More Mad Men Fashion, Needlepoint Belts go Hipster?

Hello-Hello, happy Thursday to everyone.

We begin today with news for All Things Southern and Preppy sure to elate most Mad Men fans, the show’s star, Jon Hamm, has signed a new contract keeping him on the show for another three years. Below we show Mr. Hamm with co-star Christina Hendricks at Monday’s Critics Choice Awards.

Christopher Polk/Getty Image

On a related note, there is word of another Banana Republic – Mad Men collaboration for a new collection. The Times reports this is going to be a sizable group of clothing:

“There will be 65 items in the so-called capsule collection, which are to carry co-branded labels bearing the logos of “Mad Men” and Banana Republic. The merchandise is to be priced the same as similar regular items sold in Banana Republic stores and on bananarepublic.com.”

Here are a few of the dresses.

Banana Republic via Fashionista

And some of the accessories.

Banana Republic via Fashionista

The Times story shared one of the marketing images for the upcoming line.

Via The NY Times

Once again social media will be used to boost interest in the collection, more from Stuart Elliott’s article:

For instance, fans of Banana Republic on Facebook are to get early access to a presale of the collection on Aug. 10, a day before it is scheduled to be available in stores and on the Banana Republic Web site.

These are my favorite pieces. By far. The suit on the left looks simply divine.

Banana Republic via Fashionista

There are also plenty of men’s styles in the collection, click here to see all of the photos at Fashionista.

As noted in the quote above, the “Mad Men” line launches in August, when show was supposed to be back on the air; contract issues have delayed the start of Season 5 until early next year.

“Executives of Banana Republic and Janie Bryant — the Emmy Award-winning costume designer of “Mad Men,” who is working with them on the merchandise — said they did not believe the absence of the series from TV would damp interest in the collection.

“It’s not that big of a deal,” said Jack Calhoun, president of Banana Republic, because “ ‘Mad Men’ continues to be relevant whether it’s on the air or not.”

While the BR President may not think the show’s absence will impact clothing sales, we believe it may negatively affect ratings, the show’s ‘relevance’ diminishes as time passes. There were already concerns the show wasn’t “as good” last season as in previous years, creating concerns for some about Season 5 getting back on track.  Being off the air, and off the mind of fans, makes it that much easier to say goodbye if the new season doesn’t deliver what fans are looking for.

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We have news of another collaboration to share, this one between the über-hip retailer Opening Ceremony and more preppily styled Tucker Blair.

Via High Snobiety

Tucker Blair has created a series of five belts for Opening Ceremony, here is more from Fashionista:

Comprised of five hand-sewn leather belts, this unisex line is totally wearable. One belt nods to Opening Ceremony’s international focus with a row of country flags, and another reworks the in-house label’s woodsy theme from resort 2012 into Vineyard Vines-style white bunnies on a black background. There is also a reinterpreted Guatemalan print in black, red, and yellow, a classic leopard print and a fluorescent chevron pattern.

The belts are going to run $110, they will be available starting July 15.

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Finally today, the annual Polo Ralph Lauren Wimbledon party was Tuesday night at the company’s Chelsea store in London. Below we see Boris and Lily Becker, as well as Poppy Delevigne, all wearing Ralph Lauren designs.

Richard Young for WWD.com

Tonight is the ‘really big party’ as we call it here at The Prepatorium, Elton John’s annual gala and fundraiser, we always enjoy reading about the goings-on at that function.

On that note we say goodbye until next time!

Tommy Hilfiger, Milly, Gant & Surfing Dogs

Hello-Hello, Happy Monday!

We didn’t get to post pix from all of last week’s shows at Fashion Week (the New York version) and we’re already well into London Fashion Week as we speak…yikes!

So it is time to play catch-up, recognizing many readers may have already seen some (if not all) of these styles. We begin with a brand that we always approach with trepidation; Tommy Hilfiger. (We fear one day we shall be attacked by a giant “TH” logo.) Below, the first two looks down the runway.

Classic lines in primary colors dominated the show.

Mr. Hilfiger is celebrating a notable anniversary, the company he founded is now 25 years old.

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Many of the styles were surprisingly attractive, certain to be stunning on those in the twenty-something age range. As noted by WWD (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription req’d.) in its review:

“…his spring collection was a shiny, happy ode to the genre that made him famous: preppy.”

Mr. Hilfiger packed the front row with celebrities; below Jennifer Lopez and actor Bradley Cooper.

PRNewsFoto/The Tommy Hilfiger Group

In his review, Eric Wilson at the Times wrote:

“This was a collection full of Nantucket red chinos and trench coats, ruffle dresses made of grosgrain ribbon and seersucker blazers. Very country club, yes, but it was awfully difficult to put your finger on what the twist was.”

A closer look at some of the accessories.

One columnist made note of the shoes, predicting the most sought-after next spring will be something akin to a “Sperry Top-Sider” on a platform.  (Ahem.)

Eric Thayer/Reuters

Other celebrities on hand for the show and/or the party following it, Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks and Jessica Szohr of Gossip Girl.

