CARRY-ALLS and COVER-UPS
September 11th, Garment District, NYC
Word, Images by Judith Ecochard
We have owned an Andrew Marc suede jacket-for like ever..,.and still wear it.
Perhaps these are not words a retailer wants to hear but it is a testament to the quality and the style savvy of the Andrew Marc collection since its launch back in the day.
Now backed by a deep pocketed corporate parent, G – III Apparel Group, Ltd., we think Andrew Marc is poised for international acclaim as an all-American, well-priced brand with trendy leather classics.
WHAT’S NEW:
Lightweight leathers for Spring ’09 are spot on chic. Featuring the ruching, bold zippers (on cuffs), track stitching and piping details that are signature Andrew Marc details…we saw a lot of looks we love for the ladies.
Motorcycle jackets for women are elegant and came in summery shades like coral red, and a yummy caramel shade with striking gold hardware. Not for Hell’s Angels biker chicks…though some versions (Collette, Alice, Florence) sport the hip asymmetrical zip front.
A nylon motorcycle jacket with the zipped collars- is an all weather option that we think is going to sell-out.
OUR FAV:
A “Florence” jacket with wide lapels, asymmetrical closures in white with mat gold grommets under the armhole-is a standout.
Iridescence cloth is used to winning effect…as in a wear forever trench and 'car-coat' length- that has ruched double wide collars, striking back seam shoulder details-and a neat bomber style buckle.
Totes, handbags and satchels are cleverly crafted and should make a big splash in the typical Andrew Marc retail outlets.
Inspired by the “Beatrice” double zip jacket with strips of leather-the Gallery Group of handbags in a hobo, tote, satchel and clutch shapes- come in bold colors (fuschia, tangerine) and easy blend in the wardrobe charcoal and tin.
Another group (hobo, tote, clutch) have fringe details-and of course, enough interior compartments for every electronic gadget we own.
The best selling contender, we think-belongs to the Motorcycle inspired “Adrina” tote-with a crossbody-foldover flaps, has double straps for ease of carrying, outer pockets galore including a hidden pocket –and lots of inner pockets to ban the hunt for everything.
FACTOID:
Andrew Marc’s stunning B/W advertisements are shot in color----then transformed by an in-house photographer who has been with the company 20+ years!
Chris Gbur- an articulate man-informed us he has “more freedom” with images when they are photographed in color. Casting-wise, he looks for models that “photograph well”—and the entire Fall '08 shoot is even available on YouTube.
COMING SOON: Shoes!
INFO:
ANDREW MARC