J. Crew Fall 2013 & Banana Joe

Hello-Hello & welcome to a Wednesday.

Despite being pathetically rabid moderately interested in fashion it has felt increasingly bizarre to chat about styles for winter as we approach spring, and looks for spring as we approach fall. Thus, we’ve not written much about Fashion Week, underway for several days now. Yet today seems like a good time to share a few images, we begin with J. Crew’s collection for next fall.

J. Crew Courtesy Photos

Tailored pieces ruled the collection.

J. Crew Courtesy Images

There were plenty of clean lines and elegant details. (Although yours truly refuses to even consider cold weather dress shorts of that length. Not happening. Ever.)

J. Crew Courtesy Photos

More from Women’s Wear Daily’s review:

“the… collection was one of the brand’s most vibrant, ornate and expensive-looking in a while.

J. Crew Courtesy Images

It’s always nice to see bright pops of color in cold weather clothing.

J. Crew Courtesy Images

From Fab Sugar’s writeup:

J. Crew turned it up to 11 for Fall 2013, thanks to creative director Jenna Lyons’s deft touch with color and pattern mixing. Neon citron mingled with bubblegum pink, while a clean Winter-white sweater and pants provided a palate cleanser.

The just-mentioned winter whites. (Is it me, or does the image below left look photoshopped on the model?)

J.Crew Courtesy Images

And Fashionista‘s review:

The retailer’s fall 2013 collection was so rich in saturated jewel tones, so boldly printed, so unabashedly covered in shimmering embellishments, it was truly eye candy.

J. Crew Courtesy Images

Some of the richer colors actually popped more in pictures shot by the fashion media than in the images released by Crew.

Steve Eichner/Women’s Wear Daily

The navy played nicely against the royal blue and teal tones.

J. Crew Courtesy Images

Back to Fashionista:

The retailer puts out a quirky, mix-and-match collection of looks that manage to excite the fashion set and the masses.

J. Crew Courtesy Images

More from Women’s Wear Daily:

After last season’s show, Tom Mora, J. Crew’s head of women’s design, took a big vacation and returned to his fall drawing board. “What to do? What to do?” he wondered. Luckily, he had been in Marrakech, where he observed the city’s colors, textures and stylistic mix of djellaba worn under tailored blazers. This mix-and-match ethos dovetailed seamlessly with what J. Crew is about…”

J. Crew Courtesy Images

The Moroccan influences are easy to see in these looks.

J. Crew Courtesy Images

As has become the norm with Crew, there were several pieces that held promise, others were just too fashion forward for someone like your trusty scribe, prone to embracing her inner frump. (Heh-Heh-Heh.) Or perhaps I’m just too fixated on springtime styles from Crew, like the fresh crop of cashmere.

J. Crew

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We also have a fast glance at styles from Carolina Herrera.

There was very much a forties vibe to the collection.

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Also today, a quick update on Monday’s post about the Westminster Dog Show. Last night the show’s big winner was chosen, and well… he’s not so big! Say hello to Banana Joe.

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Facebook Page

Banana Joe is an Affenpinscher. The breed has been recognized by the WKC since 1938, but this is the first year an Affenpinscher has won the coveted title. If nothing else, how do you not love a name like “Banana Joe”?

Brooks Brothers & Kate Spade Fall 2011 & “Swaddler of the Preppy Classes”

Hello-Hello!

We wrap up the majority of our Fall Fashion Week coverage with a look at two lines we love. We begin with the Brooks Brothers presentation for next fall.

PHOTO: John Aquino/WWD

There are some wonderful looks.  From the Women’s Wear Daily review (subscription required):

“Brooks Brothers wants to embrace another generation of shoppers and it’s quite evident in the fall collection…. refining the classics across men’s, women’s and children’s wear to broaden the audience without taking a 180-degree fashion turn.”

Part of the presentation was set against the backdrop of an autumn tailgate party.

(Love that argyle sweater.) Other pieces were styled in a clubby library atmosphere.

Our friend Christian at Ivy Style was on hand for the showing and has a outstanding look at the line.

Courtesy Ivy Style

A women’s shirt and sweater from the group.

Courtesy Ivy Style

From the retailer’s still-new Fleece line for children.

More styles for the Young Miss or Master of your palace.

Many of the accessories exude the timeless elegance Brooks is known for.

