BOBI*EROTOKRITOS*EBERJEY*SOUTHPOLE*GOLA*RADLEY*BENISOM
*BORN UNIQORN
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
June 18th
East Village
The Think Pr team in NY-are often manning the tables at worthy charitable events…
In fact, we first met the busy bees years ago at a Humane Society fundraiser –for “Club Sandwiches Not Seals” protest (the annual sanctioned, slaughter of Canadian Baby Seals)- at graphics superstar Peter Max’s Lincoln Center lofty studio.
We admire Think’s dedication to worthy causes… and always look forward to our bi-annual review of this multi-brand showroom. Our touchy feely moments with many Fall 2008 and Cruise 2009 designer merchandise----got a nice ramp-up with a new client that we LOVE: Radley leather goods from the UK.
Plus, we are impressed with Think’s breadth of BIG NAME international lines in addition to the (eco) basics, and smaller niche brands.
BOBI
Luxe silky smooth jersey (100% cotton) at very, very affordable prices (under $100 each)… takes on a whole new meaning for the LA based BOBI. We knew we’d rock the label as soon as we logged onto the cool website featuring the late great Mama Cass singing… Dream A Little Dream.
Bodies will be as happy as ears…with the relaxed but decidedly sophisticated Fall 2008 and hot off the press Cruise 2009 lineup by designer Kara Lusardi-a New Yorker turned Angelino. With a growing bi-coastal celeb fan base craving the state-of-the-art engineering textiles, Bobi’s semi-matte and skin soft finishes are akin to wearing your comfy PJs- except way less frumpy.
WHAT’S NEW:
Well-cut scoop and V-neck tees continues to morph into a full blown core collection for the modern gal. Our favs include a gently pleated funnel neck fitted dress (for Fall a long sleeve “Darkstar” blue…for Cruise a Dove grey), fun striped scarves and solid silk pieces like an adorable pocketed mini black silk number. The color palette is as huge as the 80-90 items that are conjured up each season. For Fall 2008- jewel tones, gunmetal gray, a pale emeraldish green, and deep browns work it - interspersed with a few hot pink numbers.
Smartly, a lot of autumnal garb (drawstring dresses in thick jersey) are great transition clothes-for hot day/cool night …or for San Francisco all the time weather.
Bobi also has easy to grab and go separates like sweet little cardigans for Cruise and more signature tanks in sorbet smooth shades-that hit six inches lower than typical tops.
TOUCHES: A few trim flourishes like brass button details in a wear with everything Bordeaux shirt and lace-like thermal knit with contrasting solid ribbed cotton turtleneck and wrists.
WHO WEARS IT: Nicole Ritchie, Cyrus Milos, Sophie Monk
BUY IT: Fred Segal, RevolveClothing.com, Kitson. Big Drop
FACTOID: Launched in March 2006
EROTOKRITOS
Cyprus born, Parisian dwelling designer Erotokritos is well-known for his French chic clothing label …which he launched in 1994.
Trust us on this, his radar is going wide BIG TIME as the retail giant Bergdorf Goodman has picked up part of his accessories collection- the fabulous leather satchels.
We know why-the shape. Inventively constructed, the carryalls are easy to haul around with thick, sturdy straps…but fold out into a roomy box shape-with a cool diagonal zipper opening.
No More Archeological Digs For Keys, iPods, Anything-Problem Solved!!!!!
CLOTHING: We zeroed in on the Women’s Fall 2008 and admired the architectural elements (zig zag scallop textiles) and pleating…ie. Erotokritos’masterful skill at cutting and draping- in the sexy tops and dresses.
Editorial picks include any garment with colorful beaded shoulder embellishments and clingy but not bare above the knee dresses-like a dark purple, dropped waist frock with lace details subtly revealed under puffed capped sleeves and the neckline. Different color blocks in geometric shapes remind us of the canvases by modernist painter Colorist Kenneth Noland.
SHOES: Cut out scalloped leather flats and sturdy heel thick-strapped suede sandals in contrasting tones are interesting without screaming ‘Look At Me.” Meaning… they freshen up a look of idiot-proof solid black ensembles but can work with outfits of printed fabrics and denim.
WHO WEARS IT: Kate Moss, Kirsten Dunst
BUY IT: 99, Rue de Vieille, 75003 Paris, Net À Porter, Browns, London
EBERJEY
We’re thrilled that many of the flirty transition and Fall 2008 lingerie/swimwear separates by the popular lifestyle brand Eberjey are made from organic fabrics…building on the success of their “O Girl” collection.
THE DETAILS: Feminine lace trims in sensuous camisole tops (a soft pink “Natural Woman”…a capped sleeve pale gray “Kaya” nightie) and loungewear that expands on their best-selling striped swimsuits.
BUY IT: retail giants like Saks, Nordstrom’s and lot’s of boutiques coast to coast, Paul & Joe, Paris and London, Le Bon Marche, Paris, Lane Crawford, Hong Kong and online.
