Editors’ Pick — Page 32

KAVI’s KAVI’s Take on Affordable East Indian Luxe

June 18, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

In case you haven’t noticed there has been an explosion of designers of East Indian descent that are making incredible inroads in the US ready-to-wear market. From Prabal Gurung, who has dressed First Lady Michelle Obama, to Naeem Khan, whose garments are a mainstay on red carpets, to the fashion-forward sophistication of Sachin + Babi, East Indian designers and/or brands that reference the rich traditions of the Silk Road are becoming the order of the day. Whether these designers infuse East Indian design aesthetics into their collections or their garments have that extra special something that is making Americans consumers stand up and take notice, it is all too obvious that this proliferation is not a passing fancy or trend.

KAVI KAVI is one emerging brand that has set its goal on capturing a US market. Designers Dipika and Ravika Gupta since their early childhood in Canada have funneled their love of fashion and design into career that has rendered success on the North American continent as well as in India. From 2005 to 2008 they showcased their collections at the L’Oreal Fashion Week and their garments have appeared in Elle Canada, Flare Canada and Vision magazines.

With their ‘Indian Royalty’ collection, KAVI KAVI looked to their Motherland for inspiration. “Because of our East Indian heritage, especially in this collection I was influenced by my trip to Jaipur—an Indian city that is thousands of years old and is called the princess city,” details Dipika Gupta. “Many European designers—Dior, McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent, and many others—have looked to India for inspiration; however, because I am from India, the culture is a natural expression of who I am. So, instead of having just a patina of the culture referenced in my collection, I have the beauty and history of Jaipur as an integral part of the collection while still making it modern and accessible to consumers.”

Though the collection does reference East Indian beadwork and embellishment, KAVI KAVI has kept the garments fresh and fashion-forward by subtly mixing the craftsmanship of East Indian artisans with modern textile technologies. “The sequins, or the bling, in my collection is my homage to Western traditions which I believe mixes well with some of the East Indian influences. I wanted to have that synergy between the East and the West funneled through a prism of modernity,” explains Dipika.

And with price points between $300 and $500, consumers will be able to have their own slice of ‘Indian Royalty’ in their wardrobe. “Though, I call my collection Indian Royalty, I still want a young consumer to be able to afford my take on luxury and have that experience,” confides Dipika.

Modern East Indian luxury clothes at an affordable price; hmm, seems like a win-win!!

For more information on KAVI KAVI, go to kavikavi.com.

—William S. Gooch

SHIVAN & NARRESH Marry Contemporary Beachwear Looks with Functionality

June 5, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

For their 2012 swimwear/resort collection, the Indian design team behind swimwear brand SHIVAN & NARRESH looked to the clean lines and logical geometric planes of the Bauhaus era evidenced in the work of abstractionist Wassily Kandinsky. SHIVAN & NARRESH’s Mosaic collection draws from the flat planes, delineated forms and layers of Kandinsky infused with an expressionistic color palette.

Known for their uses of bold color, attention to detail and structural silhouettes, in their Mosaic collection SHIVAN & NARRESH express their Bauhaus-era references through color-blocked, geometric shapes, linear silhouettes and monochromatic forms. This collection’s easy, form-flattering silhouettes in a variety of colors render an effortless, sensual summer style that is appealing to a wide age-demographic and figures. And many of their resort items can be easily dressed up for a night out on the town.

The brainchild of design duo Shivan Bhatiya and Narresh Kukreja , SHIVAN & NARRESH is the first Indian brand to present at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012 in Miami. They are also the recipients of the Swarovski Most Creative Designer of Year (07), and Marie Claire’s 2012 Best Emerging Designer’s Award. They also have the distinction of being the first mainstream beachwear designers creating 100% handcrafted, stitched-free beachwear along with ready-to-wear beachwear made of 100% Italian fabrics and complementing resort wear.

The design duo also brings a rich tradition of leather corsetry and accessories mastered at New Delhi’s National Institute of Fashion Technology, as well as design techniques learned while completing their masters at Rome and Milan’s Instituto Europeo di Design.

Awards and training aside, the real proof is in the SHIVAN & NARRESH product, which for the past few seasons has created quite a buzz and is injecting innovation and vitality into the resort/swimwear market.

SHIVAN & NARRESH ‘s resort/swimwear can be purchased at select boutiques and stores. For more information, go to shrivannarresh.com.

