Today's original Coutorture editorial, shot by photographer Wayne Liu, took place in the 168th street subway station. We took the 1 train up together, pieces from the Fall 08 Steinunn collection in tow, and spent the rest of the day underground. Funnily enough it was the first day of Spring in New York.


To learn more about Liu, check out our interview and his first photo shoot with us called, Haunted. After the shoot we asked Liu to write us something on what would become 'The One Train'. Below, his narrative, and the shoot with Steinunn Fall 08.




'Ms. X appears, on the silver screen or right next to me—I cannot know the difference. I am no stalker, no, I’m too disinterested to even try, but perhaps we’ve talked at some point, and perhaps the static air of our whispers is what remains stalking me. We connect on the topic of ephemeral relationships and their malcontents; then she drifts, tugging her hair, or maybe her bonnet, and begins to straighten her blouse. She pretends not to notice the gum dried on the track, nor the glance from the edge of my eye. These matter not to her, these flirtations exchanged. She enjoys herself for reasons I shall remain oblivious to, so it seems with her eyes desiring couture endlessly that I can relate in my obsessive collecting of her images, presented here for a future Ms. X.' -Wayne Liu

In today's original Coutorture editorial we've featured sunglasses from the likes of Theo, Anne et Valentin, and Selima Optique. We chose styles that were a departure from the aviator and wayfarer shapes that have been so popular these last few seasons. That is, we think something new is deserved for Spring 08. Sunglasses have a way of changing your aesthetic drastically, and, in the Summer, when it's 90 degrees, they are the basis of your look. Why not take a few chances? Theo, featured on Dustin and Ann in today's shoot, is a brand started by two opticians who now reside in Antwerp. The two bring an unconventional aesthetic to the market which is the result of steel cut frames, light-as-a-feather plastics, and shapes that most Americans consider inherently European. Selima Optique, the more widely know brand in today's shoot, has boutiques in London, Paris, and New York (most notably, Soho). This is most likely the result of a comprehensive range that would cover just about any stock character in your social registry. Fortunately, new styles are almost always immediately available, so when you see them editorialized, they can be yours by lunchtime. You can see the Selima shades on Jennifer and Carissa, in today's shoot. Lastly, Anne et Valentin, the French eyewear line featured on Lys and Chris, is every girl and guy's dream when it comes to classic shades with standout details. Whether a pair of classic tortoise cat-eye glasses is given a blue tint or a pair of thick -rimmed, black men's glasses given an extra angle at each corner, the range encompasses the desire to be different without having to wear something your friend's wouldn't be caught dead in. All three of the lines featured in today's editorial are notable for their giving us something to wear besides your average designer shades. These brands, we think, have as much personality as our subjects do, making for some serious star power.