coutorture --

Wendy Nichol Goes Marc Jacobsy

coutorture — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:35:46 -0700

While checking up on local New York jewelry designer, Wendy Nichol, we discovered Nichol's daughter modeling in her newest look book. The shoot, a very pretty, very sweet, very Marc Jacobs-inspired gallery of images, shows the leather-covered hearts and pyramid shapes that are prominent in this most recent collection as worn by the youngest of the Nichol's clan. We know Nichol from our days in e-commerce and know that she and her family are more or less the perfect version of 'I'm never moving to the suburbs' and so we only saw it is as very sweet and quirky of the Nichols family. How will other people feel, we wonder? It's hard to say. If anything the shoot will bring some extra-jewelry shopping attention to her brand or, at worst, upset people who misconstrue it as inappropriate or damaging to put a young girl in mascara--it does, in a way, make us feel old and haggard even in our mid-twenties. Look book aside, Wendy Nichol is an amazing jewelry designer. Her rock and roll vibe and balance between costumery and fine jewelry has made her a prominant New York designer. In the end, our headline is 'cute daughter in tough-girl jewelry makes for Marc Jacobsy/quirky look book'. It's a winner.

Look Book Trends And Coolness

coutorture — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:30:31 -0700

Not caring very much about what other people think has been the formula for being cool since cool became a "thing". Designers have been a prime example of this for as long as fashion has existed. Anyone who has ever become a sensation was never really like everyone else. You can't lead the crowd if you are "of" the crowd. And that's all there is to it.

We were thinking about this when we read that Scott Sternberg, who runs Band of Outsiders and Boyy, has scraped his Spring 09 presentation/show in favor of a video saying, “I don’t make runway clothes. These are clothes you wear on the street, so I’m just super-uncomfortable with it. It puts it in totally the wrong context — I want to do something closer to where the clothes are, and let people actually touch and feel them as opposed to seeing them on a 14-year-old anorexic model.” Aside from the fact that this might have something to do with the recession, he's totally and completely right and everyone knows it. The only reason we go to these shows, which are more or less completely irrelevant because there is no 'spectacle'--just blazers as usual, is because it gives everyone a break from the insane stuff during fashion week. It's really, ahem, low-key, and really, ahem, unpretentious and as much as we realize it's kind of unnecessary, we've always appreciated the break in insanity. So, Sternberg, in addition to this, has shot his look book with a celebrity friend on polaroid. This, we think, takes the cake. It is very cool of both of them to be behaving this way because it takes the power of The Industry and of The Tabloids and puts it right back in their own hands. Like, "Oh, you're going to try to have me schedule myself in the same time slot as DKNY? Oh, you're going to try to make me some common Starbucks slurping celebrity?--"No, that is not how we're going to do this.". These are the instances that remind you just why you know this person's name in the first place.

Hayden-Harnett Fall Available Now

coutorture — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:27:53 -0700

With thoughts of the perfect swimsuit in our head, we went over to the Hayden-Harnett page to see what else is going on with the Brooklyn designers. To our surprise, quite a bit! One of major advantages, we suppose, of having your own e-commerce site is being able to put up your collection whenever it suits you. You don't have to wait for the various shipments to trickle in, nor are you held captive to the aesthetics of the merchant. Quite frankly, you can shoot it on a white background and put it up for sale, all at once, at the end of July. So, Hayden-Harnett leaked a snapshot of their Spring 09 swimwear and has their whole Fall collection up for grabs at the same time (on a 'pre-order' basis but delivery dates are indicated and most are in early August). A wise move on their part! We love their look book because of the bright colors and deco-like atmosphere. This image in particular (also pictured left) is like the perfect 'home for Thanksgiving' photograph, complete with that well-rested complexion and 'I don't want to be here' facial expression. There's something so nostalgic about that image and something so fabulous about the print of that shirt! Otherwise, the color blocked eelskin bags are top on our list. This brand is quickly becoming one our of contemporary favorites, and the shoes and swimwear we're about to see might just seal the deal.