As mentioned in our post on the Ralph Lauren Spring 2011 collection, it is an unusual Fashion Week indeed when we find ourselves more favorably impressed by Mr. Hilfiger’s work, and underwhelmed by Mr. Lauren’s creations.

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Another line we were unable to get to until now, Milly by Michelle Smith.

PHOTOS: George Chinsee/WWD

This collection also used lots of primary colors, bright florals and geometric prints.

PHOTOS: George Chinsee/WWD

Frequent readers know we are fond of this brand, but the dresses above aren’t up to Ms. Smith’s usual deft touch; the placement of the abstract shapes is unlikely to flattering any size or shape.  Below, from opposite ends of the fashion spectrum, two of our favorite looks.

PHOTOS: George Chinsee/WWD

Chic, elegant and easy on the eyes.  In her story on the collection, Elizabeth Holmes from The Journal writes:

“If the name Michelle Smith isn’t synonymous with Blair Waldorf, it should be. The designer behind Milly knows the young uptown girl’s style from her headband to her heel, and showed that again with her latest collection, which must be bound for the “Gossip Girl” wardrobe department.”

Three more looks we love.

PHOTOS: George Chinsee/WWD

A closer look at some of the accessories for next spring, oversized handbags and chunky jewelry.

Some of the celebrities spotted at the Milly show included Tinsley Mortimer, as well as newscaster Natalie Morales, seen on the right with Michelle Smith, the designer.

This collection offered lots to like.

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Some may recall our recent post on the new womenswear collection by Michael Bastian for prep classic Gant.  We shared some styles in that post, but thought we would post a few more, these from the line’s formal Fashion Week presentation.

Courtesy Images via WWD

Most looks seem appealing, particularly for the younger set.

Courtesy Images via WWD

This shot includes some of the mens’ styles, we particularly like the novelty oxford on the far right.

Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images

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We close with something out of the ordinary, but something we think might put a smile on your face.

Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty

This weekend the dogs were in the drink as part of the annual Surf Dog competition.

Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty

From the Surf City website:

“The Surf Dog Contest includes Small, Medium, Large and Tandem Dog/Human Heats.  Other events include Best in Show Costume Contest, K9 Kayak, Hot Diggity Dog Expo, a 2-mile Woofin’ Walk and more!”

Tilly says her eyes might bug out too if she were on a surfboard.

Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty

And then there is always the problem with wave poaching.

Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty

It helps to have friends on board.

Mark Ralston/AFP/getty

The event isn’t just fun, it is also a fundraiser for several organizations helping dogs in need; the event page has more. Back to the waves, fierce determination seemed to be the order of the day.

Barry Bland via The Sun

For others, quiet dignity ruled.

Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty

And sometimes you just need to know when to get out of the water.

Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty

To see a slew of photos from the big do, click here.  How does this relate to anything preppy? It doesn’t. But sometimes smiles are more important than labels and today is one of those days here at the Prepatorium.

Until next time, we hope your Monday is sunny and bright!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Tommy Hilfiger: John Aquino/WWD
• Tommy Hilfiger: Getty Images via Fashionologie
• Tommy Hilfiger: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty
• Tommy Hilfiger: Michael Loccisano/Getty
• Milly: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for IMG
• Milly: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for IMG

The Times Reviews True Prep, Mad About Emmy Party Frocks

Hello-hello, we are clearly embarking upon another wild and wacky week here at the Prepatorium, how are things shaping up in your corner of the globe?

We begin with a look at one of the first big reviews for True Prep, this one from Janet Maslin in the Times.  Ms. Maslin begins with a look back at the volume preceding True Prep, TOPH, along with another classic.

“But much of “The Official Preppy Handbook” just codified widely known information about high-WASP habits and affectations. (It also borrowed from “Take Ivy,” a 1965 style guide published in Japan.) Its original readers, whether they were knowing or curious, were apt to be of boarding-school age or a little older. Now they’re pushing 50.”

PreppyPrincess.com

Above, that iconic cover of Take Ivy.

The review mentions some of the societal changes since TOPH was first published.

“Among the post-1980 phenomena with which “The Official Preppy Handbook” could not conjure are the Internet, the McMansion, the cellphone, synthetic fleece and the emergence of famous rehab facilities as today’s new boarding schools.”

Below, one of many illustrations in the book.

Random House/Knopf

As mentioned in previous posts (here and here), the book includes many contemporary brands and companies.  A few seen in the Casual Friday image shown above, LL Bean, Cole-Haan, and J. Crew (too much Crew); product mentions caught Ms. Maslin’s attention:

“Ms. Birnbach is best suited to the shopping guide and flagrant product plugs that are a large part of this book’s raison d’être.”

Overall Ms. Maslin’s review is positive, with appreciation for the book’s humorous style and efforts to update common topics. Click here to read the review in its entirety.

Also of note, this month’s Allure features a True Prep tie-in piece, our thanks to the Bellini Bunny for showcasing it on her blog. The story contrasts popular styles of today with styles back in 1980 when TOPH was published.

