Friday, February 20, 2015

Ralph Lauren Makes a Statement Against Fur

Ralph Lauren Makes a Statement Against Fur:

A look from Ralph Lauren's fall 2015 collection show Thursday. Photo: Imaxtree
A look from Ralph Lauren's fall 2015 collection show Thursday. Photo: Imaxtree
By the end of Ralph Lauren's show on Thursday morning, I was starting to feel sick. If there's been a dominant theme on the fall 2015 runways, it's fur -- fox, mink, you name it -- and at Ralph Lauren, it looked especially animal-like, its uses especially superfluous, accompanying everything from outerwear to evening gowns.

Only it wasn't fur. At the bottom of the collection's show notes was a statement that read: "Ralph Lauren has a long-standing commitment to not use fur products in our apparel and accessories. All fur-like pieces featured in the collection are constructed of shearling."

Commendable, right? Not to mention impressive from a design perspective (we were all fooled!). Except that shearling, like fur, is made from the tanned hide and wool of a sheep (it helps to think of it as "sheep fur"), and sheep are slaughtered shortly after they are shorn.

I asked Ralph Lauren for further clarification. A spokesperson said the decision not to use fur was driven by a "humane concern" that has been in compliance with PETA guidelines since 2006. (A PETA spokesperson did not immediately respond to for a request for comment, but PETA's website frequently praises Ralph Lauren for its decision not to use fur.) The Ralph Lauren spokesperson added that the company only works with vendors that have been "totally certified that the skins they're using are byproduct [materials]." So, yes, that's commendable -- if not as commendable as, say, using only faux fur or skipping the look altogether.

Fur debate aside, Ralph Lauren's collection looked good this season. Lauren likes to build a collection around a place -- Russia, India, the Far East -- and as many reviewers have pointed out before, the effects can be a little costumey. But it did not seem that Lauren had a specific place in mind this season. There were certainly Western elements -- brown suede trousers and fringed bags, shearling jackets, ivory knits piled with yet more fringe -- but the hats read more safari than American West. The mix worked well; in the end, it simply looked like Ralph Lauren.



A look from Ralph Lauren's fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree
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A look from Ralph Lauren's fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree



A look from Ralph Lauren's fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree
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A look from Ralph Lauren's fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree



Ralph Lauren waves to the crowd after his fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree
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Ralph Lauren waves to the crowd after his fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree



A look from Ralph Lauren's fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree
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A look from Ralph Lauren's fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree



A look from Ralph Lauren's fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree
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A look from Ralph Lauren's fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree



A look from Ralph Lauren's fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree
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A look from Ralph Lauren's fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree



A look from Ralph Lauren's fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree
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A look from Ralph Lauren's fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree

Posted by Nelio Inacio at 3:02 PM
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The 7 Biggest Trends from New York Fashion Week

The 7 Biggest Trends from New York Fashion Week:

From left to right: Ralph Lauren, See by Chloe, M.Patmos, Diane von Furstenberg and Sally Lapointe
From left to right: Ralph Lauren, See by Chloe, M.Patmos, Diane von Furstenberg and Sally Lapointe
There was a common thread amongst the big trends that came out of New York Fashion Week for fall 2015, and it should come as no shock to anyone what it was: the 1970s. The cold and snow was a strong force this past week, but no match for the power of the decade over New York designers, and that is saying something because it sure was (and still is) bitter.

Facets of the trend managed to touch almost everything that came down the runway. Overexposure may beget exhaustion, but we're happy to see that many of the direct references to the decade were less kitsch and more chic.

The freezing temperatures were also a hot topic, but not only as something to complain about while waiting for shows to start. Designers were sympathetic to those braving the cold with lots of warm accessories, turtlenecks, fur, layering and general coziness. You'll notice that the trends followed these warm thoughts.

Scroll through for a breakdown of each one.

The '70s Live On

From left to right: Joie, ZImmermann, Karen Walker, J.Crew and Sea
From left to right: Joie, ZImmermann, Karen Walker, J.Crew and Sea
The '70s trend was apparent before fashion week even really started. Now, it's become ubiquitous. Talk about powerful.

