When Preppy Goes Bad: Amy Winehouse Argyle & Twin Sets

Hello-Hello and Happy Friday!

Generally we like to do a bit of Friday Fun in this space on this day of the week, but we’re not clear if it is appropriate under the circumstances. The circumstances being this:

Courtesy Photo via WWD

You are looking at a sketch from the upcoming Amy Winehouse/Fred Perry collaboration, more specifically, the pink and black argyle dress. No, we did not start the day with a Bloody, nor did we ingest a handful of pharmaceuticals, these four words actually belong together.  Amy Winehouse Fred Perry.

The two entities have collaborated on a new collection to be launched this fall.

Word initially came in this Women’s Wear Daily story:

““Amy has been wearing Fred Perry for years, so we were aware she was a genuine fan of the brand,” said Richard Martin, Fred Perry’s marketing director…”

Here are two more sketches, including one look with the Perry polo shirt. In pink.

More from WWD’s story:

“In a palette of mostly black and pink, the 17-piece collection includes a girlish twinset; slim, thigh-skimming pencil skirts; capri pants, a mini bowling dress, and Fred Perry’s signature polo shirts (“collars are most definitely raised,” the press release effused).”

We would have put this in our “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up” category until we read all of the Women’s Wear Daily story, including this portion:

“Started 58 years ago as a sportswear collection by tennis icon Fred Perry, the company also has a history of aligning with music stars — such as Paul Weller and Damon Albarn — which has helped grow the label into a more mainstream, musician-favored streetwear brand.”

As is said these days: duh. Our old Fred Perrys are comfy in the closet (as they have been for years), and we are so out of touch we had nary a clue the brand was thought of as streetwear or hip in some quarters.  It matters not, we shall continue to wear the shoes until they have absolutely disintegrated, but we do feel woefully, tragically out of step.

As one might anticipate, the snark-o-meter is peaking in the red zone with this particular partnership. From Entertainment Weekly’s story:

“Preppy fashion company Fred Perry is sullying its tennis whites by doing a fashion line with Amy Winehouse. You read that right…Amy Winehouse.”

For the record, we do think Ms. Winehouse is an extremely talented young woman, we are simply surprised at the turn of events in the fashion world. (The Consort’s reaction to the news? “Tattoos extra.”)

Yesterday’s announcement comes just prior to the Perry collaboration with Liberty of London, launching in April.

Courtesy Photo via HypeBeast

While not exemplifying a preppy aesthetic, this is more of what springs to mind when thinking of a Fred Perry collaboration.

Courtesy Image via Selectism

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As we are speaking of Liberty, a reminder:

The Liberty of London for Targét collection launches Sunday (3.14.10), some items are now available online at the Liberty Mother Ship on the far side of the pond. We like the notion of Liberty/Target candles, like this Black Tea scented example; we also like the Dunclare Cereal Bowl, and believe both items qualify for our Pretty in Pink designation.

For more background on the partnership click here.

We would feel we were doing a lackluster job of things here if we did not also mention the cosmetic collaboration recently debuted by Liberty and M·A·C cosmetics. Below, selections from their Give Me Liberty line, now available at many outlets, including Nordstrom.

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Speaking of launches, the LL Bean Signature collection debuts Monday.

Courtesy Image

This is Bean’s highly anticipated line featuring more contemporary clothing and accessories. Below we show two looks originally featured in this post.

From Eric Wilson’s Times story on the new endeavor:

“…it’s not exactly as if Leon Leonwood Bean is trading his mocs for stilettos.”

In addition to the dedicated website one may also visit the Signature Facebook page.

LL Bean Signature

The Facebook site offers images from the new collection for both men…

Courtesy LL Bean Signature

And women.

Courtesy LL Bean

For those fortunate enough to be near the Tysons Corner store, the collection is already available.  We hope this does well for Bean, we do adore so many of their offerings.

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We leave you with a look at yet one more collaborative effort, this one involving Lilly Pulitzer.  The retailer has joined with one of our favorite products Barnum’s Animal Crackers to create a million specially decorated boxes of the tasty treats.

Courtesy Image

This is part of the Lilly Goes Green effort with a portion of sales proceeds going to the World Wildlife Fund.  It’s a fun play on words, as there is a Lilly Animal Crackers print, currently a popular choice for many of the Lilly Stationery items.

From all of us here at the Prepatorium, happy weekend!