"In the Market Report": Leopard Prints

Call of the Wild- BARGAIN!

Stella McCartney Resort 2013

Like stripes (the subject of my last blog click here ) leopard prints and patterns are perennial all time favorites beloved by designers and customers alike, and with good reason. They never go out of style; treated like a neutral, they really go with everything. The late great Carrie Donovan once observed: "leopard is like camel; only better"; used as an accent, or small touch, they can make a big impact and are completely seasonless.

Jamin Puech leopard printed raffia bag

Quite frankly, while one normally associates leopard with colder weather, I almost prefer it in the summertime, when it is perhaps a bit more unexpected. Leopard printed scarves, shoes, and bags, regardless of the fabric, are perfect year round, but I especially love their juxtaposition with denim (any and all washes including bright white). And really, is there anything that looks better with a khaki trench or safari jacket? A few of my favorite leopard printed accessories as of late: Jamin Puech's handsome, oversized leather trimmed leopard printed raffia bag, which was featured in Lucky Magazine, $485, http://www.jamin-puech.com/, is available at 14 Prince St  New York, NY 10012, (212) 431-5200.

J.Crew Janey calf hair leopard flats

Figue's (http://www.figue.com/) "Art of the Ruler" (love the name) silk and Shabano wool scarf in a leopard print design with bold black border and tassels on the corners is $395 and beautifully sized at 40" X 74". J.Crew's (http://www.jcrew.com/) leopard printed calf hair chunky heeled Etta pump, and low heeled Janey flat (its small gold metal heel makes it more interesting and far more distinctive than a typical ballerina) are reduced (from $350 to $249, and $298 to $239 respectively).

leopard printed straw clutch

But who doesn't love a real bargain? While I wouldn't call myself a regular customer at H&M, http://www.hm.com/, the popular chain known for its low prices and on trend merchandise, I will say that whenever I find myself near one of the stores (since they are conveniently located throughout Manhattan, that's quite often), I stop in. And I almost never lead empty handed (even if it's something small).

H&M bag in leopard printed thick weave cotton

 Coincidentally, my last 4 purchases have been something in leopard, with prices ranging from $12.95 - $79.95. The leopard printed straw clutch (6 3/4" X 11") has a flap and magnetic catch, $12.95; the large (51" X 59") printed leopard scarf with a black border is so versatile, it can be used a sarong, swimsuit cover-up, or a dress, depending on how you tie it; their roomy (13" X 20") leopard printed tote made of thick weave cotton has gold metal buckles and a detachable coin purse inside, $24.95; and their 100% cotton leopard printed collarless jacket may bear more than a passing resemblance to Stella McCartney's resort 2013 version, but at $79.50, you can't go wrong.
 

-Marilyn Kirschner

 

Michael Kors hosted Couture Council Event

Jean Shafiroff, Cindy Rinfret, Michael Kors, Jieun Wax,
Shelly Lynch, & Patricia Shiah
(Photos courtesy Couture Council)
CLICK ON IMAGES FOR LARGER VIEWS

Michael Kors last night hosted a private event at his Madison Avenue store (790 Madison Avenue) for members of the Couture Council of The Museum at FIT. Michael Kors is an alumni of the Fashion Institution of Technology and has been very supportive of the school throughout his career.

Liz Peek, Valerie Steele, Yaz Hernandez

As the 60 guests spilled into the Kors’ Madison Avenue store, the women all seemed to be on a mission to find an outfit from the collection. Before the Pre-Fall 2013 Presentation started Liz Peek (Chairman of FIT’s Board) introduced Michael and congratulated him on behalf of the board for upcoming honor. Michael Kors will receive the Artistry of Fashion Award at the annual Couture Council Luncheon on September 4th at the David Koch Theater at Lincoln Center.

2013 Luncheon Chairs - Jieun Wax & Kamie Lightburn

 A lot of the guests came to the event wearing the designer’s clothes. To name a few: both 2013 Couture Luncheon Co-Chairs Kamie Lightburn & Jieun Wax wore pieces from the Pre-Fall 2013 collection; Yaz Hernandez (Couture Council Chair) wore a two-tone contrast –Panel Ponte dress; Alexandra Lebenthal wore yellow zipper dress; Kay Facatselis wore a black Off-The Shoulder top; Nancy Shaw wore an emerald green featherweight wool shrug with a sleeveless Wool-Crepe dress.

