As part of our showroom photo shoot series (see James Coviello and JF & Son for more) we popped into Archetype showroom to shoot the Corpus Fall 08 collection. Earlier that day, we had a rager over the revival of acid wash (didn't this just happen) and when we got to the showroom, low and behold, a pair of cherry red acid washed jeans were looking us in the eye. So, we thought of the shoot from the vantage point of a prep school in the early 1990's. Maybe even an English prep school, we thought, which probably popped into our minds with our model Estella, telling us about her move to New York from sunny London. We first saw the Corpus Fall 08 collection at Capsule, and right away the Navajo print cardigan caught our eye. One of the first major purchases everyone makes when Fall is on it's way is a new cozy cardi. It's hard to think about now, as all New York has on it's mind are the sweet blue skies of summer. But it's true. If you think back to the first time there's a chill in the air, the first time you opt for a hot coffee and a croissant over an iced coffee and a bowl of Margarita, you start thinking about cozy knits and country homes. Queue Navajo print. Seriously, it conjures all of those cozy cravings in one fell swoop. Funnily enough, the guys behind Corpus, Jerrod Cornish and Keith Richardson, live in Los Angeles. Somehow, the pair have captured an East Coast moment with their Fall 08 prep school versus the college professor vibe. Like romanticizing a change in seasons, maybe a little bit of distance makes for a brighter future. Our interview with Corpus below as well as our exclusive Coutorture editorial of the Fall 08 collection.


Can you tell us a little bit how Corpus began?
Jerrod and I had been friends for awhile. One day we were talking and decided that we wanted to start a clothing line. We saw something missing in the market and wanted to fill that void.


What was missing? Was it a few specific garments you envisioned, or a particul aesthetic?
We felt there was a lot missing. This was over 5 years ago when we started the process of getting Corpus rolling. Streetwear was huge and there wasn't much of a middle ground between high fashion and low priced clothing. So we set out to do clothes that were not cheap but also not trying to be a uber fashion like Lanvin. We wanted to make quality fashionable clothes that you can wear but didn't look like you were walking down a runway.


Do you think there is anything inherently West Coast about the brand?
The West Coast is amazing and we are very proud of residing here. But our brand is not like most brands from the West as far as the styling and type of garments we make. There are not many people making moreno cashmere sweaters with navajo prints knit into them out here. But the West Coast resides in places for sure in the brand I just can't put my finger on it.


May, over at Archetype, told me that you were friends with the designers of Fremont. Are many of your friends designers or artists of some sort?
Yes we know Devon. He's great. We have many friends in the creative feilds. Its great to be around like minded people no matter what form or art the do music, paiting, fashion etc.


Is it difficult to be immersed in a community of other designers and artists and yet still create collections that are, to you, nonconformist?
No because most clothing in our category looks the same. And in LA there are not many clothing designers we are inspired by. Its more like minded people that inspire us. We spend a lot of time in New York and get direct inspiration from fashion designers and artists and just the general public in New York but in LA there is a disconnect--your in your car all day. You just don't see many people in LA. Its your home, to your car, to work, back to your car, and home. It's hard to get inspired living that lifestyle. You have to look much harder to see what's out here.
If Corpus had a manifesto, what would it be?
Just to make clothes we are proud to put out there. Never conforming to what the rest of the market is doing.


How do you differentiate between the women's and mens lines? Do you treat them as separate entities, design everything at the same time, design something unisex and spin it in two directions, or some combination of all of these things?
The womens line is growing slowly into its own entity. Soon we will have more womens specific pieces.

Oh, Los Angeles, you crazy old broad. Los Angeles Fashion Week, which comes just before Market Week, is chalk full of many license-less New Yorkers hitting the pedal to the metal and cruising to the shows. We think it's a funny little image, and although the shows never generate the same kind of excitement as New York, there are always those moments when you say to yourself, "Baby, a star is born". As much as the thought of Jenna Jamison unveiling the newest Peta Ad, well, startles us, we'd prefer to just, well, recap. Below, our rundown of what Los Angeles has thrown on the table the past few days. Namely, one designer for each day and a little Gen Art lovin'.






JMary, Jesse Kamm, & Le Sang des Betes: This will be the fifth year that Gen Art hosts its "The New Garde" event, showcasing up and coming designers West Coast style. The event, sponsored by Botox, kicked off Los Angeles Fashion Week. JMary showed West Coast evening appropriate outerwear in black and charcoal wool, there was a pleated black dress that would have satisfied fashionistas from both coasts. Jesse Kamm, who launched her label a few years ago, showed a collection inspired by Crocodile Dundee. The hand printed head scarves she created as part of the collection, we're right on target with Fall trends but not a far reach, given her inspiration. Finally Trang Chau of Le Sang des Betes, showed off her training as a sculptor by showing tailored garments with a slightly off-kilter silhouette (pictured above).


Sunday, March 9, Whitley Kros: The line, rep'd by People's Revolution, featured bohemian layering in bright colors. The best print by far, a sort of digital Southwestern print, appeared on three frocks, each to suit different figures. The designers, Marissa Ribisi and Sophia Coloma (one of the founders of Satine), specialize in what they refer to as 'luxe casual wear' which we saw manifest in the high quality knit sweaters and chic silk trousers. Click to see images from the Fall 08 collection.


Monday, March 10, Suh-Tahn: All the black, brown, and leather a New Yorker in Los Angeles can handle. This Fall 08 season, Suh-Tahn featured a palate of basic colors, and one refreshing white cotton dress. The dress, a simple scoop neck with dipped waist seam, epitomizes what casual West Coast style does best. Namely, a well-made basic that is as glamorous as any high maintenance frock (given the right accessories and attitude). Indeed, this is how you dress up in Los Angeles and for a moment there, we felt a little jealous. Click to see images from the Fall 08 collection.


Tuesday, March 11, Falguni & Shane Peacock: This Fall 08 saw leopard silk prints, dramatic drapery, and jeweled embellishments. At worst it veered towards tacky airport-shop sheaths, and at best, towards vintage Versace glamour. What was most successful were the mixing of loud prints, jewels, drapery, and length without appearing like the bedspread from hell. Falguni & Shane Peacock, also known as Peacock Couture, governs a bridal, resort, and men's line in addition to the womenswear collections. The company made its debut during India Fashion Week, some years back. Click to see images from the Fall 08 collection.