Black Fleece also continues its far “hipper” and trendier styles.

Via Black Fleece Facebook Page

The palette is primarily gray, brown and black.

Although there are a few spots of color.

Overall it looks like a splendid collection, there is a great deal we like. However… (cue the tedious whining) regular readers won’t be surprised to know that we will always take issue with this sort of thing:

Courtesy Ivy Style

It is just so unnecessary, particularly for a company with Brooks’ heritage and pedigree, and especially so when considering the quality of this collection. (Insert sad shake of the head here.)

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Next on our Fashion Week update agenda, Kate Spade for Fall.

Via ShopStyle

The bright colors that are such a signature for this line were evident from the start.  We are presuming the hemlines on both suits will be dropped by several inches once the skirts go into production.

PHOTOS: Kevin Tachman/WWD

Shoes sure to evoke cries of “Those are daaaaaarling!” could be seen in abundance.

Via ShopStyle.com

As always, the accessories looked superb.

Via ShopStyle.com

There were pieces in more muted tones.

PHOTOS: Kevin Tachman/WWD

And there are party styles, something this retailer does so well.

PHOTOS: Kevin Tachman/WWD

No one will be surprised that today’s Pretty in Pink comes via the company’s fall presentation.

PHOTOS: Kevin Tachman/WWD

More angles.

Some fabulous photos come via the Audrey Hepburn Complex blog.

Via Audrey Hepburn Complex

Audrey Hepburn Complex is also where we found some great detail shots.

We aren’t the only ones who love this retailer, here is a snippet from today’s WWD story about the woes that Liz Claiborne continues to face and Kate Spade’s role in the company’s future:

“…often painful effort to reinvent Liz Claiborne Inc. has produced a series of businesses that are bleeding money and struggling through turnarounds, and one breakout star that just might be the company’s saving grace: Kate Spade.”

And one more tidbit from Evan Hughes’ story about the company, with a quote from the CEO:

““Kate Spade can no longer be viewed as too small to matter for our company,” McComb told WWD. “The business is very profitable and strong across all channels, all product categories and in all geographies.”

He described it as a “very Web-savvy” brand striving to connect retail and e-commerce.”

We concur wholeheartedly with the assessment of Spade’s web prowess.

BTW, Kate Spade and Tretorn are on sale next week at discounting site RueLaLa, both sales begin on Monday.  (If anyone is in need of an invitation, just click here.)

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A few quick hits from lines we simply don’t have the time to review, beginning with the Marc by Marc Jacobs show.

Kathy Willens/AP via The Guardian

Mr. Jacobs created so many divine styles, we highly recommend looking at them over at Fashionologie or Style.com

Carolina Herrera staged a beautiful show.

Via The NY Times.com

Again, so much to see, so little time, visit Vogue or StyleList to see much more from the show.

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We leave you with a headline from The Observer that made us both chuckle:

Swaddler of the Preppy Classes Picks Flagship

Of course the ensuing conversation went something like this:

TC: Ummm, are you swaddled?

TPP: Evidently not, and from all appearances, neither are you.  Oh, the horror.

The story is about the new Lacoste flagship store, here is a teeny bit from the story just so you don’t think we made this up:

“Popped colors and lavender pants are already the uniform of choice on upper Fifth Avenue. It seems only fitting that preppy designer Lacoste has chosen 608 Fifth Avenue for its national flagship.”

(Do you think they meant “popped” collars?)

Because we are chatting about Lacoste & because we need to revel in spring fashions as opposed to fall (desperately so), here are a few images of the spring Lacoste children’s collection.

Lacoste

The entire group is shown on the company’s Facebook page.

Lacoste

One more scenic shot.

Lacoste

We hope we haven’t disappointed anyone by not having the Ralph Lauren fall collection in today’s post, we will carry that in Monday’s column. Tomorrow we have a special treat, an update from our Royal Correspondent, Queen Bee Swain.

Until next time, may the sun be shining on your corner of the globe!

Of Weekends and Wedding Gowns

Hello-Hello and welcome to an almost-here-weekend!

Today we have a lengthy commitment away from the Prepatorium of the volunteering kind, so the post is brief and focused on one topic.  As everyone is no doubt aware (how could you not be with the insane levels of media attention dedicated to the matter), there are nuptials of note this weekend; we planned (and still plan) little coverage of the event, other than what we have done with other notable weddings, a possible look at the fashions sported by guests and the bride’s gown. We do adore looking at pretty gowns and party frocks.

