This week's Smart Buy, this uber-chic navy Chanel jacket, comes from one of Karl Lagerfeld's early collections for Chanel at the beginning of the 80's & its timelessness only goes to show you that good design never goes out of style. We love its 60's Mod-inspired shape & its curved pajama style side slits and think we'd have a hard time taking this piece off if it were in our own wardrobes.
80's Navy Chanel Jacket-$398
Our latest Accessory of the Week, this smart 80's era clutch/attache, may have a sweet tried-&-true vintage vibe but its sober, unadorned surface and clean lines make it a smart classic for many years to come.
While a majority of Dutch artist Erwin Olaf's body of work borders on bad taste, there's also a hefty amount of good work that we find inspirational. Check erwinolaf.com for more.
Blue and its countless iterations - navy, cobalt, sapphire, cerulean, aquamarine, azure, electric, royal, turquoise, midnight, baby, robin's egg, indigo - the list goes on -- is possibly one of the most universally flattering colors. The most variable, versatile and dynamic of hues, blue ranges from organic, soothing, delicate, to florid, electric, and intense and is capable of evoking emotions and memories both superficial and sublime. It is best used sparingly in certain cases and in other cases can serve to anchor a look or act as canvas to prints. Navy together with nudes & the ubiquitous makeup shades were a popular pairing for spring 2010, replacing hard blacks and metallics as a designer neutrals of choice.
We love his update on the iconic 70's era YSL white suit with its ultra-chic arm slits.
And this number with its sculptural shape & unfussy French frill is perfection, pure & simple.
Ricardo Tisci can do no wrong and his leather rucksack for Givenchy is something we can't live without.
This past May Venice lost one of its most prolific citizens, fashion designer Giuliana Coen Camerino, better known as Roberta di Camerino and the “queen of trompe l’oeil prints.” She was a fascinating woman and is considered to be one of Italy's first major fashion designers. Read more about her innovations and personal history at Irenebrination.
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From the haute 90's comes this over-the-top black vinyl Thierry Mugler sculpted cropped western-inspired vest that has a decadent fringed hem.
Another beauty from the 90's comes via Helmut Lang with his sheer metallic gold knit dress that has low-key padded, contrasting sleeves.
Maybe you are beginning to spot a trend? That's right, even Yohji Yamamoto once hopped aboard the fringe movement with this stunning cropped folded top piece that has several feet of languid fringe hanging off its hem.
And from Issey Miyake come these pale pink techno cargo flight pants that have a graphic oversized zippered rise.
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Our latest Accessory of the Week, this iridescent green cummerbund belt, hails from the early 90's and comes from one of the era's most influential figures, the often over looked Romeo Gigli. Let it highlight your figure over breezy summer dresses or use it to add humor to a classic men's inspired suit.
This week's Smart Buy comes from one of Pierre Cardin's iconic mid-60's Mod collections yet happens to be oh so au currant with it's clean shape & graphic key-hole cut-out. Pair it with summer's requisite tap shorts or take it into fall with the season's must-have wide-leg khakis as seen at Celine.
60's PIERRE CARDIN Iconic Key-Hole Knit Tunic-$364
Where on earth can we find these Michael Kors men's Capote shoes? They remind us a wee bit of the goodies Helmut Lang used to have up for grabs for men back in the day and we won't rest until we can kick our feet up in these beauties. Help!!!
-story Alex Frank
"Lately, we’ve been pleased to notice a number of labels showing clothes inspired by Gianni Versace in his silky sexy ’90s heyday. It seems like the time is right for bold prints, peacock colors and shapes that are sporty and relaxed but still somehow look impossibly fancy ($$$!!!). VagaBond NYC has gone straight to the museboard source and found fantastic vintage pieces from Gianni Versace’s reign, and the throwback results are as current as ever."
Pick-up on Spring's make-up tone palette in this decadent 80's Claude Montana chiffon wrap dress.
Channel Dries Van Noten's vivid Ikat prints with these digitally printed Ikat skinny dhoti pants.
Lighten your look with these Southwestern etched 80's era Ylang Ylang earrings.
And combat cool summer evenings in this 80's era Claude Montana convertible wrap sweater.
Indulge in fashion's omnipresent tribal mood with our latest Accessory of the Week, this handmade African shell necklace. Its three rows of crisp white shells are destined to add dramatic flair to any look year-round. Take it the ethnic route & pair it with tribal printed layers or let it pop against unexpectedly sleek, minimal garb.
We are once again happy to report that one of our favorite items, this audacious mid-80's gold peplum vest from highly-collectible British label Body-Map, has been snapped up by one of our favorite clients. Don't worry, there's more to come!
It's always a thrill to see what Alber Elbaz is up to at Lanvin and we can't wait to get our hands on these crystal paper weights, his latest spin on modern, indulgent luxury with an ever-so humorous twist.
Lanvin Crystal Paper Weights-$400 at MyTheresa.com
It's one thing to die at the age of 98 after leading a full life & being thought of as one of the world's most important living artists like Louise Bourgeois who just passed yesterday, so it breaks our hearts to hear that 35 year-old artist & multi-media designer Tobias Wong died this past Sunday. May he rest in peace...
