BAND and BOY LOOKS FOR MEN and WOMEN
Lower Manhattan, NYC February 15th 2009
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
Scott Sternberg’s finely tailored suits have garnered a feverish following among a lot of guys we know-the ones with real jobs BTW---because the threads are polished perfect with a bit of American swagger. And fit beautifully with slim silhouettes fused with sharp American shoulders.
For this season-33 layered ensembles on models staged in amusing/ironic prop populated vignettes allowed for a leisurely stroll/look see in the spacious, sun filled loft. And IMHO…Band Of Outsiders nailed it.
The Band looks (for guys) has plenty of those terrif blazers/jackets- B of O’s signature pieces- including a nifty black worsted wool tuxedo jacket with a silk satin lapel (paired with lux grey shetland wool/cotton terry tuxedo sweatpants!), and a gray waxed cotton corduroy suit. Overcoats are handsome-we saw several winners --- a brown wool Donegal tweed car coat, a camel hair and grey wool overcoats (to throw over suits/oxford cloth shirts), and a navy wool melton toggle coat.
There are upscale separates for the leisure gentlemen too…in comfy fabrics like a washed denim workshirt, a rust cotton corduroy schoolboy blazer, and wool flannel trousers. Even the knit newsboy hats and guys’ shoes-Band of Outsiders for Sperry Top-Siders struck the right note about what’s the best of American fashion…comfortable, well-tailored sportswear without the fuss.
The Boy (women’s) looks were equally winning and should make this label a must on many retail buyers wish list.
Like the men, gals have some well made blazers/suit jackets…a black worsted wool double breasted blazer, a navy military style one, and a black/white/grey Donegal tweed wool/silk blend double breasted jacket with matching shorts.
There are some warm stylish sweaters too-available in several lengths…both long black cashmere…and shorter-a mohair blend cable knit sweater in a grey stripes, and a blue/green striped one with a backward v neck.
And we also totally appreciated the description: “Hyoni wears a mohair blend colorblock sweater…err…thing”
So well put.
Leather lace-ups stilettos in assorted colors made our mouths water…and no wonder…they’re by Manolo Blahnik for Band of Outsiders. Yummy.
We’re glad we made the trek downtown for this collection---and feel this label should have major legs overseas too. (If it doesn’t already).
BAND OF OUTSIDERS
