Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Richard Spiegel & Casi Densmore-Koon
Co-owner, Rachel Paletsky, showed the collections in an easy format, 4 racks of designer clothes and shelves of accessory designers.
Our first chat was with STEPHANIE VERRIERES one of the designers of VERRIERES ET SAKO [The Sako portion of the equation had never been to New York, and was taking in some sights].
LYRA MAG: Was your inspiration more of the femmes fatales of the Filmes Noirs films as it was for fall?
STEPHANIE VERRIERES: We’re building on what we started last season, but incorporating more chiffon and colors than before. We’ve added midnite blue and surreal [teal] blue.
LYRA: Any new silhouettes?
STEPHANIE: We’ve done really well with the high waisted skirt that appeared in Sept. IN STYLE magazine. The skirt was one of the grouping of pieces made of the linen stretch we’re liking right now.
LYRA: What’s your favorite thing from your new collection?
STEPHANIE: Maybe this bamboo top with a bib because there are many different options on how to wear it.
GRETCHEN LEATHER GOODS – What a bag!
The vibe: the Bauhaus Inspired handbags are part of Anne Hofmann’s “Artist Series”. Ms. Hofmann is an established presence in the leather goods business and has a lot of experience under her belt. Gretchen bags are handmade in Italy, and you can see the handwork they’re famous for in the detailed stitching on the circular handbags.
The tones on tone green and purple bags are highly editorial – these kind of bright colors make for a great photo. There are plenty of colors to choose from as well as more muted black and cognac. They also have the added distinction of being highly saleable, retailing in the $300 – 800 range.
In addition to bags, there are driving gloves and belts to accessorize your spring wardrobe.
WHERE TO BUY:
Gretchen will be available in BIG DROP as of 2/15/09.
EYE-CATCHER – the Cleavage bag in tone on tone green
To see more designs from Gretchen, visit their official website,
www.mygretchen.com
BIONDA CASTANA FOOTWEAR
This luxury footwear line has already caught Vogue’s Andre Leon Talley’s attention enough so that he’s mentioned it in his “Life With Andre Column”. This season, there’s something for everyone, from black gladiator high heels embellished with studs for the downtown rock chick to café au lait patent leather peep toe sandals for the soigné uptown woman. This is absolutely a line to watch and keep on your radar screen.
To view designs from Edite’s showroom, visit their website,
www.edite.us