Fashion Week: Trina Turk, True Prep Party at Brooks Brothers

Hello-Hello, welcome to a Wednesday!

We have more Fashion Week goings-on to share, beginning with last night’s bash, the Brooks Brothers True Prep party.

Via True Prep Facebook

The festivities were at the Brooks mother ship on Madison, above, one of the theme windows.  The gala drew a big crowd,  as explained by Los Angeles Times writer Adam Tschorn in his blog post on the event:

“…the night’s stack of books had dwindled from 400 to just three in less than an hour, according to our madras-clad mole.”

Authors Lisa Birnbach and Chip Kidd were on hand, madly signing books and looking well, preppish in Mr. Tschorn’s photos.

PHOTOS: Adam Tschorn

Again, he describes the scene:

“The enthusiastic crowd took the opportunity to don its preppiest threads. As we arrived a a clutch of young girls in pink Lilly Pulitzer patterns spilled out the door, and, once amid the sea of Sperry Top-Siders, all-over embroidered trousers and navy-blue blazers made us feel like we’d fallen into our own version of “The Hot Tub Time Machine.”

For those recognizing Mr. Tschorn’s name, we have previously quoted from his stories in the Times, as well as his blog posts; he does a splendid job covering fashion and culture. It sounds like the True Prep special edition at Brooks Brothers (previously mentioned in this post) was quite the popular item. To read Mr. Tschorn’s piece in its entirety click here; it will make you smile.

The scene is likely to be similar this evening at the Vineyard Vines party in Georgetown.  That function gets underway at 6pm, showcasing not only the book and Ms. Birnbach, but also six new True Prep products.  We have previously shown the Vines tie featuring the book cover’s Golden Retriever, Henry; that pattern is also used on the new Vines True Prep tote.

NBC/Universal

Look for a fleece vest and several other co-branded items.

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Back to Fashion Week runway shows, a speedy glance at a label we love, Mulberry. We rarely feature apparel, generally we’re gushing chatting about the company’s handbags; here are a few styles from WWD’s brief review.

Any company willing to put a pooch in a picture or two will grab our attention; the photos are all by Pasha Antonov via WWD.

Nothing to make us gaga, but some lovely prints and stellar bags.

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Showing for the first time  in New York, a Princess fave, Trina Turk.  Some pieces were simply outstanding, with vibrant prints in rich, saturated colors.

This also held true for the menswear, making us wonder if this is what a marriage of Lilly Pulitzer and Loudmouth Golf might produce…?

As always, Ms. Turk presents some solid basics as well as pieces for fun and sun.

From the Women’s Wear Daily review:

“Trina Turk celebrated her 15th anniversary with her first New York presentation, offering pop prints and retro-infused wares with a Palm Springs attitude, including one-shoulder dresses in various lengths, airy knits and crisp shorts.”

We do enjoy much of Ms. Turk’s work, especially her home furnishings and accessories line.

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In keeping with our tradition of tracking those former faux-prep school students, we have a few Gossip Girl updates.  More accurately, out and about mentions.

Chris Trotman/Getty Images for ATP

Above we see US Open champ Rafa Nadal with Blake Lively backstage at the Regis and Kelly show yesterday.  The actress then headed to Boston to promote the opening of her film, “The Town”. Also at the Fenway Park showing of the film, Mad Men’s Jon Hamm.

What an amazing place to see a film!

With that, it is g’bye until next time, when we look at the runway shows taking place today, Ralph Lauren and Tory Burch, among others.

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Brian Snyder/REUTERS
• Bryce Vickmark/REUTERS

J. Crew to Open Online Outlet Store, US Open Styles Revealed

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a Friday!

Today’s first bit of news probably qualifies as Friday Fun, albeit not in the wacky genre, more of the “Oooh, this could be fun” kind of news: J. Crew announced yesterday they are going to open an online outlet store in September. Elizabeth Holmes at the Journal broke the story:

“”The New York-based clothing retailer is gambling that it can expand sales without cannibalizing demand for more expensive merchandise at its mainline stores. Apparel companies typically locate outlet stores in out-of-the-way malls, forcing customers to drive long distances to get access to the discounted goods. J. Crew is among the first to risk selling outlet gear over the Internet.”

