CD NETWORK SHOWROOM-PRE-SPRING: NOTIFY, K JAQUES SANDALS, NILI LOTAN, DENIS COLOMB, HANII Y, ORGANIC BY JOHN PATRICK
June 4th Meat Packing District
Text, Images-Judith Ecochard
It ‘s amazing how important Pre-Spring has become in the fashion biz the past two years with the warm climes and the need to keep the retail mix fresh---
CD Network is an upscale multi-label showroom with a sophisticated and Francophile slant to its luxury merchandise selections. Its designers have joined the Cruise high and low bandwagon including Notify-an adored Parisian denim line. So we are happy that a knowledgeable employee Aleksander Vaynberg had the time to lead us around the spacious loft and show us the latest for "Pre-Spring.".
Plus, the showroom reps- the second line of the Korean wonderous duo Y& Kei (always one of our top shows Fashion Week in NYC)-Hanii Y, -Nili Lotan (who had a terrif runway splash in September 2007)- and has also successfully launched the organic line of basic separates by John Patrick.
Some highlights….
NOTIFY
Some fashionistas scoff at paying up for denim. We groove in our basic 501 Levis as much as anyone, but to get a close personal look see of a pair of designer Maurice Ohayon’s Notify and we are transported by the top notch cut, fabric washes and styles. Sample sale dates please, please, please.
Notify’s treatments are unique. In fact, the company started the whole shiny, ‘waxy’ look thing-with the python finish it’s calling card. This is possible because Notify has its own factories in Italy, and exclusive dibs on great metallic fabrics (a silver Anémone Metallic our top pic) and a Holiday floral brocade jean, in gold, off white, sky blue, black and black/brown Azalée with a matching, tapered shoulder, rock worthy single breast jacket, Alexandre.
Also new to the market (think resort deliveries November 2008) is the flattering navy trouser cut jean with a sailor feel to them dubbed Marina-with side buttons and flared bottoms.
Prices average USD$250-$450—with widespread international retail distribution. Hopping over to Paris? A custom-made denim bar will be open for Euro spending clients.
Right Now-in STELLA McCARTNEY stores is a one off Spring 2008 co-branding collaboration with Notify- yielding two styles of seamless skinny jeans in coated cotton-with profits going to MARINE CONNECTION, a UK based Charity protecting sea creatures great and small.
K JACQUES SANDALS
We look forward to the day where our entire wardrobe needs are effortlessly fulfilled by tanks, tees and strappy sandals. The ultra chic K. Jacques sandals are probably familiar to Saint Tropez dwellers as the exquisite peds hark back to founders M. Kéklikian and Mrs. Jacques, first stitch back in 1933.
Each pair, available at three eponymous boutiques, Bergdorf’s and several online sites, are all hand made and custom ordered. Meaning-clients can choose from different uppers, different heel sizes, textures, leather sole colors (five!), and treatments to literally configure hundreds of chic styles to work with anything one can possibly own.
For Cruise 2009 bright patents, black and white, metallics and snake imprints are predicted to dominate customer orders. A neat cork wedge sandal is our desired look-and at prices ranging at $150-$200, a great value given the obvious hand made luxe.
NILI LOTAN
Nili Lotan designs are clean classics with a utilitarian twist. A long time veteran of the fashion world with stints at Nautica and Ralph Lauren, Lotan creates pieces for grown-up women who get the subtle edge of her great little cashmere knits, skinny jeans, flared pants, a re-inspired trench coat, and easy wear crisp cotton shirts.
Lotan’s Resort 2009 hits the beach with sparkling turquoise, bright cloud whites and navy dominating the island palette. Tunics in cotton and evening silks- and a chic cotton turquoise trench with light blue piping details that tops out at about $675 -are all contemporary wardrobe basics that will work well beyond one’s two week tropical jaunts.
Retail” Diane T (Brooklyn 718 923-5777) and at Lotan’s boutique- 188 Duane Street, NYC
DENIS COLOMB
A luxury lifestyle brand with a conscious, Denis Columb’s founders, Denis Colomb and his wife Erica Lennard fuse their far flung travels to Nepal with their experiences as architect, designer and photographer- to give birth to a stunning collection of Italian Shamir Cashmere shawls, travel blankets trimmed in suede, silk fringed scarves, and comfy outerwear.
A literal rainbow of organic colors-reportedly 64 a season (including a deep Cardinal purple, moon beam white, and a coral-ly red that looks great with a tan) and Mongolian herringbone patterns adorn the finest cashmere fibers gathered in “downy clouds” in April and May-and hand spun by local Nepali artisans into impossibly plush 8 ply Polo blankets etc.
FYI: The entire collection is blessed by Monks.
Retail: Barneys, Maxfields (LA), Susan (San Fran, Burlingham) (Turpan (East Hampton), Dover Street Market (London), Maria-Luisa (Paris), Luisa (Athens), On Pedder (Beijing, Shanghai, Sydney, Hong Kong) United Arrow (Tokyo)…and other upscale boutiques.
HANII Y
Known for their prints, Hanii Yoon and Gene Kang design a languid, glamorous line under the Y and Kei moniker. Aptly subtitled with a Buddhist inspiration, “Water The Earth” this signature, sophisticated collection is a treat to see Fashion Week.
Hanii Y, a second more price friendly line, features the same, cocoony shaped, tweaked short sleeve jackets…and bold print fabrics inspired by Rothko- in Resort friendly colors like an orangey coral, marine sea blue, and turquoise.
Attached delicate necklaces are fresh embellishments that add a little something special to sculptured tops.
We think this innovative pair's ability to blend an Asian sensibility with European feminine flair is what makes this affordably priced line a hit from the get go.
Retail: Bendels, Bloomigdales, Bergdorfs and YOOX.com
ORGANIC BY JOHN PATRICK
Organic by John Patrick is ruled by his comment:
“I ENVISION A WORLD IN THE NEAR FUTURE WHERE PEOPLE WON’T ASK “IS IT ORGANIC?” BUT SAY “OF COURSE, IT’S ORGANIC.”
We say this collection- for men and women- is a nice ensemble of 100% organic fabrics parlayed into separates with a classic American girl vibe that reminds us of the easy spirit of Alexander Wang. Cottons, cashmeres and “recycled cow leather” – in a cool cropped jacket-have found favor with many retail outlets from coast to coast.
Our wish list includes a not so basic white tee with a break front, loose trousers (for guys) with rolled cuffs, and a beachy keen perfect print dress that can easily be dressed up or down.
