J. Crew Party, “Preppy Meets Hipster” & Not Your Average Easter Egg

Welcome to a Friday.  We are brief today because of the holiday, thinking most readers have better things on their mind than our fashion frou-frou.

We begin with a look at Wednesday night’s big gala at J. Crew, the event honored the Council of Fashion Designers of America/Vogue Fashion Fund. From WWD’s story about the party:

“The jovial spirit extended to the entire party, which feted the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, its 2010 winner Billy Reid, runners-up Gurung and Eddie Borgo and their limited edition collaborations with the multi-channel specialty retailer.”

Below we see Mr. Reid, he is amid fellow designers Eddie Borgo (L) and Prabal Gurung (R), as well as Anna Wintour.

Patrick McMullan via FashionEtc.com

J. Crew design heads Marissa Webb and Frank Muytjens were at the big do.

CLINT SPAULDING/PatrickMcMullan.com via Daily Front Row

Other gifted designers seen at J. Crew’s recently renovated Fifth Avenue store, Rebecca Minkoff (L), as well as Maria Cornejo and Sophie Theallet (R).

Below we see Ms. Wintour sharing a jovial moment with the designers.

Dario Cantatore/Getty Images

Billy Reid is the first of the three designers being showcased at the retailer.

Pieces from Mr. Reid’s collection are now available.

The popular retailer has quite a bit of new merchandise in stores and online. Below left we show the Tomboy Tunic, and the Barbour Antique Coastal Durham jacket.

There are also new pieces in the ‘Collections Dress’ line. On the left, the Oleander Lace Dress, the Gallerista Party Dress is on the right.

The company offers new features on its site as well.

J. Crew

Older features are still online, like Jenna’s Picks.

J. Crew

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The other big party in the city on Wednesday showcased Eddie Bauer’s fall collection. We loved reading Mara Siegler’s story about it:

“… the super hip crowd was treated to the short indie film Slanted and Enchanted and music by Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Nick Zinner and artist Nate Lowman. This seems…bizarre.

Maybe I am wrong about Eddie Bauer. While meant to be worn for outdoor adventuring, in my mind, it exclaims, screams, shouts in khaki pleated pants and fleece jackets, proud moms and dads at high school football games. Last night’s event was a far cry from your middle aged suburban night out.”

Mr. Zinner of the previously mentioned Yeah Yeah Yeah’s at work. (??)

Photo via Refinery29

Below, ‘it girl’ Hannah Bronfman (yes, those Bronfman’s), and on the right, pieces from the fall collection.

Back to Ms. Siegler’s reactions in her Guest of a Guest story:

“Obviously they are trying to re-brand as “cool,” and “urban,” and  their marketing team is on track when it comes to becoming associated with the right people. Whether it will work remains to be seen. We could be just weeks away from the Half Elastic Waist Weather Washed Chino Pants and Madras Plaid Bucket Hat being the new ironic Ned Flanders-styled look.”

The location was the very hip Milk Studios.

Refinery 29

We previously wrote about Eddie Bauer’s efforts to reinvigorate the brand here.

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We have a few more styles to show before wrapping up this spring’s Bridal Market, these are three of our favorites, all are by Carolina Herrera.

Photos Courtesy Carolina Herrera via FashionEtc.

Three by Vera Wang.

Vera Wang Courtesy Photos via Fashionetc.

It’s possible we have stashed away a few more wedding gown photos, but for the most part, those not fond of endless posts about bridal styles can breath a sigh of relief. For the most part. There is that silly little ceremony happening next week.

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We leave you with some amazing artwork of seasonal interest; while not what the youngsters will be looking for on their egg hunts, or what is in most Easter baskets, they are eggs nonetheless. The Beatles on Ed Sullivan.

John Lamourrane/Barcroft Media via The Telegraph

John Lamouranne is the man creating these amazing pieces from eggs.  Below, The Peanuts gang.

John Lamourrane/Barcroft Media via The Telegraph

Politicians and royalty make good subjects.

 

As do entertainers.

John

The Telegraph has images showing many of the most striking pieces; it’s good to see the artist knows not everyone is celebrating Easter.

Mr. Lamouranne also has an eBay store where he sells his work.

On that whimsical note, we send greetings of the season to all.

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Dario Cantatore/Getty Images (J. Crew Party)