Brownie Points

From left to right: Michael Kors, Altuzarra, Polo Ralph Lauren, Derek Lam and Rodarte
From left to right: Michael Kors, Altuzarra, Polo Ralph Lauren, Derek Lam and Rodarte
Brown tweed jackets threw some scholastic sophistication on looks from Altuzarra, Rodarte and Michael Kors, to name a few.

Foxy Lady

From left to right: Derek Lam 10 Crosby, Creatures of the Wind, Altuzarra, Gary Graham and Veronica Beard.
From left to right: Derek Lam 10 Crosby, Creatures of the Wind, Altuzarra, Gary Graham and Veronica Beard.
Vrai ou faux, fox was the top choice of a season full of fur. Often found draped around the neck in a stole (another incredibly popular accessory this season), fixed to a collar or in a caplet, it added luxe coziness to many a collection.

On the Fringe

From left to right: Ulla Johnson, Rebecca Minkhoff, J.Crew, BCBG Max Azria and Edun
From left to right: Ulla Johnson, Rebecca Minkhoff, J.Crew, BCBG Max Azria and Edun
Fringe appeared in dozens of collections -- ranging from Stevie Nicks-chic to something a little more modern. This trend rolled over from last season and has no signs of slowing down.

Culottes Still Cool

From left to right: Frame Denim, Victoria Beckham, Opening Ceremony, Tibi and Sachin + Babi
From left to right: Frame Denim, Victoria Beckham, Opening Ceremony, Tibi and Sachin + Babi
Another '70s staple, culottes experienced a resurgence this week. It's not too surprising considering gaucho pants got their groove back not too long ago, and they must have sold well enough for brands to continue making them.

To the Floor

From left to right: Creatures of the Wind, Zimmermann, Pas de Calais, Ryan Roche and Greg Lauren
From left to right: Creatures of the Wind, Zimmermann, Pas de Calais, Ryan Roche and Greg Lauren
Designers went to great lengths with duster coats this week; many even went full-on Mary Poppins by pairing the look with a wide-brimmed hat.

All Wrapped Up

From left to right: Babyghost, ADEAM, Victor Alfaro, Richard Chai Love and Hellessy
From left to right: Babyghost, ADEAM, Victor Alfaro, Richard Chai Love and Hellessy
Scarves reached gigantic proportions for fall 2015 in both fine and chunky knits. The look goes a long way to making us feel pretty comfy, just make sure it doesn't drag!

Posted by Nelio Inacio at 3:00 PM
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The Best Street Style From the Last Day of New York Fashion Week

The Best Street Style From the Last Day of New York Fashion Week:

W's Giovanna Battaglia. Photo: Kevin Kim/Fashionista
W's Giovanna Battaglia. Photo: Kevin Kim/Fashionista
The last day of New York fashion week featured some of the week's biggest shows -- Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs -- and the fashion crowd managed to save some of their best looks for last.  Smart layers, furry and metallic coats, stripes and polka dots, chunky leather jackets, and dashes of bright yellow and baby blue made for a strong finish to the week.

See the gallery below for our favorite street style looks from day eight of New York fashion week, and check back Monday for our roundup of the entire week's best dressed showgoers.



Lucky's Eva Chen. Photo: Imaxtree
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Lucky's Eva Chen. Photo: Imaxtree



Anya Ziourova. Photo: Imaxtree
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Anya Ziourova. Photo: Imaxtree



Manrepeller's Leandra Medine. Photo: Imaxtree
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Manrepeller's Leandra Medine. Photo: Imaxtree



Lauren Remington Platt. Photo: Kevin Kim/Fashionista
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Lauren Remington Platt. Photo: Kevin Kim/Fashionista



Annie Georgia Greenberg. Photo: Kevin Kim/Fashionista
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Annie Georgia Greenberg. Photo: Kevin Kim/Fashionista



Photo: Kevin Kim/Fashionista
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Photo: Kevin Kim/Fashionista



W's Giovanna Battaglia. Photo: Kevin Kim/Fashionista
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W's Giovanna Battaglia. Photo: Kevin Kim/Fashionista

Posted by Nelio Inacio at 2:59 PM
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Naomi Campbell and Her Famous Friends Kick Off London Fashion Week

Naomi Campbell and Her Famous Friends Kick Off London Fashion Week:

Annabelle Neilson, Naomi Campbell and Jourdan Dunn. Photo credit: Ian Gavan/Getty Images
Annabelle Neilson, Naomi Campbell and Jourdan Dunn. Photo credit: Ian Gavan/Getty Images
Naomi Campbell, like all of us, has had a busy week. After showing (and walking) part one of her Fashion for Relief charity runway shows and closing Zac Posen at New York Fashion Week (and making an appearance on the latest episode of "Empire," albeit with her name misspelled in the credits), the supe threw part deux of her star-studded Fashion for Relief show on the other side of the pond Thursday night.

