For years, I have wondered what all the incessant fuss was about with respect to Prabal Gurung. Yes, his streamlined silhouettes have appeared on many a red carpet. Yes, American fashion magazines had an obvious love for his handsome visage and, well, his somewhat obvious, lady-like clothes. Oh, and there was that rather famous lady champion of his: the first lady, Michelle Obama.
Arguably his most notable supporter, Michelle put Prabal Gurung on the mainstream map (via her now-defunct relationship with Chicago-based retailer Ikram Goldman). Like Proenza Schouler, Prabal Gurung is not an easy name to remember, much less pronounce correctly, but Michelle seemed to wear his wares quite a bit, and the designer naturally received a good amount of attention in return.
Mostly, though, I’ve found his work a bit too reliable. A bit predictable. A bit, to be honest, boring.
His S/S ’12 collection, however, was an all-out revelation: an exciting, ebullient evolution. Sheer panels, vivid prints that were at once neither too passive nor too aggressive, harnesses (courtesy of Zana Bayne), and a palette as arresting as it was perfectly wearable. These elements made for a collection that took Prabal far from his comfort zone of red-carpet-ready eveningwear: he made a statement, and he made it loud and clear. (more…)
Mark your calendars, Boston fashion enthusiasts! The inimitably chic Daniela Corte is having her annual Sample Sale, at her brand-new Newbury St. flagship store. Get your shopping gear on (read: easy-on-easy-off-clothes-and-shoes, and seamless underwear, as always): it’s game time!
The sample sale will consist of: feather-weight silk blouses in an array of prints and colors, Corte’s signature pieces, including the perfectly-cut pencil skirts à la Joan Holloway, shimmery brocade capes to sleek evening gowns with down-to-there plunging necklines, because who needs baubles when your daring fashion sensibility does all the attention-grabbing? And always, there will be plenty of Sports Illustrated-featured swimsuits for your upcoming wintertime exotic getaway vacation. All merchandise will be up to 80% off, with prices mostly ranging between $20 and $50.
Move aside, Forever 21 and H&M: snapping up investment-worthy finds at Daniela Corte Sample Sale is much smarter shopping.
The sale event begins 12/9 (Friday) through 12/11 (Sunday). Store hours are 11am-7pm (Fri-Sat), and 12p-5p (Sun), held at 211 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116. For more information, call (617) 608-4778. Happy hunting!
Reed Krakoff has been at the helm of Coach for ages, guiding its (very successful) rebranding from a once art-house luxury leather company to… well, the brand behemoth that it is today.
Hardly surprising that the Creative Director of one of the world’s largest leathergoods companies understands the importance of detail, but his eponymous collection is such a departure from the rampant logophilia of his other endeavor that I am forced to wonder: really, the same dude? Behind both? But I digress…
His collection is decidedly understated: rich in texture and strong silhouettes, sans superfluous flashiness. In short, it is precisely the kind of collection I prescribe for my private clients. Wearable, refined, and unique enough to stand out without… you know, standing out too much.
A few current favorites, culled from my favorite online shopping sites.
Python Print Chiffon Dress, $1,460, at Nordstrom (more…)
Where have I seen these before? Oh, I know… IN MY DREAMS. These are from Ann Demeulemeester’s F/W 11 collection, where fur and feathers reigned, alongside explosions of leather corset belts. The collection as a whole deserves detailed attention, but for now let’s fawn over this sleek and stunning piece. Let your hands do the talking; these gloves have serious attitude!
To get the Goat Fur Gloves in your grip, find them at Farfetch.com for $1,897.
