April 13th, 2010
In a world where “basic black” seems to be the accepted norm for all things fashion, it’s nice to see a little burst of color every now and then. No one knows this more than designer Lisa Perry — a child of the 60s and lover of all things mod. Her inspirations run the gamut from fresh flowers to geometric blocks, and they come alive in clothing and accessories that are whimsical, vibrant and unmistakably modern. Launched in 2007, Perry’s namesake line includes clothing for women and children (think printed knit dresses and tailored jackets), in addition to accessories and home collections.
Perry was raised in Chicago, but graduated with a degree in Textile Technology from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. A collector of art and vintage knick-knacks, Perry’s fun and funky personality is infused into her designs, which feature clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic, off-set by a punch of color or pattern. Perry’s clothes not only add a little color to your wardrobe, but also a dash of style as well.
We asked Perry to take part in our exclusive online series about “things that never go out of style.” Here is her top ten list:
1. A handwritten note
2. An A-line dress
3. The Beatles’ music
4. A Hermes bag
5. Le Corbusier furniture
6. A smile
7. Cotton candy
8. Sending flowers
9. Levi’s
10. Paris in the springtime
Perry’s collections are available at Barneys New York and Colette (Paris), as well as in her flagship store on Madison Avenue. Find out more about Perry at www.lisaperrystyle.com.
Tags: Lisa Perry, Things That Never Go Out of Style
Posted in Fashion, Web Exclusives | No Comments »
April 4th, 2010
Johan Ringdal is the founder and creative director of SWIMS — a Scandinavian-based shoe line that updates the fearless galoshes. No longer just something you throw on for function, the waterproof shoes are now re-imagined in modern (read: flattering) designs, while maintaining their practicality (For spring 2010, the company is unveiling loafers and slippers to its collection). SWIMS are meant to be worn OVER your existing footwear, and they’re surprisingly comfortable to put on. In addition to a sturdy and stylish “cashmere rubber” upper, the inside is fitted with a smooth liner that makes it easier to put on and take off the overshoes, while simultaneously shining up your shoes underneath. In other words, you can take them off after you come in from the rain, though we wouldn’t be surprised if you wanted to leave them on all day.
Ringdal graduated from Parson’s School of Design in New York and, inspired by his grandfather’s passed-down galoshes, set out to “reinvent a classic.” SWIMS launched its first collection in 2006 and they’re now carried in more than half a dozen countries worldwide. They’re the type of shoe for people who aren’t afraid to step out into the rain — and into the world — wearing something that’s a little bit different, a lot practical and a lot of fun. We asked Ringdal to talk to us about some other “classics,” as part of our exclusive online series about “things that never go out of style.” Here is his “top ten” list:
1. The Swiss Alps
2. Decency
3. Cleanliness
4. John Lobb
5. The Notorious B.I.G.
6. Roland Garros and The French Open
7. A fireplace
8. Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged”
9. Hong Kong
10. A road trip with friends
SWIMS offers a wide range of products for men and women that include lightweight overshoes, raincoats, umbrellas and overcoats. They’re available in select stores and boutiques worldwide. Check out www.swims.com for more information.
Tags: Johan Ringdal, John Lobb, SWIMS, Things That Never Go Out of Style
Posted in Fashion, Web Exclusives | 2 Comments »
March 29th, 2010
Designer William “Billy” Reid’s story reads more like a gripping novel than a fashion editorial from the pages of a magazine. Born in Louisiana, his childhood was spent between two worlds: outdoors with his father and friends, and behind the counter at his mother’s clothing boutique for women. His college education would mirror this divide, with the PE major eventually pursuing fashion design and merchandising. After stints with Saks Fifth Avenue and Reebok (and a brief foray with his own fashion design and marketing company in Dallas), Reid launched his namesake collection in 1998 to rave reviews. This immediate success inspired the designer to move his studio to New York in 2000 and to add a women’s collection to the line. In 2001, “William Reid,” the brand, garnered the prestigious CFDA Perry Ellis Award.
But things turned sour after 9/11, when the entire industry began to experience some unforeseen unease, with consumer spending dropping significantly. With a lack of revenue and capital, Reid decided to shutter his brand. It wasn’t until 2004 that be decided to re-launch, this time, with the shorter “Billy Reid” as his collection name.