We *have* been surprised at the number of inquiries we are receiving about dresses worn by other high-profile brides, in particular the number of questions about Caroline Kennedy’s dress. (More about that in a moment) To answer those questions we have decided to look at styles worn by some of these more notable brides, beginning with Jacqueline Bouvier, upon the occasion of her marriage to then Senator John F. Kennedy.

Via BrideChic

The ivory silk taffeta dress took two months to make, requiring more than 50 yards of silk.

JFK Library

More on the gown from the JFK Library:

“It was the creation of Ann Lowe, an African-American dress-maker born in Grayton, Alabama, who had designed gowns for the matrons of high society families including the du Pont, Lodge, and Auchincloss families. Ms. Lowe was 54 when she designed the Bouvier wedding dress, which featured a portrait neckline and bouffant skirt decorated with interwoven bands of tucking and tiny wax flowers.”

Tricia Nixon was married while her father was president, so that event was a White House wedding. Her gown was by Priscilla of Boston, an establishment visited by yours truly when seeking a dress.

Life Magazine

Another President’s daughter wearing Priscilla?

AP Photo

Luci Johnson and Patrick Nugent are seen as they leave the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception; Luci’s sister Lynda, accompanied by the groom’s father, Gerard Nugent, holds the bridal gown train.

Style icon Grace Kelly’s wedding dress featured (among other things) exquisite lace, yards and yards of it.

The vision and designed for the gown came from MGM costume designer Helen Rose, it was actually made by the wardrobe department of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

The dress included rose point lace over silk faille and silk tulle, with seed pearls.

Another famous actress wearing a gown by Ms. Rose? Elizabeth Taylor, for her marriage to Nicky Hilton.

Princess Diana’s gown was immense.

The train alone was 25 feet in length.

There was a lot going on with this dress: the ruffled silk taffeta and lace gown also had enormous puffed sleeves, and decorated with hand embroidery and sequins. The gown was designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel.

The royal wedding most recently featured in this space was that of Sweden’s Princess Victoria in June.

Torsten Laursen/Getty

This gown was created by Swedish designer Pär Engsheden, and made of pearl white silk duchesse. (Click here for our “Gowns and Crowns” post with oodles of pictures.)

The next royal wedding on most fashionista’s radar? That of Monaco’s Prince Albert II to South African swimming star and style-setter Charlene Wittstock, seen below attending the Swedish royal wedding mentioned above.

Pascal le Segretain/Getty

We close with our favorite gown, that worn by Caroline Kennedy for her wedding to Edwin Schlossberg.

The gown was a Carolina Herrera design in white silk organza, with a rounded neck, short sleeves, and a twenty-five-foot train.  Note the bodice of the gown, appliqued with embroidered white shamrocks.

Why is it our favorite? Why are the shamrocks of interest?  Well, loath as we are to talk about anything personal (honestly, what could be more tedious?), we will share that someone you know (in a cyber sense of the word) wore the same dress for her marriage to the most wonderful man in the galaxy, the Consort.

As soon as we saw the dress we knew it was The One, and sliding it on confirmed our first instinct.  We had only one dilemma. You see, the gown did not originally come with shamrocks, those were created specially for Ms. Kennedy.  In our case the debate was a bit more challenging: shamrocks to honor the bride’s heritage, or tulips, in honor of the groom’s background?

Ultimately we opted for neither, going with the gown’s original floral embellishment, a daisy. And thus, “The Daisy Dress” was named, that moniker remains what we call The Dress to this day.

On that blissful note we thank you for popping in, and hope everyone’s weekend is simply delightful!

Target’s Next Designer, Party Pix & “Preppy Meets Parisian”

Hello-Hello!

THIS JUST IN: The next designer collaboration for Le Boutique Targét will be with British bag maker Mulberry, a Princess favorite. Below we show several bags from this season’s Mulberry lookbook.

Courtesy Mulberry

Women’s Wear Daily reports the collection will launch October 10. Most recently Mulberry has partnered with Apple on a collection of accessories; below, the Daria Mini Messenger for iPhone, one of today’s Pretty in Pink items.