Kicking off London Fashion Week, the original supermodel rallied an eclectic list of bold names to help fight Ebola by walking the runway. The notable line-up included Jourdan Dunn, Alice Dellal, Georgia May Jagger, Daisy Lowe, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson — and famous-in-Britain celebs like Katie Price, Alesha Dixon and Pixie Lott. (Oh, and socialite Annabelle Neilson for those of you who hate-watched Bravo's "Ladies of London.")

For the clothes, Campbell reached out to her very top-tier designer connections, including, Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, Azzedine Alaia, Balmain, Versace, Stella McCartney, Givenchy, Marchesa and Westwood, of course. Fausto Puglisi also contributed his double-leg slit dress made famous by Kendall Jenner last summer at the MuchMusic Video Awards.

The show looked like fun, with the Duchess breaking runway etiquette with whackadoo expressions,  Jourdan Dunn giving her best Miley Cyrus impression and Dame Westwood enjoying an assist down the catwalk from a male model wearing gold short shorts. Oh, and there was lots of high-fiving. Check out the highlights in the gallery below.



Georgia May Jagger. Photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images
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Georgia May Jagger. Photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images



More Georgia May Jagger. Photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images
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More Georgia May Jagger. Photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images



Daisy Lowe. Photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images
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Daisy Lowe. Photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images



Vivienne Westwood gets a lift from Andreas Kronthaler and a male model. Photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images
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Vivienne Westwood gets a lift from Andreas Kronthaler and a male model. Photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images



Naomi Campbell showing everyone who's boss. Photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images
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Naomi Campbell showing everyone who's boss. Photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images



Oh hey, Rupert Everett! Photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images
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Oh hey, Rupert Everett! Photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images



Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson doing her best Naomi Campbell. Photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images
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Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson doing her best Naomi Campbell. Photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images

Posted by Nelio Inacio at 2:58 PM
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Weed Is Becoming A Popular Ingredient in Beauty Products, IMG Scouts New Fashion Week Venues

Weed Is Becoming A Popular Ingredient in Beauty Products, IMG Scouts New Fashion Week Venues:

Look at all that weed. Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Look at all that weed. Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Beauty and the weed? According to Spafinder Wellness, cannabis is emerging as an ingredient in cosmetic products ranging from shampoo to anti-aging serum. The plant is high in fatty acids, vitamin C and antioxidants, all of which provide a number of benefits to the skin. {WWD}

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week has come to a close, as the automobile manufacturer sponsorship of fashion week has finally ended. With Lincoln Center out of the picture next season, IMG is looking for alternative locations to host September's shows. Though a decision has not been made, Skylight at Moynihan Station, Skylight Clarkson Square and a pier in TriBeCa are all being considered. {WWD}

Givenchy’s creative director Riccardo Tisci defends his friendship with celeb Kim Kardashian, stating, "I liked her a lot and we became friends. I got killed because of this. But I didn't care. That is a friend, you see." {Details}

Posted by Nelio Inacio at 2:57 PM
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Get Acquainted With Fall 2015's Most Practical Trend: Tights

Get Acquainted With Fall 2015's Most Practical Trend: Tights:

Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen: On trend since 2007. Photo: CW
Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen: On trend since 2007. Photo: CW
Not since Blair Waldorf ruled the Upper East Side have tights had such a moment. From colored stockings at Honor to sparkly and embellished pairs at Monique Lhuillier and Naeem Khan, to over-the-top knits at Proenza Schouler and Anna Sui, designers were experimenting with legwear this fashion week. Knee-highs also made an appearance at Charles Youssef, and thigh-highs snuck into Rachel Zoe and Tommy Hilfiger.

Tights and stockings might be seen by some as a detraction from one's over all look, but they can actually be a fun way to add visual interest if you're bundled up. Pull your thigh-highs over a pair of sheer tights for a chance to flash the tops of your legs without feeling risqué, or try a pair of knee-high socks over fishnets. Added bonus: this is an easy fall 2015 trend to cop on the cheap, since even drugstores carry novelty-style tights.