—William S. Gooch

Images courtesy of Leela NY

Editor’s Pick: Jia Collection; The Only Way to Travel

May 14, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

Are you always on the move, living out of a suitcase as you fly from one major city to next? Well, maybe you don’t live the life of an international traveler or jetsetter, but if you are thinking about going on vacation one of your concerns might be how to be chic and fabulous while packing fewer clothes. And you want to have room in your luggage for all those great items you find while vacationing in exotic locales.

Jia Collection has come up with a great solution to this conundrum. With an entire wardrobe that is reversible, Jia can shrink an entire week’s wardrobe into just three fashion-forward, chic looks. From great separates to easy, sophisticated knit dresses, Jia Collection is the go-to brand that combines advanced knitwear techniques with modern trends and construction. And with price points ranging from $185 to $380 there are lots of looks that can fit a variety of lifestyles and budgets.

Images courtesy of EFG PR

Who said you can’t travel light!!

Jia Collection is available online at www.jiacollection.com

—Earlean Suitte-Henderson

Scottish Designers Part 2: Eribé Knitwear Uses Color and Technology to Make Something Old New Again

April 30, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

How many times have you watched a Merchant Ivory film and marveled at the glorious Victorian tweeds and wools worn by the English aristocracy, as well as other characters in those films. These films have helped us Yanks fall in love with comfy wool sweaters and scarves with Nordic designs and fisherman patterns.

Well, that British tradition of great wools and knitwear has carried over into the 21^st Century. For over two decades, Scottish knitwear brand Eribé has advanced the art of Scottish knitwear by infusing new technologies and a wide palette of colors and hues not normally seen in traditional Scottish patterns and shapes. “We have been inspired by the British heritage of patterns that have been used in knitwear and sweaters in the British Isles for centuries. We’ve looked at all these traditional patterns and symbolic images that are indigenous to our culture and found a way to modernize these looks and stay on trend,” says founder and creative director Rosemary Eribé. “We do carry over traditional herringbone and fisherman patterns, but we have added explosions of color that you wouldn’t normally see with these patterns. By incorporating these new colors, we been able to add a youthful appeal to these traditional looks that hadn’t existed before.”

Rosemary Eribé’s love for Scotland and her campaign for the preservation of authentic Scottish products have caused her to make significant inroads in fashion communities in Japan and Germany that love traditional Scottish knitwear. “Germany and Japan are some of our biggest buyers. They love the feel of the wool and they love all the color that we have added. The Japanese in particular love our traditional designs and patterns and the luxuriousness of our cashmere,” details Rosemary.

While Eribé is a beloved brand in Great Britain, Japan and Germany, the brand has had to come up with some new strategies for the American market. “We have had to work closely with our markets because each market has a specific taste and point of view. Japan is more traditional, while the American market is much more commercial, so we’ve had to use more color and not as many patterns weaved together,” explains Rosemary.

Another one of those strategies is incorporating new technologies into their textile design. “We have carefully examined the use of technology and how necessary it is to fuse fashion with how people work and coexist. That said; we have come up with gloves that you can wear while you are working on your I-Pad or laptop. I-Pads and laptops are sensitive to human touch and the resistance between gloves and these devices prevents the user from working properly. Through our research we have weaved tiny fragments of metal in the tips of the gloves, so that you can work on your IPad or laptop while you have your gloves on.”

Eribé has also been involved in sustaining local communities in and around Scotland by employing local herdsmen to supply the raw material for its products. “We have eliminated a lot of the middle men and started to buy directly from the Scottish farmers and sheepherders, so that the locals get more of the profit. We are trying to get more involved in supporting economies and spreading the wealth, so to speak,” explains Rosemary.

Images courtesy of Eribe

Marketing strategies and advancements in technologies aside, the real proof of the brand is in the quality and market viability of the product. In its fall/winter 2012 capsule collection, Eribe has married style, authenticity and functionality as seen through the prism of elegant silhouettes and lavish textures.

Proof confirmed!!

—William Gooch

Emerging Designer Nicki Cozzolino Gets It Right

March 28, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

Emerging designer Nicki Cozzolino seems to have the Midas touch when it comes to creating chic, sophisticated garments that easily transition from day to night that are not overwhelmed by, but do acknowledge current trends. It takes a special genius to meld your signature look with current trends, and also satisfy customers who wants clothes they can wear at every jointure of their day. “My spring collection is really about lightness, fluidity and ease but carrying that lightness of being in and urban setting; clothes that can transition from day to night, still always looking fabulous. There is a big range in my clothes; there is always something playful, and some quirkiness. Overall there is an optimism to my garments; a lightheartedness,” explains Cozzolino.