J. Crew

The company is having an exceptional year, reporting an 87% increase in profits yesterday, even as most apparel and accessory firms continue to struggle in These Difficult Times.  But with the economy entering a challenging phase, Mickey Drexler, J. Crew’s CEO, noted that customers are remaining price and value conscious:

“There’s a big world out there that’s playing the low-price game or lower-price game,”

Mr. Drexler’s comments came during a conference call with stock analysts; not everything he shared was considered good news by Wall Street.  From MarketWatch:

“… analysts said some of J. Crew’s fall merchandise also has been too edgy and not resonated as well with its customers. The company also may have been hurt by increased competition from rivals from Ann Taylor Stores… to Talbots that have also offered embellished tops and other looks that are similar to J. Crew’s offerings, analysts said.”

The “too edgy” comment in the MarketWatch story is interesting, as we have chatted for some time in this space about the company’s change in direction and Crew’s vocal disdain for the word ‘preppy’.  Another analyst quoted in the story referenced “…some fashion missteps”.  For more on the retailer’s dislike of the preppy appellation, click here.

IOHO an online outlet is a wise move in many respects. Bargain hunters will be pleased to know the company plans to include those items currently made only for factory outlets, things not available at regular J. Crew stores. Here is more from yesterday’s WSJ story.

“J. Crew, like most specialty retailers, manufactures merchandise specifically for its factory channel. It’s a different model than that of many apparel manufacturers and department stores, which use their off-price channel to liquidate excess merchandise.”

But operating an online outlet can also have negative fallout, cheapening the brand; it’s no secret some shoppers prefer a little exclusivity, something that makes them feel special, not items that “just anyone can get.”

For those interested in the new site, WWD reports the address will be Factory.com; it is expected to go live in September.

Does this mean shoppers at ‘regular’ J. Crew stores will see less aggressive markdowns of the kind now underway, the “Extra 20% off” Final Sale? (The sale ends this Sunday, use promo code OURTREAT to receive the additional markdown.)

J. Crew Final Sale ends 8/29/10

Crew’s identity challenges seem evident in two pieces shared in “Cooper’s Picks,” the pint-sized version of the popular Jenna’s Picks.  First, we show a $395 Girls’ Shearling Vest, very much like the women’s version.

J. Crew

Call us crazy, but the vest seems a bit over the top for the Young Miss at your Palace. We contrast that with the $138 Grey Flannel Blazer, its lines and details more akin with what we used to think of when hearing the name J. Crew.

J. Crew

One can make a strong case there is plenty of room for both items at the store and that old fuddy-duddies like yours truly are trapped in the past while the fashion world moves forward, we respect that stance, and remain intrigued by seeing how things fare in future months.

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Also on today’s hit parade, the US Open parties are underway all over the city, Nike’s was Wednesday night, with a solid cast of tennis celebrities: Maria Sharapova, Bar Rafaeli, Rafa Nadal, and Roger Federer, to name only a few attending.  With Nike hosting, everyone was able to preview the looks featured on players sponsored by the sportswear giant.

Below left we see Ms. Sharapova in her US Open togs, a deep blue or purple dress with tuxedo styling, especially the lapel; on the right, Nike’s image of the dress via Rich at Down the Line Tennis.

Rafael Nadal was in black with neon green accents, while Mr. Federer’s style remain constant, below he is in deep navy blue.

Below, the competitors at a news conference after the event.

Al Bello/Getty Images for Nike

The Open launches on Monday.

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Our final two tidbits are definitely Friday Fun:

• Cynthia Rowley is now offering designer Band-Aids. They come in chi-chi boxes and also actually help a good cause, one dollar from each box sold (at $10) goes to a fund to help high school and college students interested in design.
• The other item is definitely in our You Can’t Make This Stuff Up, featuring members of the Anti-Prep Wall of Shame. Behold the Jersey Shore Halloween Costumes.