And the best part? They're practical. Come on you guys — I know your outfits are very cute and well planned out, but when it's sub-freezing temperatures, tights are just non-negotiable. When layered, they can even be warmer than pants.

Browse the gallery below for some inspiration from fall 2015 New York Fashion Week.



A fall 2015 detail at Proenza Schouler. Photo: Imaxtree
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A fall 2015 detail at Proenza Schouler. Photo: Imaxtree



A fall 2015 detail at Proenza Schouler. Photo: Imaxtree
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A fall 2015 detail at Proenza Schouler. Photo: Imaxtree



A fall 2015 detail at Diane von Furstenberg. Photo: Imaxtree
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A fall 2015 detail at Diane von Furstenberg. Photo: Imaxtree



A fall 2015 detail at Charles Youssef. Photo: Getty Images
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A fall 2015 detail at Charles Youssef. Photo: Getty Images



A fall 2015 detail at Banana Republic. Photo: Getty Images
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A fall 2015 detail at Banana Republic. Photo: Getty Images



A fall 2015 detail at Libertine. Photo: Getty Images
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A fall 2015 detail at Libertine. Photo: Getty Images



A fall 2015 detail at Libertine. Photo: Getty Images
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A fall 2015 detail at Libertine. Photo: Getty Images

Posted by Nelio Inacio at 2:56 PM
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Catching Up With Peter Som at His Debut Show for Blue Les Copains

Catching Up With Peter Som at His Debut Show for Blue Les Copains:

Peter Som with models in looks from his fall 2015 collection for Blue Les Copains. Photo: Imaxtree
Peter Som with models in looks from his fall 2015 collection for Blue Les Copains. Photo: Imaxtree
Peter Som was noticeably absent from the New York Fashion Week calendar this season -- his namesake line, that is. His name did pop up next to Italian label Les Copains' contemporary offshoot Blue Les Copains, where Som was named creative director about a year ago.

For the first time since Som joined the label, he held a presentation during New York Fashion Week, and we obviously went. The clothes were cute and wearable -- had the models not been standing and posing all in a row, any one of them could have been an attendee of the presentation. These were real-girl looks: leather pants, a shearling-lined leather jacket, cropped trousers, cozy wool pea coats and printed sweaters made up the bulk of the collection. It wasn't as bold or directional as what Som might have shown on the runway, but as he told us Thursday at the Standard Hotel's sun-drenched Highline Room, there was some of that Peter Som feminine sensibility mixed in. We also talked to the former Bill Blass designer about why he took the job with Les Copains and why he decided to cancel his runway show. Read on for our interview.

What was your starting point for this collection?

Les Copains is known for their great sportswear, their sweaters and their knitwear is really their signature so it was really starting from that and I was really thinking about a late '60s/early '70s sensibility. So it’s like great sportswear pieces but with a little bit of a rebellious edge.

How did this job come about and why did you want to do it?

I’ve known about Les Copains and I love the idea of, for the price point. Everything’s made in Italy and the quality is so beautiful and the fabrics are all Italian. To be able to work with them and the team in Bologna, and to go to Bologna too was great -- the food’s also fabulous -- it was just a great chance to work together. So we did two seasons where I was consulting on a case by case basis and this season we did more of a push.

Why did you feel it was important to show during fashion week in New York?

I think to do a presentation, a lot of people in the U.S. market maybe are not familiar with the brand as much as globally. So I think it was really just to show what the brand is and what it’s all about.

How do you feel this collection represents your own personal aesthetic?

I think for me it was about great sportswear pieces, wearability, which I don’t use that term lightly. It’s to have beautiful, crisp, streamlined clothes with a feminine touch and the idea of not trying too hard -- a great coat with a little flat shoe. I wanted this ease of dressing and I think that speaks to the brand’s heritage.

Why did you decide not to show your line this season?

We’re just doing some internal reorganization and we’ll be back in September.