Cindy Rinfret, Aundrea Amine, Nancy Shaw, Elizabeth Galt,
Nicole Reynolds, Jieun Wax, Emma Pennington, & Shelly Lynch

Other guests that attended included Kate Allen, Aundrea Amine, Deborah Chatman, Dina DeLuca Chartouni, Carole Divet Harting, Webb Egerton, Nikki Erlick, Jim Erlick, Landy Erlick, Paige Ethington Hardy, Olivia Flatto, Joele Frank, Michele Gerber Klein, Jamie Gordon, Catherine Gund, Celia Hegyi, Chiu-Ti Jansen, Laurie Kasowitz, Eleanora Kennedy, Lance LePere, Stephanie Loeffler, Julie Macklowe, Christina McInerney, Chesley McLaren, Laura Mitchelson, Roseanne Morrison, Peter Panagiotopoulos, Emma Pennington, Arielle Picheny, Barbara Prawolzik, Barbara Regna, Nicole Reynolds, Cindy Rinfret, Joseph Roloyn, Wilbur Ross, Hilary Ross, Jean Shafiroff, Patricia Shiah, Valerie Steele, Jacqueline Togut, Mary Turano and Debra Wasser.

Pre-Fall 2013 Collection

Michael Kors gave a 30-minute presentation of his Pre-Fall 2013 Collection about what inspired the collection. He also talked about what its means to true sport-wear designer. While explaining the 25 looks he also interjected with how the women could incorporate a piece of the look into their year round wardrobes. After the presentation Michael spent some time shopping with the ladies and gave some style tips on how to wear his clothing.

More about the Couture Council:

The Couture Council of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (MFIT) will honor Michael Kors with its 2013 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at a benefit luncheon at the David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, New York City. The event will be underwritten by American Express. As has become the tradition, this luncheon heralds the arrival of Fall Fashion Week.

The Couture Council of The Museum at FIT is a membership group dedicated to supporting The Museum at FIT, a specialized museum of fashion.  The Couture Council helps make it possible for the museum to mount world-class exhibitions of fashion, to acquire important objects for its permanent collection, and to organize public programs, such as the annual fashion symposium.  The Couture Council accomplishes these goals through collecting membership dues and by organizing fundraising events such as the annual Couture Council Awards Luncheon, which presents a chosen designer with the Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion.

Couture Council annual membership is $1,000 per individual or couple, or $350 for Young Associates (under the age of 35). Membership is tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Please make checks payable to the FIT Foundation. Mail checks to The Museum at FIT, attention: Couture Council, 227 West 27th Street, Director's Office, Room E304, New York, NY 10001-5992.

Members of the Couture Council receive invitations to at least five special events a year, including behind-the-scenes tours of the museum’s collection and exhibitions, opening receptions, and visits to the ateliers of fashion designers in New York. Couture Council members are also the first to receive notice of the annual Couture Council Artistry of Fashion Award luncheon.

Catherine Petree-Biron

Director of Sponsorship 

Jonathan Marder + Company 

D: 212.907.6484

M: 917.306.0865

In the Market Report: "Line Drive"

Marc Jacobs Breton striped fur pullover.

 I hate the word "trend" and I hate the notion of trendy. I feel these are words and concepts that are much abused, over used, and overrated. I'm old enough to know that everything old is new again and nothing is ever out of style. That being said, I can't fight City Hall. In  the world of fashion, there are so called trends, and then there are super TRENDS. They are perennial favorites that defy the vagaries of ins and outs and are always on fashion's radar (sometimes they are just more in your face, of the moment, and exaggerated than at other times). Case in point: stripes.

