Adam Lippes kicked off the first of the retail openings at Meatpacking Design Week. The installation his store on Hudson street hosted was entitled Much Assembly Required. An "ego" lamp collection and other works by Viktor Jondal, a Swedish, New York based product designer were strategically placed throughout the store, giving customers a chance to go from the lamps in the entryway to a video installation in one of the back dressing rooms.

Viktor Jondal was born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden. His education includes one year of Art-History in France, one year of Fine Art in Sweden and a BFA in Product Design from Parsons School of Design. His background has already very much included the fashion set with product design work for Keihl's, MAC and Reebok.

The subtle "ego" lamps went well with Adam's sometime minimal aesthetic. Someone was clearly paying attention to the details of collaborative installation, as we were impressed just how well Jondal's gray, purple, and black paintings merchandised with Adam's purple spring dresses.

For More Coverage of Fashion And Design Meet: Meatpacking District Design Week

Adam Lippes, hottest designer on the block (and most popular) gives us a summer frock we vote 'Best All Around'. It gets this superlative for the simple reason that it's a summer dress that doesn't make us gag (the saturation point has been reached to say the least) and because the kimono style sleeves and bodice would most likely suit a variety of body types. For his Spring 08 collection, Lippes did what he does best, that is, classy Hamptons gear (or otherwise luxurious vacation spot) for smart women who have money (and have had it for a while). It's curious that Lippes makes us feel this way because his price point is more or less contemporary (the Stripe Square Neck Kimono Dress at $285) but we suspect the psychology is similar to that of which we associate with Ralph Lauren. That is, the clothes are distinctly American and, as far as we know, the only Americans who really dress like Americans and do it well are those that temporarily reside in places like The Hamptons or Aspen. So we associate his clothes with high price points even though, funnily enough, they are mildly affordable. For more of the Spring 08 Adam collection, check out our gallery below.

He is such a catch. Designer Adam Lippes will host a dog adoption party in the Meatpacking District this weekend. The event, this Friday, will be co-hosted by the ASPCA and the festivities will continue through the weekend. If you're in New York, check out the windows of the Adam shop on Hudson street for the wittle doggies Adam loves, up for adoption. It's a nice reminder that fashion isn't just champagne toasting, panic attacks, and a constant dialogue about the recession. The all-American designer, with experience at Ralph Lauren and Oscar de la Renta, is just the guy to remind us of that fact.


What: Adam Loves Dogs
When: April 4-6th 2008
Where: 678 Hudson Street, NY, NY


Be sure to check out our exclusive coverage of the Fall 08 Adam Lippes fashion show including a backstage interview with the designer.

This A/W 08 season, Adam Lippes of Adam drew inspiration from the geography of the Berkshires. Lippes, one very charismatic and handsome gentlemen, conjured quite a crowd for his A/W 08 show. Among a very becoming set of thirty to forty year-olds were Margherita Missoni and Anna Wintour. The collection was chic and conservative; wool trousers, silk dresses that came to knee, high waisted belted skirts. The attendees erupted with applause when the show commenced as if it was the collection to end all collections. We suspect though, however handsome the collection was, the enthusiasm was partly due to the atmosphere of the show and the personality of its designer. With so many well-dressed attendees (this is not your Miss Sixty crowd) and Lippes running around, twinkling his bright blue eyes, combing his disheveled blonde hair with his fingers, and talking about his house in the Berkshires, we suspect it was the whole package that had every one aflame.