Mulberry

This particular partnership probably has us more excited than any preceding today’s news, it shall be fun to see how the line looks come this fall. If interested in learning more about Mulberry, the Daily Mail ran a good backgrounder over the weekend.

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We have scads of party pictures to share (among other things) from last night’s big do, the CFDA Awards. For those in the business, this is one of the première functions on one’s social calendar. Below we see designer Tory Burch and Polo Ralph Lauren’s David Lauren in photos from Steve Eichner at WWD.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America awards honor a variety of disciplines; below we see Caroline Kennedy presented an award to Vogue fashion director Tonne Goodman. Diane von Furstenburg and Carolina Herrera looked elegant, as always.

Also on hand, Gossip Girl’s Ed Westwick and Alexa Chung. Do you think Mr. Westwick is trying to look fierce in the second image?

Another Gossip Girl talent attended Brook Shields appears to like Paper magazine’s Kim Hastreiter’s OMG necklace. (We do adore this publication, online and off.) Another Gossip Girl talent was in attendance, Michelle Trachtenberg.

We loved the Rachel Roy styles seen on both the designer herself (L), and model Hilary Rhoda.

Deidre Schoo for the NY TImes

We know some readers are fond of reality star Whitney Port; she was wearing David Meister.

Deidre Schoo for the NY Times

As is often the case, Thom Browne (of Brooks Brothers’ Black Fleece fame) dressed to impress.

Steve Eichner/WWD

The winner of this most popular designer was once again Ralph Lauren.

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In other party news, Brooks Brothers has been hosting fêtes in select stores as part of its launch for the Social Primer Bow Tie collection we previously chatted about here. Imagine our delight at seeing that two of our Mad Men faves were at last week’s party in Beverly Hills!

via Huffington Post

Harry and Joan Rich Sommer and Christina Hendricks were at the celebration, Mr. Sommer looking dapper in a bow tie. We can hardly wait for the show’s return this summer. July 25 to be precise. Not that we’re counting down the days to Season 4, nay-nay, not us. (Heh-heh-heh.)

Another Mad Men actress is busy, January Jones is the spokesperson for advocacy group Oceana’s work on saving sharks, and today is World Oceans Day.

Oceana

A timely issue, to be sure.

Finally in our little off-screen wrap-up for the M2 cast, Don Draper co-star Jon Hamm has also been busy away from the Mad Men, below he is seen at Saturday’s taping of the “Guys Choice Awards” with Bradley Cooper.

Christopher Polk/Getty

Samuel L. Jackson and Duane Johnson (who? never mind, The Consort advises us Mr. Johnson is a former professional wrestler) took part in the Awards, presented by Spike TV.

Kevin Winter/Getty

Leonard DiCaprio and Ben Affleck were also on stage.

From what we can glean in these photos, the actual award is rather distinctive.

It appears to be a set of antlers.

Kevin Winter/Getty

On behalf of Preppy 101 we want to share another shot of Mr. Hamm, this one with his antlers.

Chris Pizzello/AP

(Pssst, not that an elegant and refined southern lady like Preppy 101 would ever watch anything containing moments of crass commercialism and vulgar ostentation, but just in case you know of  someone who might be interested in such a display, the awards start at 10pm June 20th, on Spike.  Just in case.)

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In an effort to offer our cherished readers coverage carrying some shred or thread of a connection to things with a preppy theme, we offer the following from Front Row View’s coverage of Jason Wu’s 2011 Resort Collection.

via Front Row Fashion

The story is titled Preppy Meets Parisian,” here is some of Pamela Kingston’s story:

“…resort collection, shown at the St. Regis hotel, New York managed to perfectly fuse contemporary preppy garments with romantic Parisian glamour. Straw hats and strong tailoring added the preppy edge to floaty, shift dresses with dark feathered abstract print featuring all over.”

via Front Row Fashion

For more of this story, click here.

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Today next Pretty in Pink item is from the art world, a sculpture by artist Aaron Curry.

Kellie Honeycutt/Courtesy of the artist & Public Art Fund via T Magazine

Mr. Curry’s creations are part of an outdoor series of installations put on by the Public Art Fund. The original tip on this came via one of the T Magazine blogs, we extend our thanks to them.

Today’s final Pretty in Pink… and Green comes via Mulberry, the company’s Charm Ballerina shoes.