Billy Reid, now fully realized, is a collection with roots in a specific Southern past. Reid still designs his collection in Florence, Alabama and employs artisan factories in Europe and America to realize his dreams. The men’s and women’s lines both hark back to the days of working in the countryside and camping with friends, though updated with tailored cuts and patterns for 2010. It seems in both clothing and business, Reid is showing how he can take away lessons from the past, and use it to ensure that he’s around for the future.
We asked Reid to take part in our exclusive online series about “things that never go out of style.” Here is his top ten list:
1. Kris Kristofferson
2. A well-fitted navy blazer
3. Cowboy Boots
4. Levi’s
5. Aviators
6. Fried Chicken
7. Weber Grills
8. Good looking women
9. Friends
10. Antiques
Reid works out of his flagship shop and studio on North Court Street in Florence, AL. Additional Billy Reid shops include his Bond Street location in New York City, and locations in Nashville, Charleston, Charlotte, Dallas and Houston. Details at billyreid.com.
Tags: Billy Reid, Things That Never Go Out of Style, Tim Chan
Posted in Fashion, Web Exclusives | 2 Comments »
March 14th, 2010
Ana Lerario is the designer and owner of Lerario Beatriz – a beautifully feminine and delicate collection of printed tops, layered outerwear, and loose and flowing dresses and bottoms. Known for her intricate handmade details and embellishments, Lerario’s line is punctuated by fresh shapes and ethnic touches; it’s a staple wardrobe full of modern, sophisticated glamour for the city girl on the go.
Born and raised in Sao Paulo, Lerario attended fashion school in Brazil before moving to New York in 1998 to continue her fashion education at Parsons School of Design. That soon led to a job working with Marc Jacobs, where she was eventually appointed designer — a position she held for four years, working directly with Jacobs on his main line. Launched a few years ago, her namesake line (combining her last name and middle name) is quickly becoming a favorite among both elite fashion-watchers and the young, style-savvy masses.
We love both the vibrant spirit and the timeless look of Lerario’s designs and her clothes have been much buzzed-about among the Corduroy staff. (We have a feeling you’ll fall in love with them too).
We recently caught up with Lerario and asked her to take part in our exclusive online series about “Things That Never Go Out of Style.” Here is her top-ten list:
1. Dries van Noten
2. Sarah Moon
3. Velvet Underground
4. Tim Burton
5. House plants
6. Fresh cut flowers, espcially roses and peonies
7. Gabriel Garcia Marquez
8. Jock Sturges
9. Per Lutken glass work
10. Home cooked food from my childhood
Lerario Beatriz is available in select boutiques across the U.S. and in Japan. Visit www.lerariobeatriz.com for details. And check out some of the exquisite photos shot by Carolina Palmgren for the spring 2010 Lerario Beatriz lookbook below:
- TC
Tags: Ana Lerario, Brazil, Lerario Beatriz, Things That Never Go Out of Style, Tim Chan
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March 7th, 2010
Brothers Chris and Kirk Bray are the founders and creative team behind Billykirk, an accessories line founded on the principles of hand-crafted, classic, quality leather goods. The company’s name is taken from the short-form of Kirk’s full name, William Kirkland, while the company’s aesthetics were influenced by the brothers’ love of vintage, industrial, Americana growing up in the South.
The “Billy Kirk” collection began in 1999 with watch straps, and the line has since expanded into belts, wallets, satchels, travel bags and house wares. Their commitment to making beautiful, timeless goods make them the perfect pair to feature in our “Things That Never Go Out of Style” series here on corduroymag.com. Here are Chris and Kirk’s “top ten” lists:
Chris (on the right):
1. 35mm film
2. American-made tools, boots and folk music
3. Billykirk’s hand-stitched card cases
4. Brooks Brothers Seersucker suit
5. Chivalry (I am a Southern boy)
6. Grandpa’s old pocket knife and Zippo lighter
7. WWII stories of valor and unselfishness
8. My Gokey’s canvas and leather briefcase I got new in 1988
9. Signet rings
10. Monogrammed stationary
Kirk (seated at left):
1. White Jack Purcells
2. 1960’s Omega Seamaster watch
3. Early Stock Ford Bronco
4. John Stewart
5. Good fitting navy blazer
6. Motivation through hard work
7. Bonnie Prince Billy
8. “Catcher in the Rye”
9. Levi’s
10. Experimentation
Find out more about the brand and check out their latest collection online at billykirk.com.
- TC
Tags: Billykirk, Things That Never Go Out of Style
Posted in Fashion, Web Exclusives | 1 Comment »