Cozzolino’s spring 2012 capsule collection contains a wide range of separates and prints in fabrics that range from silk charmeuse and crepe to chine to double georgette and textured leather. “Ultimately, I design from the point of view that I am my customer. So I am designing pieces that I would want to wear at any point in my day. I might want to be casual on the weekend and wear shorts, but how does that translate into what I would wear at night. So I am always trying to answer these questions in my clothes,” details Cozzolino.

Cozzolino looked to the 1970s for inspiration for her spring 2012 capsule collection mixed in with clothes that have a fluidity of movement. “I wanted retro 70s [for this collection], but updated and always chic and sexy … I played on the high-waisted pants from the 70s with ribbon belts,” detailed Cozzolino. “I am a creature of comfort and that translates into my design aesthetic and fabric choices. One of the responses I get when people try on my clothes is the ease and comfort of the pieces.”

Images courtesy of Nicki Cozzolino

From extended crotch, yogi-inspired pants to great sophisticated, yet easy, tops, with this spring collection, Nicki Cozzolino has tapped into the needs of the modern women’s thirst for chic clothes that matches her contemporary lifestyle.

—William Gooch

Jones New York and Wes Gordon: The Perfect Match

March 20, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

Rising design star Wes Gordon has joined forces with mass retailer Jones New York to create a spring capsule collection just at the right time when consumers are shedding coats, swaddling scarves and exposing more skin. Approached by Jones New York after his triumphant and much heralded collection during New York Fashion Week in February 2011, Gordon’s distinguished academic and professional achievements, as well as design background, prepped him for his collaboration with Jones New York. “I grew up in Atlanta but when I decided I wanted to go to design school I knew I wanted to go to St. Martins in London, “explained Gordon. “ With the old, ivy-covered buildings and the great history of the school, St. Martins was like Hogwarts for fashion. It was an incredibly creative place to study fashion.”

With this collaboration Wes Gordon joins the long list of designers—from Anna Sui and Isaac Mizrahi at Target to Zac Posen, Missoni, Sonia Rykiel, and now Marni at H&M—who are collaborating with big retail chains. “Jones [New York] contacted me after my third collection and because my company is small, it was very easy to facilitate this collaboration. I learned so much in the process,” details Gordon.

Inspired by classic American resort wear, in this collaboration, Gordon stayed with a classic spring palette and motifs paired with an Asian influence. “We have classic spring resort wear in this collection. And you see those spring resort motifs expressed in our black, navy and white and lime color palette to summer striped motifs, to linens with an Asian aesthetic to make the collection more modern,” relates Gordon.

Price points range from lime sateen pants at $138 to jackets and blazers at $248 upward to $398. Jones New York/Wes Gordon spring capsule collection is now available in Bloomingdale’s and can be seen in the window of Bloomingdale’s flagship store in NYC.

—William Gooch

Images courtesy of HLGroup

For Acustom Apparel Necessity Is the Mother of Invention

March 19, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

Getting that perfect pair of jeans or a dress suit that is comfortable but well-made can be a challenge for any shopper, particularly if your body dimensions don’t fit the typical size charts. How many times have you tried on a suit that is almost perfect except it fits to snugly around the shoulder blades or fit a great pair of low-riding jeans that would be perfect, but they ride a little too low for comfort.

Acustom Apparel has come up with a digital body scanning device that may be the answer to your prayers if you are looking for exactitude when it comes to fit and comfort. Capitalizing on a dearth in the market for custom-made clothes that are accessible and affordable, founder and CEO Jamal Montagh is tapping into a much underserved segment. “The way fitting is done for mass market is based on how soldiers were measured for uniforms during the Civil War. Fittings haven’t changed that much over the past hundred years … Finding a pair jeans that fit well can be a big challenge for most women, especially if the shopper is curvy,” explains a spokesperson for Acustom Apparel. “Acustom Apparel saw a need in the market for getting precise measurements for custom-made clothing.”