Mulberry

On that fun image we say g’bye until next time!

Additional Photo Credits:

• CFDAs: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty
• CFDAs: Andrew H. Walker/Getty

You Can Buy Princess Diana’s Famous Frock, Spring 2011 Bridal Gowns

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a combined Tuesday/Wednesday post here at the Planet.

We begin with news about one of Princess Diana’s most iconic gowns, this strapless black taffeta dress created by designers David and Elizabeth Emanuel.

The gown was worn by a 19-year-old Lady Diana Spencer for her first major appearance following news of her engagement to Prince Charles. Some found the design inappropriate. The dress criticism wasn’t as heated over the gown’s lines when seen on an upright Princess-to-be, as shown above.

It was this angle that really got tongues to tsk-tsk-tsking.

The UK’s Daily Mail has more:

“The gown – thought by teenage Diana to be the epitome of grown-up glamour, but one that left staid palace courtiers spluttering into their G&Ts – is set to fetch up to £50,000 when it comes up for auction in June.”

Some readers may recall that Princess Grace was at the function.

The infamous dress is not the only piece belonging to the late Princess being auctioned; 30 additional items from the Emanuel’s archives are also going under the hammer.  The lots are part of a June 8 sale at Kerry Taylor auctions, known for their textile and fashion design expertise.

Below we see the enormous tulle petticoat worn for the wedding rehearsal, as well as sketches of the wedding gown.

The auction valuations seen above seem low; we expect bidding to be much higher for these items.  To read more about the auction, click here for the Mail’s story.

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Speaking of weddings, we move back to the topic of wedding gowns as New York Bridal Week is just wrapping up.  We relish any opportunity to gaze upon wedding gowns, especially when created by some of the world’s greatest designers. Below, several exquisite gowns for Spring 2011 from Oscar de la Renta.

Here are two more beauties for 2011, these are from Christos.

The topic also segues into our recent conversation about contemporary wedding dress styles, and sleeves, or the lack thereof.  More specifically, we approach the ongoing debate over today’s designs and the seeming inability by many to confront a simple fact: not all women are possessed of a swanlike neck and décolletage flattered by today’s sleeveless styles.

Now, we’re not proposing young ladies be cloaked head to toe, or carrying the volume of material seen in this classic image.

But a spot of fabric can to a great deal to help out where the gene pool may have left off, so to speak. A good example of this is seen in the Christos gown on the left or the Melissa Sweet dress on the right. (Both styles are for Spring 2011.)

After all, not everyone is possessed of an elegant neckline, not to mention the upper arms, arguably one of the least attractive parts of the female body.

Princess Diana was not the only royal in sleeves on her wedding day, more recently married royalty also covered their shoulders.  Below we see Princess Marie of Denmark on the occasion of her wedding to Prince Joachim in May of 2008. Her gown was by a Swiss fashion house, Arasa Morelli.

Getty Images

In another 2008 royal wedding we see Italian actress Isabella Orsini following her marriage last September to Belgian Prince Edouard de la Ligne de la Tremoille in a sleeveless Gerald Watelet gown and lace jacket.

PHOTO: Life

Below, one of Oscar de la Renta’s more colorful creations for spring 2011.

George Chinsee/WWD

Sometimes the issue isn’t a bride’s neckline; it is the upper arms that present a challenge. Several of Mr. de la Renta’s ensembles leave plenty to the imagination, doing so in a more-than-elegant way.

To be clear, we are not opposed to the more revealing styles, we know many young brides who were simply stunning in gowns similar to these next two creations from Mr. de la Renta.

The placement of a wrap, a veil, a jacket can do a world of good. Below left, another Oscar de la Renta, and on the right, a Melissa Sweet gown.

Two shorter dresses from Priscilla of Boston collections that help disguise challenging body issues while also looking simply stunning.

For some a white or ivory gown isn’t the answer. In addition to those more standard colors, Vera Wang also offered gray and blush creations.

As previously mentioned, some of this week’s more glamorous gowns are not floor length. On the left, Jewel by Priscilla of Boston and on the right, an offering from Amsale, both of them breathtaking in their simplicity.

Also captivating, another Priscilla of Boston (L) and one more by Amsale (R).

Perhaps one of our favorite gowns was this treasure from Angel Sanchez

PHOTO: john Aquino/WWD

The other dress eliciting “ooohs” and “ahhhhs”, this Carolina Herrera concoction.

