WILLIAM RAST-A JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE/TRACE AYALA CONTEMPORARY FASHION STATEMENT: MEN’s & WOMEN’s FALL 2008 COLLECTION

Text, Images J. Ecochard
And Courtesy of William Rast

Very, very few music biz celebs have unique, wanna copy personal styles that can be parlayed into sustainable companies. Let alone re-imagine their au courant careers.

William Rast, an upscale casual collection of separates inspired by entertainer Justin Timberlake’s lifestyle and ‘bringin sexy back’vibe (with longtime pal Trace Ayala)- may be an exception. Certainly the line takes a pleasingly huge leap forward via Fall 2008 lines for gals and guys.

New on board are designers/collaborators, married Swedish creatives Johan and Marcella Lindeberg (of J. Lindeberg acclaim-a hipster fav); a duo charged with “…deliver(ing) a lifestyle brand that has longevity in the retail market place.”


THE VERDICT:

Premium priced, the easy-going collection brought to mind other high-end, hip sportswear spawned outings like the rockin’ Rag & Bone, Alexander Wang (and his affably chic model/stylist/muse Erin Wesson) and naturally, the New York based eponymous collections of the designers.

We admired the fitted silhouettes tapered just so, inventive logo that has that Nike Swoosh™ appeal, and thematic touches:

Military (shoulder epaulets, embossed copper/brass buttons, durable construction),

Southern Charm (vintagey faded cotton fabric linings as gentle as old farmhouse wallpaper, comfy cotton tees with prints and graphics inspired by Tennessean symbols),

Hollywood Pizzazz (denim that flatter- in flare, boot-cut, straight, skinny versions, trim denim jackets and urban ready blazers).

MENSWEAR: FALL 2008

A winning combo of “Traditional South” and Hollywood laid back sophistication…”just as Justin dresses with a bump to it.”

BEST LOOKS:

A thick red/black thick cashmere “Grandpa” sweater.

Rugged black denim jeans with silver ‘watch chain’ detail.

Winter warm gear sporting the logo patch…in the deep beige jacket with a large enough hood to hide from prying paparazzi, quilted, slim fitted puffers-a bright red vest, fog gray jacket.

Handsome, American shouldered Tux jacket

Top quality denim jeans with deconstructed and structured details (ripped, tuxedo stripe), logo back pockets, dark rinses-and a neat fit somewhere between European skinny and American relaxed.














WOMENSWEAR: FALL 2008

Slouchy ‘boyfriend’ with military toughness- blends with sensual feminine frills.

WE CAN SEE OURSELVES IN:

Motorcycle-ish buttery smooth leather jackets in red with braided shoulder epaulet trim or in black with the zipper softened up with a ruffle edge.

Fun structured short blazer with nipped tucks in the waist- fabricated in subtle menswear pinstripes. Matching pants are cut like the perfect pair of jeans.

Lined denim jacket, tapered to fit curves, with distressed touches and nifty copper colored, custom-made “William Rast” metal buttons.

Flirty gathered waist mini skirts balanced by fitted soft cotton tees or eye-catching grey knit sleeveless top with girly ruffle bias trim.


FACTOIDS:

Made in LA…and the collection is named for the founders’ granddads.

Available mid- summer 2008 at Neiman’s, Bergdorf’s, Bloomingdales, Barneys, Nordstoms- ($60-$600).