When nearly all of my favorite online boutiques stock the same collection, i tend to notice. 9 times out of 10, this designer is remarkable. Iosselliani is a collection of jewelry out of Italy, the brainchild of Paolo Giacomelli and one of my favorite jewelry designers at the moment. Giacomelli’s craftmenship and originality is a winning combo. His rings are particularly notable, they give a new name to stack able. Shop Iosselliani online at: Adele, Aloha Rag, Stels, Barney’s, Zoe, Otte, Jake, Language and La Garconne, enough to keep you busy…
Vena Cava at Anica
Birkin Tank: Originally $282.00, Now $141.00
Barracuda Dress: Originally $502.00, Now $251.00
Wood Wood at Creatures of Comfort
Ankle Pants: Originally $240.00, Now $120.00
Kate Coat: Originally $240.00, Now $120.00
Swedish designer Carin Wester has been making clothes for her eponymous line since 2004. I am particularly drawn towards her virtually unisex aesthetic and unique tailoring. Her pants were extra great this season. Here are some favorites from her spring ’08 lookbook, as well as her runway show. Can’t wait for the collection to hit stores. Meanwhile, you can shop fall online at Hejfina, Tres Bien, or in person by stopping by Opening Ceremony.
Hu’s Shoes is a high end designer shoe boutique in Washington DC. They now offer online shopping as well!! You don’t have to live by the White House any longer to enjoy their pickings from: Chloe, Chie Mihara, Jean-Michel Cazabat, Lanvin, Stella McCartney, and Repetto, to name a few…
Built by Wendy is one of the most recognizable names in independent fashion. Most people light up with the slight mention of the name, and have probably visited one of their 3 namesake boutiques, as well as their praise worthy online shop. Wendy Mullin, the driving force behind the label, took time out of her overwhelming schedule to chat about the impending season, her inspirations, AND what the future holds for her growing empire. SFers listen up, Wendy mentions you…Enjoy:
S.B: Before starting Built by Wendy in 1991, you worked at record stores I believe, and actually started gaining a lot of momentum for the line by selling your now famous guitar straps. Music must be pretty influential for you. Aside from your guitar straps, how do you incorporate music into your brand? Are there specific bands, albums or genres that particularly influence your design process?
W.M: I’m influenced by music as much as I am influenced by other things in the world like art, film, books, people, nature, etc as far as design goes. I would say the style that goes along with certain types of music and the things associated with it is what influences me more but only if that influence works with my other inspirations for a collection.
S.B.: You have worked on various collaborations in the past: From what I have gathered, you started a series of sewing books called sew u and served as creative director for wrangler’s specialty denim line. Any other side projects or collaborations in the works you are allowed to share with us?
W.M.: Nothing right now.
S.B.: You’re probably finishing up your fall ’08 collection, any hints you want to share? Inspirations, references, or underlying themes we can look forward to?
W.M.: It’s sort of the theme I have been working with for awhile. Kind of waspy old money east coat preppy, Swiss Family Robinson, Fanny and Alexander.
S.B.: Your Built by Wendy indie empire is expanding(we are very happy, the more bbw, the better) Do you have any plans on opening up additional stores in the future?
W.M.: I’m looking into SF. It’s so nice there.
S.B.: When you aren’t incredibly busy running Built by Wendy, what are some of your favorite past times?
W.M.: I spend a lot of time taking advantage of all the things NYC offers: checking out museums and galleries, movies, restaurants, shopping, rock shows, the usual stuff….hanging out with friends.
S.B.: When you aren’t dressed in Built by Wendy, who else are you rocking?
W.M.: I wear mostly BBW, so I usually only buy shoes and accessories and things I don’t make. Brands I like: Barbour, LL Bean, Ralph Lauren, Chloe, Isabel Marant, APC, Phillip Lim, Vanessa Bruno, Tsesay, Jil Sander, Marni, and vintage clothing.
Looks like Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen made a video lookbook as well…Watch the holiday collection for their higher end label The Row, as it gets dressed, and undressed to the sounds of Danny Fujikawa. Please excuse the DISGUSTING fur blanket: Click to watch you-tube video…
Shop The Row online HERE
I’ve written about Heimstone in the past, along with a few other fashion bloggers, simply because they are an amazing new designer deserving of much praise. In honor of their spring ’08 collection which hits stores literally any day now, here is a video look book they made a few months back. If every designer made a video like this each season, the world would be a better place.
Erie Basin is a jewelry boutique out of brooklyn. They stock a mix of contemporary and antique jewlery, with a focus on 19th and 20th century objects. Basin’s owner, Russell Whitmore, takes a curatorial approach to antique dealing and only features items with contemporary stylistic and cultural relevance. This past fall they stocked: Giles and Brothers, Natalia Brilli and Mary Preston, to name just a few. I can’t keep my eyes off this ring by Paul Deplassie IV.
