     
  
|
Burberry's Cheeky Checks Just when you thought Burberry couldn't possibly devise another way to show its signature checks, it does! At the Burberry Check Stop resort 2001 editor's preview, the classic pattern was given a sexy, fresh, young, and cheeky spin for both men and women. As it was a resort collection, swimwear and beachwear were the main focus. The plaid was shown in cotton- on thongs, shirts, jackets, blazers, clamdiggers, and shorts, and it was given a particularly modern and sexy look in lycra: on display were bikinis, boycut trunks, and sexy separates that could double as swimwear or sportswear. . The famous plaid was also used as piping and trim on a clear plastic poncho and raincoat (and as it was pouring rain, these items looked particularly fabulous to me!), thongs, and fun beach balls, as well as on dark blue denim. There were also terry cloth beach towels, made up in the familiar tan, black, red, and white plaid, as well as in newly brightened colorations. In addition, there was the surprise of a very 'unBurberry' graphic camouflage pattern in black, red, and white, which was done in both ready to wear as well as accessories . Going out the door, we were given Burberry shopping bags filled with an assortment of notebooks decked out in-what else? the familiar plaid, of course! I have to admit that because of the torrential downpour, I would have preferred to get that great clear plastic raincoat!!! ( View our Real Video streaming interview with Rose Marie Bravo, the CEO of Burberry, conducted for us by Grace Mirabella on our sponsor's site Retail.com right here! Marc's New Bag I recently went to Bergdorf Goodman to see the Marc Jacobs handbag line- which was just installed in its own space on the main floor. The small boutique is very 'Marc', with a few mannequins dressed in clothes from his women's fall/winter collection to give it the designer's signature. Suffice it to say that the bags echo his current fascination with the retro/vintage 60's and 70's. It is a concise collection, with everything done in polished calf, in solid neutral colors like camel, black, teal, navy, sienna red, and burgundy. The only exception are the few small pieces done in a shiny patent-like floral, which appeared in some of his clothing as well. (His floral 'raincoat' was one of the most adorable pieces on his line) Signature details are the utilitarian bold silver hardware: zippers, buckles, d-rings, as well as his use of multi-pockets. The shapes range from small wallets and wrist bags, to medium and large sized satchels, doctor's bags, and saddlebags (not a bowling bag in sight, thank God). Prices range from about $300 to $900, and my advice is: if you follow Marc's lead, and comb the vintage stores and shows, you will most likely be able to find versions of these bags at a fraction of the price! Painting the Town Red As summer gains full steam in the city, and the stores begin the yearly July ritual of clearing out the bathing suits and stocking up for fall, something hit me while making my shopping and browsing rounds. In the first place, I'm actually tiring of all the dizzying, often jolting color, funky ornamentation, and other jarring excesses. Not that I'm necessarily ready to go back to all black, or to boring minimalism, mind you. What looks right at the moment, and apparently, the fashion designers agree, is the color red: particularly when interpreted in clean, spare, and chic designs. While certain shades go in and out of fashion…('think pink' has been the mantra at various intervals, green, orange, and blue have all had their '15 minutes', and purple sometimes 'reigns'), red always resurfaces. Why? Well, because it's flattering to almost everyone, always makes a statement, and lets face it… nothing looks better with black, (or camel, brown, and white, for that matter)…it is truly a neutral! While window shopping on Madison Avenue, the message seemed clear to me: if you are going to buy one new thing, make it red (especially if its a red leather coat). At Valentino, where the designer's signature hue is red, the color was featured on the male and female mannequins in the windows, and a burgundy red patent leather belted coat caught my eye. (#59-60-61) At Dolce & Gabbana, red and black beckoned for both men and women as well, and a red leather trench looked particularly chic (#58). At Prada, red was also the unisex message-in the form of belted leather structured coats for men and women, and bags the size of suitcases. (53-54-55-56) At the newly completed Carolina Herrera boutique on 75th street, red was showcased as wool coats, dresses, suits, and of course, a red leather jacket was featured in the front window). (50-51-52). And on Bergdorf Goodman's 5th floor, red stood out in the form of chunky ribbed turtle neck sweaters (sleeveless and long sleeved), red taffeta jackets, red shirtdresses, and red pants, all by Kors, who made a major statement with this color on the runways of his fall/winter mens and womens collections. |