Audrey Hepburn in Saint James Breton

Whenever  I see this image of a young Audrey Hepburn in her classic Saint James Breton striped pullover, I'm reminded that there are some things that simply cannot be improved upon (though designers will keep trying- more on that later). I mean really, why would you wear a boring plain t shirt when you can wear a jaunty striped top? Certainly, it's easy to understand why stripes are always so popular. They are season-less, appropriate for all ages, and completely unisex (well, I guess everything is nowadays). They can 'read' classic, nautical, and preppy, as well as zany, fashion forward, and avant garde. They can be sporty and casual, or dressed to the nines. And for those who don't like busy prints or patterns, stripes are composed of clean lines, and in the best case scenario, are akin to modern art.

Chanel Iman in J Mendel at the Met Costume Institute Gala

Stripes have seemingly been everywhere,  especially since Marc Jacobs presented his almost entirely black and white, mod inspired spring 2013 collection, which was a study in graphic stripes. While he was not alone, his undiluted vision shown early on in the season, seemed to be THE defining moment. Not only were they seen all over runways for spring, but the ubiquitous sighting of striped clothing on men, women, children, pets, etc. both here and abroad, is testament to their ongoing popularity. While they are always a favorite, especially when  used for casual day wear, it's been hard not to notice that stripes have turned up (in one form or another), at many high profile parties and galas this season, including the Met's Costume Gala in celebration of 'Punk, from Chaos to Couture'.

Fan Bingbing in Oscar de la Renta Spring 2013
at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Chinese star Fan Bingbing made quite an entrance when she wore Oscar de la Renta's midnight blue and white striped strapless ball gown from Spring 2013, to the Oscars; Giovanna Battaglia could not have looked more perfect in her pink and black striped Christian Dior dress, which she wore to the dinner celebrating the new Dior boutique at Bergdorf Goodman;

Alexandra Lebenthal at the New Yorkers for Children's Fool's  Fete

Alexandra Lebenthal looked terrific in a vintage horizontally striped black and white jumpsuit which she wore to the10th Anniversary of New Yorkers for Children Fool's Fete at the  Mandarin Hotel back in May. Most recently, Katie Couric wore a graphically black and white striped short dress to a the Wildlife Conservation Society gala for The Wonders of Southeast Asia at New York's Central Park Zoo, and Beyoncé made the headlines last week, in Topshop's horizontally striped two piece knit ensemble. FYI, neither Alexandra, nor Beyoncé, looked like prison escapees LOL, and they did not look fat in their horizontal stripes, which many feel can be difficult to wear.

Giovanna Battaglia in striped Dior dress with Julia Restoin Roitfeld

And no, stripes are not showing any signs of letting up or  fading from fashion's view, if the resort 2014 collections, now under way, are any indication. ( Resort is a harbinger of spring, can we expect to see them come September.) There has been a hard to miss linear, graphic element, throughout many of the presentations and formal runway shows, and if anything, designers are approaching stripes more creatively, inventively, and artistically than ever. Stripes are turning up horizontally, vertically, and diagonally (sometimes in combination); they are sometimes mixed with other prints and patterns; they are being proposed for day and night; and while the combination of black and white reigns supreme, stripes in traditional navy and red, in addition to other colors, have appeared.

Thom Browne

Standouts include Marc Jacobs' riff on the traditional Breton striped top: he added embroidery to one elongated top, used fur to fashion an over sized pullover and short coat, and added striped fur pillows as a backdrop, as if to exaggerate the point. Thom Browne, (fresh off his CFDA Award for menswear designer of the year) imbued his signature and stellar haberdashery, and unique eye catching mixes, with a more feminine approach than in past seasons, and he was one who deliriously worked stripe on stripe, down to the great looking bags and tights. Narciso Rodriquez was in a relaxed mood and the collection, predicated on graphic combinations of black and white, utilized lines and stripes artistically: the result could not have been more appealing or chic.

Narciso Rodriguez


There was a hard to miss tom boyishness to Vera Wang's resort lineup, as exemplified by her silhouettes, and the group of black and white pin stripes with contrasting seersucker waistbands. Lisa Perry, a fashion designer known for her love affair with the mod 60's, is an avid and serious art collector, and she is always inspired by works of art. This season, her jumping off point was a Tom Wesselmann still life with its mix of primary colors. Her collection was one of the few to make use of bright colored stripes.

- Marilyn Kirschner