September 2nd, 2009
Evisu was one of the first premium denim brands to launch in the early 90s, introducing even casual denim wearers to the joys of Japanese selvedge, custom distressing and — the then-inconceivable — hundred dollar price tags. But the brand tapered off in recent years, lost in the gluttony of new denim labels that seemed to arrive on the scene every few months. Now the brand is poised to make a big comeback — and turning to a former industry rival for help.
This fall, Evisu re-launches with Scott Morrison as its new Creative Director and CEO. Morrison is a pioneer in the premium denim movement, better known as the founder of Paper Denim and Earnest Sewn. The new jeans retain Evisu’s attention to unique washes, hand-distressing and vintage influences, while staying away from unnecessary over-embellishments. Morrison has brought in a renewed focus on fit, with trimmer, more tailored styles and cleaner lines. As for the denim? It’s just as soft and comfortable as you remember, with the jeans put into a bath with an enzyme or stone wash giving each pair a unique look and feel.
The re-launch includes three collections for men and women: the Evisu Genes line, with prices ranging from $150 to $198, an Evisu signature line, with prices at $198 to $265, and — if you’re willing to fork over the money — a “private stock” line of replica-quality, one-of-a-kind hand-painted and numbered jeans that run up to $700 a pair. The jeans will be available exclusively at Barneys, before expanding to other stores later this fall. Details at evisu.com.
Tags: Barney's, Earnest Sewn, Evisu, Paper Denim and Cloth
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August 17th, 2009
We never thought we’d see the day when Vogue editrix Anna Wintour would set foot in a mall, let alone a mall in Queens. But for one night only, you and hundreds (okay dozens) of other Vogue fans and curious fashionistas alike will have a chance to not only meet Wintour, but get her autograph (and nods of outfit disapproval) as she hosts a signing with designer Michael Kors at the Queens Center Mall Macy’s. It’s all part of “Fashion’s Night Out” — a global event designed to promote fashion and retail in major cities across the world. In New York, more than 700 shops and boutiques will be keeping its doors open late on September 10th, with special appearances, giveaways and events designed just for the occasion.
Barneys flagship store on Madison Avenue and 61st Street will be transformed into a street fair of sorts, with appearances by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (promoting their new collection for “The Row”), as well as Marcus Wainwright and David Neville from Rag & Bone, Thom Browne, Narcisco Rodriguez and others. Stella McCartney and Armani are serving up cocktails and special discounts, there’s live music at Bloomingdale’s, karaoke at Kiehl’s and Opening Ceremony is hosting a “garage sale,” with Rodarte, Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler and Band of Outsiders selling goods made exclusively for the event, out of the back of custom cars. It’s the one time you can safely buy a signature Alex Wang handbag from the back of a dark van in Chinatown without feeling cheap and seriously illegal.
The entire list of participating designers and stores can be found HERE. In the meantime, we’ve already started planning our itinerary for the night. We’re thinking of starting out with a drink or two at Maison Martin Margiela and OAK, before heading over to Opening Ceremony for some shopping, a stop at Prada’s visual art exhibition and then winding down with a party at Pat Field’s. What are YOU most looking forward to? And who thinks fashion should have more than just one night out?
Tags: Alexander Wang, Anna Wintour, Barney's, Bloomingdale's, Maison Martin Margiela, Michael Kors, Opening Ceremony, Prada, Rag & Bone, Rodarte, Stella McCartney, Thom Browne, Vogue
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July 13th, 2009
They’ve been seen on everyone from Kanye to The Kills but we’re ready to claim a pair of these shades for ourselves. They’re part of the “SUPER” line, from an Italian-based company called RetroSuperFuture. We first spotted the regular pair of specs (sans UV shades) last winter at a tiny optical store in Toronto. But it’s the company’s line of sunglasses for summer that have really caught on with the general public. The shades are made from high-quality German ZEISS lenses, which feature high levels of UV protection and are strong enough to withstand all conditions. The frames, meanwhile, are a take on the traditional Ray-Ban wayfarers and can be customized in a variety of colors (neon blue, yellow and pink are all surprisingly wearable). Check out retrosuperfuture.com for more images. You can also pick up the glasses at retailers like Barney’s New York and Colette.
- TC
Tags: Barney's, Colette, Ray Ban, RetroSuperFuture, Tim Chan
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