Allure magazine via the Bellini Bunny

For example, “Beauty Icons then” include Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, “Now” it is Gwyneth Paltrow. (Ahem.)

Also meriting a visit, Apartment Therapy’s “Waspy Whimsey“.

Apartment Therapy

Guerrin Gardner and Mat Sanders put together a wonderful styleboard inspired by the book.

For anyone interested in the schedule with dates and times for True Prep Book Tour events, click here; the link takes you to a page with all that info and more, The Consort the IT department put it together for the site.

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We quickly revisit some of last night’s fashionable (or not) moments at the Emmys. Below, three stars of Mad Men,  January Jones in Atelier Versace, Elizabeth Moss in Donna Karan, and Christina Hendricks in Zac Posen.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

Below, Sally Draper actress Kiernan Shipka at the event.

Here are a few of the Mad Men, along with the show’s producer, Matt Weiner.

Chris Pizzello/AP

Actor Jon Hamm and longtime partner Jennifer Westveldt both wore Armani for the big do, while Tina Fey opted for a stunning Oscar de la Renta gown.

Perhaps the most unusual dress was worn by Rita Wilson, seen here with husband Tom Hanks.

Michael Buckner/Getty

The dress and shoes were both from the Prada runway show, we don’t know who did the handbag.

We generally adore Ms. Wilson’s style selections, but this one just didn’t work; it was a classic case of the dress wearing her, not the other way around.

Actress Claire Danes was a knockout in Armani.

We leave you with two more images from last night’s festivities.

Until next time!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• AP Photo/Chris Pizzello
• Frazer Harrison/Getty
• Jason Merritt/Getty

Iconic Prep Brand is Coming Home

Hello-hello, how wonderful to see Wednesday already, here at the Prepatorium the week is simply flying by.

We begin with a look at a once-iconic American brand, GANT.  For those not familiar with the company, Michael Williams at A Continuous Lean describes it succinctly:

“The name GANT is synonymous with East Coast prep.”

Below, two vintage ads show the company’s signature item, the GANT button-down.

Courtesy Gant

Some readers may recall the custom described in the Urban Daddy post below:

“Gant even invented the locker loop—that little coat-hook-friendly strip of fabric on the back of your shirt that your high school girlfriend cut off your lucky oxford to let all your classmates know you were taken, and maybe even going steady. (You kept the loop, just in case.)”

The company has been owned by a Swedish firm since 1999, there are 300 GANT stores all over the world and the company recently opened a GANT Rugger store (on Bleecker); Rugger targets a younger, sportier demo. Below, a look inside the new store.

GQ.com

Here is an image from the company’s UK site, better showing the line’s classic aesthetic.

Courtesy Gant

The good news? Designer Michael Bastian is doing a GANT line for women, in addition to the GANT menswear collection launching this fall.

John Aquino/WWD

The women’s line is being introduced to buyers at New York Fashion Week next month. WWD had an exclusive look at the group in this story, here are two more looks from the Spring 2011 collection.

We have known about the upcoming launch for some time, but hadn’t seen any pieces from the collection until the story ran in WWD.

“For his first outing, Bastian didn’t turn his back on Gant’s preppy Americana roots. Instead, the launch collection is preppy with a sexy attitude, from a seersucker dress with lace overlay — “I thought it had a good-girl/bad-girl dynamic” — to a cropped and boxy shirt that could have come straight from a boyfriend’s wardrobe…”

Also offering a look at the upcoming products, this story from The Cut.

Courtesy Photos via The Cut

In their interview with the designer, Mr. Bastian was asked about his favorite designers.

“The designer I always reference in my head is Perry Ellis, back when he was alive. People forget that at his peak, he was right up there with Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. Calvin was always the sexy one, Ralph was classic, and Perry slid down the middle — a little bit cleaner, simpler, but still luxurious. No one has stepped into those shoes.”

We tend to concur with that assessment.

The men’s line debuting this month carries traditional lines and prep-positive motifs.

David Rinella via GQ

The brand is gaining traction in the US, below we see Rachel Bilson in a GANT blazer, part of a photo spread in Page Six magazine.

Sheryl Nields for Page Six Magazine

We look forward to seeing the complete women’s line during Fashion Week. For an overview of GANT’s history and heritage, click here. To see Mr. Bastian’s runway collection from this spring’s Fashion Week, click here.

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A few other Bits and Bytes:

• Chanel is using FNO (Fashion’s Night Out, Sept. 10) to launch a collection of khaki nail polishes, seen below.  (With apologies to our Facebook Fans.)

Courtesy Images via Teen Vogue

• We have an early look at this year’s Bergdorf Goodman Christmas ornaments, including James the Doorman. (True confession: despite their rather commercial nature, we have collected several of these over the years from varying retail emporiums. Oh, the horror.)

Courtesy Photo via WWD

• And finally, we love seeing London Fog’s fall advertising campaign, featuring Joan Hollo Christina Hendricks of Mad Men.

London Fog/Nino Muñoz via The Cut

With that elegant look, we say g’bye until next time!

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