WWD

Such amazing creations, they are lush… and luscious.

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We have with a two quick bytes, the first an Adventure in Argyle via our electronic in-bin:

Paul Stuart

The colors look more like cotton candy on the beach than dreary men’s socks, but if interested in the latter, they can be found here.

The second item is a literary note, perhaps appealing to those fond of the Shopaholic books; the next installment is out this fall.

via Trashionista

Mini Shopaholic is slated for a September 16 release; more information may be located at Trashionista or Ms. Kinsella’s site.  Yours truly just finished one of the author’s books penned under her real name, Madeleine Wickham (Sophie Kinsella is a pseudonym Ms. Wickham uses.)  The Gatecrasher was thoroughly enjoyable; we highly recommend it if one is seeking lighter fare.

Besides, the pink and green cover art was irresistible.

Until next time, we hope your afternoon is bright and beautiful!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Vera Wang: George Chinsee/WWD
• Oscar de la Renta: George Chinsee/WWD
• Amsale: Kyle Ericksen/WWD
• Christos: John Aquino/WWD

The Times Tackles Harvard’s Preppy Clothing Line

Hello-Hello!

Are we recovered from the long weekend, or perhaps dragging just a little bit? We’re not ashamed to say that here at the Prepatorium we are more of the latter, remaining in denial about the seasonal transition.

Today’s topic involves something we first posted about back in early August: “Harvard’s New Clothing Line. Seriously.” The news was about the line of clothing the University has officially licensed, dubbed Harvard Yard.

Photos: Robert Mitra/WWD via Boston.com

Since that occasion there has been a multitude of coverage in all manner of publications, including the follow-up story published here, “About That Harvard Clothing Line…” That post looked at general reaction to word the school is selling its name, as with this story in The Globe:

“… last week, the news took on a life of its own, dividing the blogosphere into those who either love or hate the slim-cut preppy collection inspired by a New England collegiate look circa 1962.”:

Now the Old Gray Lady has weighed in, setting off a new round of salvos and slings.  The Times story “Crimson and Green” ran on Friday, heading into the holiday weekend.

“So more than a few brainy Cambridge brows began to furrow last month after word trickled out that Harvard had entered into a 10-year licensing agreement for a line of preppy clothing…(a) New England patchwork of tartan, seersucker and old-school plaids, the collection is to arrive in national department stores beginning in February, under the name Harvard Yard.”

PHOTO: DerrickGomez.com via NY Times

The primary criticism leveled in the story centers on the perception of Harvard as elitist, an image the University has been trying to shed. A 2005 graduate, Peter M. Conti-Brown, worked on efforts to “broaden Harvard’s appeal to students from poorer backgrounds” and he is quoted in the story:

““Every move to paste the Harvard name on symbols of prosperity, wealth, privilege and class erects a subtle, insidious ‘Members Only’ sign at the university admissions office,””

““We were going up against 400 years of history,” he said. “Without a doubt, licensing preppy clothes with the Harvard brand is a move in the opposite direction.””

In addition to offering more reactions to the planned apparel line, the story looks at today’s on-campus styles:

“A ramble through Harvard Yard this week, as students returned for a new academic year, revealed more bow ties, polo shirts and Lacoste crocodiles than one might find on the average college campus. But for the most part, today’s Harvard students dress however they like. The usual hoodies, jeans and flip-flops are common.”

PHOTO: Jodi Hilton for The NY Times

To read more of the Times’ story, click here.

PHOTO: DerrickGomez.com via NY Times

Perhaps one of the more fascinating stories on the issue can be found in the Crimson, “Harvard Licenses Brand for Preppy Clothing Line“.

“The clothing deal has amused many bloggers since it was first reported by the trade publication Women’s Wear Daily. Celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton asked: “why???” The IvyGate blog quipped: “You know Harvard’s broke when they start competing with Hollister.””

“Even the Chronicle of Higher Education couldn’t resist, and published a blog post called: “My Khakis Went to Harvard.””