A look from the Blue Les Copains fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree
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A look from the Blue Les Copains fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree



A look from the Blue Les Copains fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree
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A look from the Blue Les Copains fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree



Peter Som with models wearing the Blue Les Copains fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree
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Peter Som with models wearing the Blue Les Copains fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree



A look from the Blue Les Copains fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree
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A look from the Blue Les Copains fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree



A look from the Blue Les Copains fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree
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A look from the Blue Les Copains fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree



A look from the Blue Les Copains fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree
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A look from the Blue Les Copains fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree



A look from the Blue Les Copains fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree
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A look from the Blue Les Copains fall 2015 collection. Photo: Imaxtree

Posted by Nelio Inacio at 2:55 PM
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Karlie Kloss Rumored To Be Leaving Victoria's Secret, Maddie Ziegler's New York Fashion Week Diary

Karlie Kloss Rumored To Be Leaving Victoria's Secret, Maddie Ziegler's New York Fashion Week Diary:

Kloss walks the runway at New York Fashion Week. Photo: JP Yim/Getty Images
Kloss walks the runway at New York Fashion Week. Photo: JP Yim/Getty Images
Is she or is she not? Rumor has it Karlie Kloss will be leaving Victoria's Secret to focus on her other modeling endeavors and upcoming studies at NYU's Gallatin School of Individualized Study. When reached for comment, however, a rep for Victoria's Secret said that Karlie Kloss is still very much an Angel. So, who to believe? {People}

"Dance Moms" and "Chandelier" star Maddie Ziegler was tapped as Elle.com's official NYFW correspondent, getting the type of VIP access that, let's face it, most people of all ages only dream about. Click through her photo journal for some awesome snaps with Coco Rocha, Gilles Mendel of J. Mendel and Stacey Bendet of Alice + Olivia. {Elle}

Bella Hadid, younger sister of "It" model Gigi Hadid, is about to make it big. The 18-year-old, who recently starred in a Love magazine editorial with her older sis, has been cast in Tom Ford's L.A. show, according to Carine Roitfeld. Could Bella be Gigi 2.0? Only time will tell. {Page Six}

Jonathan Anderson of J.W. Anderson and Loewe takes The New York Times inside his workspace to discuss, among other things, being kept on a tight leash by LVMH and the process of creating a new collection. {The New York Times}

Before there was Kathy Griffin, there was Joan Rivers. And before Joan Rivers, there was Richard Selzer, aka Mr. Blackwell, the original red carpet fashion critic. From Elizabeth Taylor to Lucille Ball, few escaped this man's worst-dressed lists. Here's a look back at the style arbiter's career and influence. {Entertainment Weekly}

Homepage Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Posted by Nelio Inacio at 2:54 PM
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Shrimps Expands Beyond Coats for Fall 2015

Shrimps Expands Beyond Coats for Fall 2015:

Shrimps fall 2015 presentation. Photo credit: Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images
Shrimps fall 2015 presentation. Photo credit: Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images
At the Shrimps presentation today, it was almost impossible to tell who was a model and who was a guest. So many girls are sporting the coats this fashion week, Somerset House has become a veritable sea of faux fur.

Indeed, designer Hannah Weiland has gained her cult following at an alarming rate, cultivating immediate success that most young brands could only dream of. In our first five minutes there, we spotted Alexa Chung, Chelsea Leyland and Pixie Geldof springing into the presentation, all in matching Shrimps jackets.

The brand's signature '60s cuts could be seen in short blue swing jackets and longer dress coats with contrasting collars. Aside from the outerwear that the brand's become known for, Friday marked the debut of Weiland's first ready to wear pieces. Sweetness prevailed in the schoolgirl polo-necks and kilts, and corduroy skirts were tempered with a flash of PVC. Though the designer cites her inspiration as "'Star Trek' and the 'Wizard of Oz,'" the collection came with a hefty dose of '70s glam rock. Longline jackets sparkled in a silver lurex that David Bowie would be proud of, and shaggy lapels were a distinctly retro shade of orange.

These '60s and '70s influences are sure to appeal to Weilands's varied clientele -- when we caught up with her at the presentation she told us her customers range from girls in their 20's to women in their 50's. "My nana who's 90 wears hers everywhere!" she exclaimed. With such a wide fanbase, the brand has seen global sales rise already this year in the U.S., Asia, Russia and Germany as well as her well-loved U.K. But with a hoard of celebrity fans, and the backing of editors nationwide, it's refreshing to know that Weiland still sees her rapid success as "a big surprise. Huge!"

Posted by Nelio Inacio at 2:53 PM
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