Though the digital technology used by Acustom Apparel was not originated by the Jamal Montagh, Montagh has enhanced what was already used by high-end, custom-made brands. “We did not invent the technology. What we have done at Acustom Apparel is create algorithms and ways to create a pattern that pairs up with the technology that already existed. The technology we use involves scanning the body with light, when reflected off the body comes up with over 200 sensory data points which gives a pixelated image of the body without a facial image. These algorithms enhance the existing technology which enables Acustom Apparel to render a more precise fit at a less expensive price point,” explains an Acustom Apparel rep. An affordable it is!! Imagine purchasing a pair of custom-made jeans for around $200 as opposed to over a $1000 at more pricey stores and boutiques. The same applies for Acustom Apparel’s custom-made suits that run around $700 to a $1000 compared to other custom-made suits that cost upward of $3000.

Images courtesy of Acustom Apparel

Still, the proof is in the pudding. Though the scanning booth does conjure up images of Star Trek and Captain Kirk, the end product was superb jeans and stylish suits that fit well, at an affordable price. And for that corporate guy who hates shopping and has to wear a suit every work day, this is a great alternative. With one digital scan, he can custom order his suits online based on his exact measurements.

And there is one extra bonus, all manufacturing is done in the US!! —William Gooch

Editor’s Pick: Reformation and Spring & Clifton Collaboration Mixes Cali Surf and NYC Boho

March 12, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

Though we haven’t had much of a harsh winter, sun lovers still long for the ease and comfort of sandy beaches and that California dreaming, relaxed style. Well look no further, Reformation, known for its sophisticated, reworked vintage aesthetic, has joined forces with the relaxed Southern California style of Spring & Clifton. Though this is not a marriage of brands that immediately comes to mind, Michelle Zacks of Spring & Clifton is convinced that both brands complement each other. “I would say that our collective teenage years spent in Southern California played a role in the look of the collab. References include surf and skate culture, music, art, and downtown NYC meets SoCal,” says Michelle.

The combined aesthetic is evidenced in garments that marry baja/leather combos with reworked knits and tees. Though the baja/leather pieces are the core elements of this limited edition collection, there are some great reworked cashmere sweaters and vintage tees. This collection, perhaps, works best when mixed and matched with garments that you already own.

Images courtesy of SirenPR

For those who want eco-friendly, home-grown, stylish clothes, the Reformation and Spring & Clifton collaboration will be a great asset to your spring wardrobe. And with price points ranging from $85 to $300, this affordable collection is available online and at Reformation stores beginning in early February.

—William S. Gooch

GN Therapy Jeans Proves that Luxury and Eco-Friendly Can Go Hand-in-Hand

March 7, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

Eco-friendly fashion often conjures up images of granola, hippy dippy garments made of hemp and other biodegradable natural fibers that speak more to a more environmentally sound perspective than a fashion-forward sensibility. In other words, it is hard to imagine that eco-friendly clothes and a luxury aesthetic can be compatible bedfellows.

GN Therapy is proving that luxury points of view and an eco-friendly approach are not mutually exclusive. With prices ranging from $400 to $1600, GN Therapy jeans is tapping into that luxury consumer who wants environmentally friendly clothes that have a high-end approach to construction and design. “The GN Therapy Project was created out of love for the denim connoisseur, representing human kindness, compassion, affection and the daily lifestyle. With a desire to maintain creativity, our number one priority is to renovate the denim industry while preserving the gifts Mother Earth has bestowed upon us. Through Eco-Aging ™, we strive to make the developmental process of denim as “green” as possible,” says a spokesperson for the brand.

GN Therapy marries the principles of environmentally sound product with the luxury lifestyle. “GN Therapy is a lifestyle brand that appreciates the quality, time, and workmanship of true denim. GN Therapy also enhances social awareness while giving [consumers] the exclusive fashion lifestyle. This concept grew from the desire to be original, and the emergence of the green movement. Our unique process is about creating a one-of-a-kind garment that tells a story and is as unique as the person who wears it,” details a GN Therapy spokesperson.

Images courtesy of GN Therapy

With those thoughts in mind, GN Therapy through March 31 will hold an online fundraiser for the first pair of “Mojave Washed” jeans. The jeans will go to the highest donor and will be packaged in a custom box, complete with stock certificate, burlap bag, brush and flask with elements from the location. Donations to this initiative can be made at mycharitywater.org/gntherapyproject.

—William S. Gooch