. Keep track of the inventory at your local stores and favorite online retailers from now through September--this is the time of year when big deliveries, filled with must-have pieces, are hitting shelves.
Net-a-Porter just debuted a new interview within their newly launched video section--this time with iconic designer Oscar de la Renta. The segment includes touching commentary from de la Renta juxtaposed with photos which span his career. Although the release wasn't timed with a big push into de la Renta's Fall collection, there are still six fabulous Oscar de la Renta items to choose from right now.
The fashion world has been talking about wearing flats as of late--and it's already catching on. Net-a-Porter and Barneys both picked up a pair of jazz shoes by Christian Louboutin, master of the five inch platform, while Marc Jacobs, Jil Sander, Ralph Lauren, and Pour la Victoire are offering lace-up flats as well. Sure, it's not exactly a full-on "trend" just yet but we think Spring 2010 will change that.
Parisian contemporary label Maje has developed a cult following since it launched five years ago. Similar in style to Isabel Marant, the line is full of seasonal "must-haves" like suede shorts, harem trousers, biker jackets and jumpsuits. With a relatively low price point and a keen awareness of current trends, we think Maje is poised for good things. In fact, yesterday marked the launch of an exclusive capsule collection with Net-a-Porter. Check out the range in the gallery below.
Clockwise from top left: Halston Was $3,495 Now $2,097, Maje Was $445 Now $311, 7 For All Mankind Was $250 Now $175, Proenza Schouler Was $895 Now $626, Roberto Cavalli Was $1,965 Now $1,375, Chloe Was $595 Now $357
As always, it's hard to believe that the season's sales have begun. Net-a-Porter's sale is one that is highly anticipated and quickly (by online standards) picked over. The sale is quite comprehensive this season and includes many items that were reordered because the first run sold out so quickly. In the end though, we favor the more subdued pieces. Above, our must-have finds from the sale.
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