Rachel Antonoff: Her Brand New Brand

coutorture — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 06:49:03 -0700

Since the split of Mooka Kinney, we've been wondering when look books would emerge from the brand new brands spawned by the split. Rachel Antonoff, the brunette beauty responsible for one half of Mooka Kinney, has given us the anticipated goods (modeled by a few familiar faces) and has, in her spare time, had the line picked up by Barney's. One thing is for sure--the gal is off to a good start. For her first season Antonoff has channeled an aesthetic not unlike the vintage-inspired offerings we drooled over from Mooka Kinney in season's past. Antonoff clearly knows a thing or two about print and femininity, and her frocks are always a testament to that fact. One marked difference, however, is that these frocks seem to be growing up a bit. Rather than sticking with short shifts and bathing suit-like jumpers, the new line and new collection encourage a few longer lengths. Sure, we see a two-piece set that bares a little midriff but the below-the-knee dresses, we think, are definitely taking Antonoff to a new place (both in terms of her target audience's body type and age). Click through the looks and we'll keep you posted on when they hit shelves. It's in our best interest, if you catch our drift.

Topshop Fall 08 Look Book

coutorture — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:42:12 -0700

Consider yourself 389 pages more aware of how to best shop mass-produced clothing.The Fall 08 Topshop Look Book is finally here. Our prediction? Topshop will be giving, not mass-market retailers, but contemporary brands a run for their money. Think of it this way: a tunic that costs 60 pounds sterling will cost 120 dollars in America, a pair of trousers at 85 pounds will clock in at 170 dollars, and a boutique item, say for 150 pounds, will cost you about 300 dollars. What does this mean? This means American Topshop consumers just became contemporary consumers without, perhaps, realizing it (remember, Topshop, until now, retailed at Opening Ceremony and Barney's). So, brands like Diabless, like Phillip Lim (though his prices are rising), like Tibi, and A.P.C. will now have to compete with a neighbor who has a multi-story flagship, worldwide e-commerce site, and daily deliveries of right-now styles. The contemporary brands must know this. If they do not, they are in for a 389-part surprise.

A special shoutout to Fashionista for the link.

Corpus Musters Creative Energy For Fancy Urban Look Book

coutorture — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:06:21 -0700

Corpus, the contemporary brand known for its prepster cum hipster aesthetic, is pulling out all of the stops for their Urban Outfitters collaboration called ByCorpus. Pretty young things playing hookie like they're starring in their own suburban film noir adventure does a successful look book make. Even though we've thoroughly outgrown the laid back 'indie' Urban aesthetic, we have to admit, we're tempted. We might skip the Urban signature babydoll dresses and mini-floral skirts, but a crisp, white ByCorpus blouse (and a pair of Cheap Monday's) might bring us back through those double glass doors just like the good old days.

Urban Outfitters, as we've reported on before, has wrangled brands like Spring & Clifton and Steven Alan for their collaboration efforts. As with any retailer, their attention to the demographic is reflected in their partnerships. Target, for instance, sticks to high fashion brands with a palatable aesthetic. They wait for a significant amount of buzz to generate before they secure their conspirators. Case in point, Proenza Schouler, Loeffler Randall, and Luella were all, at the time of collaboration, garnering a significant amount of peripheral attention all on their own.

For Urban Outfitters, however, their strategy starts with the hipster set--the kind that went to a good college and grew up riding in a Volvo. Urban Outfitters is choosing, that is, brands that are decidedly conservative (far away from what you might consider avant garde) though still definitely hipster (when hipster means creative/intellectual types who like the occasional St. Germain cocktail). For twenty-somethings (and many an NYU alum), that means easy-to-understand basics done by trusted contemporary brands, it means not having to worry that the printed t-shirt is a rip off, it means shopping avant garde straight from the designers who are known for that sort of thing and still getting chilled out ByCorpus blouses for a reasonable price. It's a win-win if you ask us.

Immaterial: Lyell Rompers

coutorture — Mon, 19 May 2008 08:24:18 -0700

We popped into the Lyell shop yesterday afternoon and marveled at Emma Fletcher's delicate lacy-things. As usual the little silk blouses and dresses caught our eye from the street, drawing us in by hanging in perfect lines above the worn out black and white tile floor. This Spring 08, Fletcher decided to try her hand at rompers, though per her aesthetic, in the most delicate and tasteful way possible. The romper, that is, is worn as a layer (think lingerie/bodysuit) and blouses perfectly when paired with her high waist trousers and shorts. It's just about the sexiest thing to strip down to, should you find yourself running into a lake under moonlight. Or, you know, just hanging out in your apartment. Check our gallery with some Spring 08 look book shots and an e-commerce spread, below.

