Collaborations of a Preppy Kind (Ahem) & “New Prep”

If this isn’t a glorious fall day, we’re not sure what is; we hope yours is equally bright and beautiful.

We have all manner of collaborative partnerships to share, almost all with a prep slant. We begin with one involving a longtime Princess fave, J. Press, and Urban Outfitters.

NY Magazine

NY Magazine has more:

“J. Press, the preppy menswear label beloved by every Ivy Leaguer with Wall Street ambitions, has partnered with Urban Outfitters to make a line of sweaters, ribbon belts, ties, vests, and shirts. The collection features a tie in Princeton orange, a scarf in Dartmouth green, and a belt in Cornell red, among other collegiate-inspired items that are perfect for frolicking around the quad and spilling beer.”

Womenswear inclusion in a future J. Press collaboration would make us a very happy camper indeed.

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Next, a partnership we have previously mentioned, and one that has had us more than a tad nervous.

Fred Perry

Yes, it is the Amy Winehouse Fred Perry collection, definitely in the You Can’t Make this Stuff Up category.

Via

While the talented performer’s troubled history would make it easy to mock the line, the reality is that there are many appealing pieces, especially for those of us hopelessly lost in the fifties.

It is unlikely we shall acquire anything from the line, for as much as we like many of the items, we also recognize our limitations, knowing we would forever associate pieces with Ms. Winehouse and the frequently unfortunate circumstances she frequently finds herself in, despite her amazing talents.  However, it *is* an extremely fun group to graze, click here to do just that.

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Our next collection has received oodles of coverage, and we are more than a little late to the party on this one. (“Late to the party” being a teevee snooze news term referencing ‘old news’ ((yes, an oxymoron, we understand that)), perilously akin to ‘moldy oldie,’ news coverage that should not be allowed to float out over the airwaves.) Of course we are talking about the Lanvin H&M collection.

There are some amazing party frocks, among other goodies.

The Guardian has more, referencing Lanvin design genius Alber Elbaz.

“The collection, entitled Lanvin Hearts H&M, includes party clothes and accessories for women and men and, unmistakably, carries the Elbaz design signature.”

The line approaches “we’ll take one of each” levels. Unfortunately, the Prepatorium is not located near an H&M, and the company does not sell online in the US.

The word ‘droolworthy’ comes to mind.

How popular does H&M expect the collection to be? We go back to the Guardian for that answer.

“A spokesman for the brand said at the preview: “We expect it to sell out that day.” H&M will limit shoppers to two versions of the same dress in an attempt to prevent the growing practice of eBay flipping, but the spokesman admitted that it was impossible to control.”

We can see why.

After all, as we are wont to say here at Princess InterGalactic HQ, “Life is better with a bow.”

The collection launches November 23, to see all of the goodies, pop over to Vogue UK for the lookbook.  Sigh.

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Our final collaborative endeavor involves a perennial favorite, The Gap, and an unlikely partner, Valentino.

Via High Snobette

It is a very small line, only seven pieces, launching in late November, but only available at Gap stores in London and new Milan shop, as well as online at the super-hip Colette.

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We want to do what we believe is called a ‘shout out’ to friend and fab designer Kiel James Patrick.

Providence Journal

His hometown paper has done quite the spread on his growing company, describing his creations as “New Prep,” perhaps a surprise to Kiel, certainly an old school prep if ever we met one.  We love that the story points that it was Sarah Vickers, Kiel’s longtime partner and collaborator, who suggested he actually start the company.  (Go Sarah!)  We are proud to carry many of Kiel and Sarah’s designs here at the Princess, including KJP headbands and earrings.

It’s always nice to see good things happen to good people, especially these two.

The Providence Journal/Kris Craig

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We leave you with a quick Sales & Savings alert:

Polo Ralph Lauren

Polo Ralph Lauren is doing its “Private Sale” (don’t get us started on the ‘privacy’ of said sale), offering up to 40% off regular prices, as well as an additional 15% off the 40% off. Use promo code NOV0410 to receive the additional discount.  Also offering discounted goods, Bergdorf Goodman.

The retailer’s fall sale kicked off today.

Until next time, grins and giggles!