The paper’s best coverage comes in the reaction from students, including a young man from the Class of ’11, J.P. Stilz:

“…a member of Harvard’s men’s polo team, and is playing the sport this summer in his home state of Kentucky. He said that he sees two sides to the clothing deal, some of which mirror challenges the polo team has faced. “I think it’s going to be bad for Harvard’s image,” he said. “We already have an image that all of our students are aristocratic, preppy bastards, frankly. So as an undergraduate student I’m kind of taken aback a little bit that that’s going to be happening, and I almost want to laugh at it.””

Again, click here for the Crimson’s story in all of its pithy glory.

Amazingly, NY Fashion Week kicks off this Thursday! We close with a few looks at last-minute preps, shown in this story from Women’s Wear Daily. Below, Carolina Herrera in her studio:

PHOTO: Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

Next, looks from the Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2010 line to be unveiled at the Hilfiger show September 17.

PHOTO: Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

We’re guessing the navy and white dress is meant to conjure images of nautical flags… ?

One of First Lady Michelle Obama’s favorites, Thakoon Panichgul:

PHOTO: Kyle Ericksen/WWD

And one of the masters, Oscar de la Renta with a model in one of next Spring’s confections.

PHOTO: Thomas Iannaccone/WWD

With this we say G’Bye until next time!

Barbie’s Fabulous 50th & Lilly Pulitzer Contest Reminder!

Hello-Hello and Happy Start of the New Week!

PHOTO: Timothy Clary/AFP

In yesterday’s post we promised more on the special Barbie Show at Fashion Week; we begin with more on those in attendance, including, a number of the social set. Below, Muffie Potter Aston and daughters, Bracie and Ashleigh Tatiana.

PHOTO: Getty

Also in attendance? The one-and-only Fashion Herald; we almost emitted a most-unbecoming shriek when we read her Tweets about it!

Next, the little ones gather backstage.

PHOTO: Patrick McMullan

For those unfamiliar with all the hoopla, in honor of Barbie’s 50th Anniversary this year, fifty designers created actual looks for the show. Below, Rachel Roy’s sketch…

Courtesy Rachel Roy

And the real deal, designed to honor the very first Barbie outfit.

Lucas Jackson/Reuters

Yesterday’s post really had a better shot of the special Christian Louboutins worn by every model walking the show; here is another look. (Not a terribly flattering shot, is it?!)

PHOTO: Stephen Chernin/AP

We retract a portion of the previous: not every model was wearing the Louboutin heels:

PHOTO: Stephen Chernin/AP

Those look like your basic Chuck Taylors to us, too cute! Now, we are guessing this next dress is the Diane von Furstenberg creation:

PHOTO: Imaxtree

It looks like the basic wrap dress… yes? And below, we are also guessing on the designer. The style seems very Tory Burch to us.

PHOTO: Imaxtree

Here is the Tommy Hilfiger sketch for his beaded white mini-dress, very “groovy,” don’t you think?!

And the real deal:

PHOTO: Imaxtree

Here is TP’s favorite unidentified look:

PHOTO: Imaxtree

Another unknown design:

PHOTO: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for IMG

Other designers we are fond of who participated in the show were Calvin Klein, Trina Turk and Bob Mackie.  Here is a closing shot of the models and their young escorts…

PHOTO: Thomas Iannaccone

A few notes on things related to all of the above:

• To see all of the incredible Barbie dolls dressed by Bob Mackie, click here.
• To read the Suzy Menkes story in the IHT about the show, click here.
• Trina Turk is having a sale online; we do not know about markdowns at brick and mortar retail outlets.
• Calvin Klein is doing 30% off select spring styles for the President’s Day weekend.
• The clearance sale at Tory Burch continues, with 40 – 60% off original retail prices.
• The Tommy Hilfiger Fall/Winter 2009/2010 collection shows on Thursday. Below, a few sketches from that group.

Courtesy Photo via the Telegraph (UK)

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We will share more from Fashion Week as appropriate and when time permits. Tomorrow’s dance card includes the Brooks Brothers Collection Preview (not a runway show, but at the Madison Avenue store), Carolina Herrera, and one of First Lady Michelle Obama’s favorites, Thakoon.

Before we dash, a quick reminder on entering our Lilly Pulitzer Stationery Giveaway:

Lilly Pulitzer Mix & Match Stationery

To win the Mix ‘n Match stationery set, just leave a comment on this post, or any other. To learn how to be entered more than once, click here. We will use Random.org to pick the winner tomorrow (Monday, 2.16), before noon!