HERITAGE HONORED + NEW CLASSICS FOR 2010
“OUT OF THE BLUE: SIMPLE SPORTY CHIC"
Bryant Parks Tents,
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week
Words, Judith Ecochard,
Images Courtesy of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and Lacoste/HSPR
We knew the staging of Lacoste’s runway fest was going to make the show upbeat and visually interesting…as Lacoste- via lead creative guru Christophe Lemaire, always manages to deliver fresh ensembles that are instant wardrobe favorites.
This outing, Lacoste “recalls the unforgettable photos of Jacques-Henri Lartigue who in the 1920s captured a generation of leisure…”
And for us, the tennis chic, Deauville theme, and reworking of the summer staples was set. Match game.
And no-brainer wardrobe attire for the fashion clueless too…like a lot of American guys we know.
The timing of the show, during the finals of the tennis tournament just a #7 subway ride away, the US OPEN…set the tone for the label founded by the French racket maestro René Lacoste…with a white runway/boardwalk in the otherwise pitch-black tent.
With a darkened tent and a stark white runway, the sound of the whacking of tennis balls was the prelude to a line of the terrific vintage feel tennis ensembles.
Then gals and guys walked the catwalk at a fast clip…and as usual, the editorially smart groupings largely…made the presentation visually interesting.
For men, the classics are always the springboard for eminently wearable blazers, polo shirts, trousers, and shorts.
We loved the horizontal stripes---in a crew neck, gray/white sweater and gray/white and navy/white polos…the former being our pick for the item most likely to be worn by the ladies in an over sized slouchy boyfriend way.
A white hooded anorak is another modern classic; cool enough in style for the male hipsters, and a modern classic at the same time.
Ladies got their version via cute hooded mini shirtdress in chambray/
Other’s women’s looks ran the gamut---from thirties inspired billowy long white skirt (accessorized oversized floppy hat), delicate blue/white printed blouses paired with elegant bloomer like shorts, cute onesies with pockets in bold colors, long striped polo tee dresses (reminded us the still wearing Perry Ellis designed Perry Ellis we still have from high school!!!), sleek jumpsuits, slouchy blazers,
And adorable gathered minis including a pleated white one.
What helps to make Lacoste so successful and not boring…meaning the Prepsters wear it as well as the savvy Gossip Girls type…is that there is always an element of sexiness in the collection.
A flirty sweater dress, a comfy pale blue/white striped dress, and cotton long sleeve tops with tiny front buttons---all sassed up with a plunging deep v-neck.
And we always like outfits with pockets.
COLORS: Special mentions to the “symphony” of blues including cornflower and deep turquoise, a lush emerald green...
and a sunny yellow--- a bright finale.
THE FOOTWEAR
We loved the open toe lace-upcanvas anklet boots that are like bumped up sneakers.
They were in a crisp white with navy blue trim, vice versa, PLUS all matchy matchy with the attire. Again, we had an eighties moment as we have a similar linen pair from a shoe fav of yore, Peter Fox.
Other canvas and suede wedges with peep toes,.....
and mesh and “hip-hop” style sneakers in the bold colors (guys and gals), and the staples--- black and white.
As are the Plage slip ons and jellies.
INFO: LACOSTE