FUN FACTOID: Eberjey means “JOY” in a Nigerian dialect.
Founders Alejandrina Meija and Mariela Rovito quit corporate jobs, launching EBERJEY in 1996.
SOUTHPOLE
It’s a good thing when a clothing company (Wicked Fashions) known for one thing (streetwear)-re-invents and re-invigorates with a natural expansion. Southpole, the company’s best known brand… has a humongous following in the 18-25 crowd. It’s hip denim and bold bling laden graphics are hits for the urban, hip-hop crowd- for 17 years.
WHAT’S NEW: Maybe mom will take a swipe at the SOUTHPOLE COLLECTION’s tops with striking, but graphically interesting prints that are grownup but still edgy.
Plus, other fashion forward inspired by the latest runway selections- now include cute day-to-night dress up tunics and dresses in red/pink/white/yellow op-Art and solid tone (black) silky fabrics.
We liked a horizontally draped sleeveless top in a sexy silver metallic textile that emphasizes all the right curves and can be office appropriate under a cute cropped black and white plaid blazer.
A Southpole strength-flattering jeans- in cuts for every bod (skinny, boot-legged, flared)-and lots of different rinses/washes- are distinguished by the can’t miss it trims-like sparkling rhinestone grommets.
WHO WEARS IT: The lovely up-and-coming actress KD Aubert is the new Face of the line.
BUY IT: Widely Available – Macy’s, JC Penney and loads of stores in every state. Go online for more details.
GOLA
Across the pond in merry England, GOLA dominates the toesies of hip peds. As befits a brand that’s been around since 1905 and was known for shodding the feet of popular footballers (that’s soccer for USAers) the company’s has adopted to changing tastes with both its Sport and Classics offerings.
WHAT’S NEW: A collaboration with Jonathan Saunders has turned out multi-textured flats (leather and canvas) with contrasting piping, and ankle high trendy lace-ups for gals. Retro trainers for urban casual guys are also set for Fall 2008-in suede and canvas textiles.
WE WANT: Those poppin’ Centenary shoulder bags (for the 100th anniversary) that hark back to airline carry-ons.
WHO WEARS IT: Beginning with the Beatles, musicians like the Gallagher bros of Oasis, Coldplay, Robbie Williams, John Legend and Kelly Clarkson…actor Jude Law.
BUY IT: Widespread international retailers and online: Yoox and Zappos
RADLEY
Considered the “Coach” of the UK, Radley (as in “Truly, Madly Radley) is a full out leather goods company comprised of durable leather wallets, handbags, satchels, and need it laptop briefcases. They’re set to make a play in the western hemisphere with their sturdy classics for autumn- in a basic palette of brown, black and red (a burnt sienna-like)--- that have all the inner pockets and compartments that you’ll ever need.
What we especially love is the colorful floral lining in all the handbags… and the distinguished over-stitching and knotted leather toggles- as trim.
ECO PICK: Recycled from plastic water bottles, Radley travel umbrellas come in fun prints.
OUR OTHER PICK: The dark brown leather handbag with an embroidered African floral motif band.
HOT ALERT: Those adorable signature leather Scottish Terrier chain embellishments and inner pocket metal doggie in the high-end carry-alls… are a hot commodity-probably coming soon to a bootlegger near you. (Joke).
BUY IT: Radley Stores In The UK and online for now.
BENSIMON
The flip-flip/Keds King of France, Bensimon is a beloved 50 years old stylized preppy French lifestyle brand-famous for its solid rubber soles, cotton canvas uppers “tennis” flats with elasticized or tie-up openings. Converse-like low-rise lace-up sneakers for men in dark forest green, brown, and blacks are also for sale this Fall.
WHAT’S DIFFERENT: Reasonably priced from $50-$100, the kickers have Gallic savoir faire- with piping details and our fav, the army green flat with orange bow and trim. Ah, so chic.
KIDS GALORE: Tiny feet are well adorned with Bensimon in dark and baby blue shades.
BUY IT: Inexpensive website La Redoute-our source for cheapy style. YOOX.com
BORN UNIQORN
Best buddies since middle school- Taryn Manning and Tara Jane are sealing their friendship with their comfy line of cover-ups, Born Uniqorn.
WHAT’S NEW: Naturally, the entire collection is new. Magical prints of Unicorns in soft pale colors (heather gray) and for Fall 2008, a whimsical space graphics are on thick hoodies that are ideal for pulling on after a day at the beach.
Dresses and jackets – priced at $50-$175 round out the brand and are layerable. Particularly fun is a scoop neck and a draped cowl neck tunic mini dress with a wide band of a hem to make slimmer bubble-ish shape… and a flirty zip cover-up with a wide ruffle hem.
BUY IT: Fred Segal, Ron Herman, Brunette-LA, Stackhouse-NYC, The Paperdoll-Bellingham, WA, Density, True-SF, Studio Couture-Detroit.