Vanessa Knox-Brien
CASUAL CHIC SEPARATES AND DRESSES
SOHO HOUSE, Meatpacking District, NYC
Thursday, October 9th, 2008 11:00 AM
Words, Images of 365 Collection by Judith Ecochard
We can see why Isabella Oliver, a label designed by Vanessa Knox-Brien, an American ex-pat residing across the pond (and co-founder Baukjen de Swaan Arons) has such a celeb following for their maternity wear. The stretchy jersey and crepe materials that are cleverly wrapped just so, sophisticated in sihouette… and bump friendly, cover an expected mother’s wardrobe needs…at reasonable price points.
The fit is genius…
How fetching the clothes are? Many gals wear Oliver’s clothes after giving birth.
In the book lined Library at the hip, Soho House…a press breakfast introduced media types to the Spring ’09 line.
Our favorite look is the chic Trapeze Trench in white and tan…with an invisible waist.
There is also a two new evening wear selections made of silk jersey: one with an empire waist…and another with a multi-wrap option that expands when a woman does. (In summery shades of insignia blue and white).
A full length, one shoulder Grecian Goddess gown in a one shoulder column dress is also knockout.
And the office ready crepe trousers, jacket and pencil skirt-can be accessorized with some glam jewelry-and work for after work excursions too.
The collection includes Oliver’s now signature wearable draped and ruched pieces…a black midi skirt in caviar black…and cap sleeve, wrap around top in caviar black, pure white, fresh green and deep sea blue.
ISABELLA OLIVER 365 COLLECTION
Later in the day, flutes of Champagne were sipped as Isabella Oliver's team hosted a presentation debut of her RTW for non-preggers…the 365 line.
Yes, the clothes lived up to the name of wearable every day clothes with panache. It actually reminded us of Donna Karan’s breakthrough collection of seven essential pieces.
As Oliver noted “…women want carry on, wearable clothes.”
We wonder if she has an architectural background because the separates will fall perfectly on many body types and are comfortable.
TOP PICKS:
This capsule collection features a trapeze trench (again, ties in front) “in a short length that plays off the volume.”
Oliver successfully freshens up our evening looks with versatile long dresses in silk jersey. Two yacht ready options are the winning multi-stripped navy and white tank and “Multiway” dresses.
“Multiway” tie as you like evening columns also come on solids (Black, Coffee, Insignia Blue) with wrapped waistbands/halter tops options that are instantly slimming or revealing.
Wearer chooses.
Long line jackets (to the knee) with bracelet sleeve lengths, and day-to-evening Multi Drape dresses (Black, Cranberry), are elegant work/night out choices.
And for casual wear, a cap sleeve jacket with matching cropped trousers are sweatpants tee shirt flip flop… easy to wear alternatives – but with decidedly more polished.
AVAILABILITY: ISABELLA OLIVER
All celebrity images in Isabella Oliver Maternity Wear courtesy of D2 Publicty