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Lorick Fall 2008 Collection

coutorture — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 06:54:23 -0800

That high waisted polka dot number in Girl Porn has that quintessential pin up (but not too slutty) look. Lorick is all about that kind of girl. The label, started by a Floridian turned Parisian (by sheer will, it seems), is one of the lines represented by New York showroom Archetype. The aesthetic is that American brand of ladylike that suits young girls with a copy of 'French Women Don't Get Fat' stashed under their mattress. Just take cues from the model featured in Fall 2008's look book. Often, this is where the secret aspirations of a designer (and their respective customer) are held. She is well fed (but not fat), she is rosy cheeked and goofy, strikes a pose when the time is right. These are the girls that drink champagne cocktails like there's no tomorrow, listen to Carla Bruni on their ipods, and occasionally have one night stands with rocker boys from Bushwick (and have no idea how to get home the next morning). We like this kind of girl, you know, there are worse things. For Fall 2008 there's a foresty Autumn theme happening which provides the 'Lorick girl' with a ton of navy and brown, something her wardrobe is probably not lacking. Prints of the forest and thin canary blue belts make the classic pieces more interesting. A pair of high waisted trousers, short gloves, and long shorts never hurt anyone. Then there's a pair of leather pants with zippers at the ankle and this is why we like a Lorick girl, on her bad days she a pain in the ass, and on her good, she's a total bitch.

We also have impressive designer video interviews and original editorial spreads. May we cordially suggest perusing our selection? Enjoy New York Fashion Week Designer Video Interviews from Oscar De La Renta, Donna Karan for DKNY,Michael Kors, Isaac Mizrahi, Nicole Miller, Erin Fetherston, Ashleigh Verrier , Adam Lippes, James Coviello, John Varvatos , Monique Lhuillier, Joanna Mastroianni, Tory Burch, Neeam Khan

Fremont Spring 2008

coutorture — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:57:42 -0800

In today's exclusive Coutorture photo shoot, we've featured boys and girls duds from Fremont. This California borne line began just a few years ago and has, since its inception, cultivated a strong following among the young fashionables. The aesthetic is casual and cool and is worn by those ladies and gents who were raised on real butter and carry little emotional baggage (here's to suburbia!). That is, the clothes are sweet and quirky (oversized buttons, onesy's, and Ralph Lauren-like plaids) and lend themselves to an innocent bit hip persona. Check our gallery of the Spring 2008 Fremont collection and our girl porn photo shoot where we unisexed it up.

Just Another Rich Kid Fall 2008 Look Book

coutorture — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:32:33 -0800

Ken Courtney of Just Another Rich Kid was recently featured in our 'Spin Me Right Round' t shirt photo shoot. There we played around with t shirts of punk and Bauhaus influence, as were part of the Spring 2008 collection. For Fall 08, Just Another Rich Kid's pushing out the old "Live Fast. Die Young" mentality, notably align with the brand's typically rebellious persona. For Fall 08 expect hoodies and tshirts galore (we're currently placing a staff order of the "We Don't Mess Around" t shirts) and new ready to wear basics like plaid tailored shirts and wool jackets. We happen to think the girls and boys who wear Just Another Rich Kid are the sort not foreign to plaid button downs and wool outerwear, so, if anything Fall 08's giving them an excuse to kill two birds with one stone. Hey, it's all about livin' fast.

Photos:Clayton Cubitt, Models: Victor & Ben (Red), ISO (Re:Quest)
Link:Coutorture interview with Ken Courtney

We also have impressive designer video interviews and original editorial spreads. May we cordially suggest perusing our selection? Enjoy New York Fashion Week Designer Video Interviews from Oscar De La Renta, Donna Karan for DKNY,Michael Kors, Isaac Mizrahi, Nicole Miller, Erin Fetherston, Ashleigh Verrier , Adam Lippes, James Coviello, John Varvatos , Monique Lhuillier, Joanna Mastroianni, Tory Burch, Neeam Khan

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'BOBO' Via Net-A-Porter

coutorture — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:00:57 -0800

'Bohemian Bourgeoisie' is the slogan for Net-A-Porter's sling of S/S deliveries. The point, though, seems slightly redundant. Anyone who can afford a 3,000 dollar beaded top probably doesn't have to worry to about whether their wardrobe is 'luxe' enough for the season. This person doesn't ever say "Hmm, I wonder if I should go for Hobo or Bobo this S/S?". It's not as if we entirely disagree with the slogan though. Yes, bohemian sensibilities crop up every S/S. Yes, if we visit Net-a-Porter, some part of us either wants to be 'luxe' or already is. It's redundant but you can't fault them for knowing their customer base. The tricky situation, of any e-commerce site, is making a direct connection between the glossies, the look books, the runway shows, and, uh, the shopping carts. It's the combination of aesthetic escape and consumer reality, an unattractive discord indeed.

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