HOUSE OF DAGMAR
STEiNUNN, HOUSE OF DAGMAR, AHSISH, RODEBJER, MAISE, M/M, MARGARITA SAPLALA, TOMOKO IGARASHI, DRAUGSVOLD, CANDACE ANG, IOSSELLIANI
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
Icelandic designer Steinunn Sigurðar is one of our favorite fashion designers. Her sophisticated textured separates and dresses, with elegant complex ruffled details, and architecturally intricate silhouettes are unique. The collections are made from sumptuous fabrics-found nowhere else- including her signature knitwear ---sourced from mills that span the globe. The collection is the essence of everything a collection should be… meaning handcrafted luxury that’s timeless.
We were very happy to see STEiNUNN’s Fall 2009 Collection at the W. 29th Street Showroom.
And added pluses…we got quick peeks at the other fashion and accessories’ lines that this well edited establishment carries.
STEiNUNN, as always, is inspired by the landscape of her native country…its plants, mineral rich volcano lava, and icy, frozen tundra. She also infuses this season’s collection with shots of stark blues from the sea and sky----with monikers “Petro” and “Lagoon.”
This collection deserves more retail outlets in the States…because exclusive consumers of high-end attire will appreciate STEiNUNN’s mandate to create “barbaric, feminine” garments that “…is (are) art that you wear.”
INFO: STEiNUNN
HOUSE OF DAGMAR is a youngish Swedish fashion house that got some Stateside buzz and love when they debuted during the 2007 Gen Arts/New York Fashion Week.
We lucked out that one of the three sisters that own the line, Kristina Tjäder, was on hand to show us the sexy collection inspired by the concept of “Protection,” (a common theme these days!).
We saw: voluminous woven knit tops to pair with tight leggings or super slim denim with sassy outer side zips the entire length of the leg, a woven corset dress, and sensuous flirty cocktail frocks.
“We don’t buy into the mantra of fearful…or the global malaise,” Tjäder observed. But, armor-type elements are melded into the line via metal chain straps and metallic knits.
We really liked the Gigi-esque blouson jacket, a draped, ruffle black knit dress (on the designer)… and a soft velvet mini.
Tjäder lived in Paris for four years… that helps to explain chic Euro-ness of the line.
That, and talent.
INFO:
HOUSE OF DAGMAR
Hot off the catwalk of a fun London Fashion Week Show- are the splashy sequins laden tops and “sporty” mini dresses by Ashish Gupta, an Indian designer based in across the Pond.
We have noticed the trend of wearing evening attire during the day…dialing down the oft’ over-the-top separates with casual pieces- for wearable daytime looks.
Looks for gals who want to get noticed!
Ashish’s creations can certainly fit this category with Bollywood sparkle and glitter galore…
RETAIL: Browns in London.
W29th also reps other lines including the edgy Scandic, RODEBJER collection by FIT trained Carin RODEBJER …
The bold digital flower prints that add some much needed color for Fall---by MARGARITA SAPLALA.
Aussie premium denim line MAISE-with a zipped ankle detail we covet…designed by Sydney livin' , former Topshop laborer, Claire Greaves...
AND totally new to us…the line M/M by Japanese designer Masayuki Marukawa---who has a timeless gray knit dress with an modern deconstructive vibe to it.
Jewelry lines at W29th ranged from one of a kind pieces by Tomoko Igarashi,
We could've have walked off with this statement piece by Pretty Young Things, a magnificent silver cuff (by Arlene Guerra).
Multi-strand necklaces and earrings from the affordable (and hip) A/W collection named “Blah, Blah” by DRAUGSVOLD- a Brooklyn based duo who scour their surroundings for vintage and found objects….
Fringed necklaces that pay homage to Hendrix and Sargent Pepper…from the aptly coined “Here Comes The Band” collection by CANDACE ANG…
And delicate gold bracelets and rings with reverse settings by IOSSELLIANI, a made in Italy collection…adorned with semi-precious stones, Swarovski rhinestones.
Our top picks from this line---are the skull cameos.
INFO: W 29th Showroom