What do you think? Is a Jersey Shore costume something we need to consider here at the Prepatorium? Should the Consort consider an evening as the Pauly D Situation? Do weigh in, your opinions matter a great deal. (Note we didn’t say they counted, heh-heh-heh, insert evil Princess cackle here.) These are available for pre-ordering at Costume Craze.

With that, we send wishes that everyone enjoys a weekend full sunshine and smiles.

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

Wimbledon 2010: Polo Ralph Lauren & Tiffany Diamonds by the Yard

Hello-Hello, and Happy Tuesday!

We missed you yesterday, but the volume of inquiries about the wedding of Sweden’s Princess Victoria made us think it would be wise to leave up our Saturday post detailing the party frocks, heads of state in attendance, etc. But we are back today, and a good thing, as it is high party and sporting season.

Everyone knows Wimbledon is under way, and that means lots of activities on and off the court. We begin with some images from the official Pre-Party this past Saturday, on the left we see Venus Williams; sister Serena Williams may be seen on the right.

Celebrities (we use that word loosely) were also on hand, including the Sugababes singing group. (Do help TP out here, are we hopelessly out of touch to be unfamiliar with this group?)

Claire Greenway/Getty

Two more athletes in attendance, Maria Sharapova and Jelena Jankovic.

As many readers know, there is always another party this time of year, the Polo Ralph Lauren annual Wimbledon celebration.

Dave M. Benett/Getty

This year’s event was at the firm’s Bond Street store. Party-goers included Gwyneth Paltrow  and actor Matt LeBlanc, the latter wearing Ralph Lauren.

More atmosphere at the party venue, the PRL store in London.

Below, Jules Knight, Stephen Bowman, Oliver Baines and Humphrey Berney of Blake (we confess to looking this one up on Google, they all are in what is referred to as a ‘boy band’) on the blue carpet.

Dave M. Benett/Getty

Also attending the festivities, former Champion Boris Becker and his wife, Lily, seen below.

Getty

We thought Venus Williams looked elegant, and adore the pink/green necktie the gentleman on the right is sporting.

The event was a fundraiser for a British breast cancer organization, Too Many Women.

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Mr. Becker’s connection with Polo Ralph Lauren can be seen in this ad showcasing the Wimbledon Ball Boys and Girls, all clad in Ralph Lauren designs.

Courtesy Image via AP

This is the fourth year Mr. Lauren has designed the uniforms, although they are basically unchanged from last year. More on this topic tomorrow.

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This year’s Wimbledon on-court fashion updates are many and varied, below we see Serena Williams in her new Nike look.

Toby Melville/Reuters

Maria Sharapova also wears a new style, also with a jacket over the dress, and also from Nike.

Suzanne Plunkett/Reuters

For more updates and information about the on-court fashions, pop over and visit Rich at Down The Line Tennis, as always, he is a much better source on the topic than we.  The most we can add is evidence that it is hot over at Centre Court.

Reuters

Yes, it looks very warm indeed.

Getty Images

Of course the uppermost image is a shirtless Roger Federer, the second is Rafael Nadal.

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And our final fashion note comes via a Tiffany new release regarding the earrings Maria Sharapova will be wearing during Wimbledon. Some may recall the tennis star and Tiffany have a marketing agreement; she wears and publicizes a specific pair of Tiffany earrings during each Grand Slam event.

Courtesy Tiffany

Ms. Sharapova is wearing Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard®, here is a better look

Courtesy Tiffany

The Tiffany website’s product description:

“Maria Sharapova, one of the world’s top tennis players, is wearing Elsa Peretti® Diamonds by the Yard® earrings at Wimbledon. Sterling silver drop earrings with round brilliant diamonds, for pierced ears. Carat total weight .30. Original designs copyrighted by Elsa Peretti.”

Until next time!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Claire Greenway/Getty
• Tim Jenkins/WWD

It’s A Little Racy & Not At All Preppy (Gasp!)

Hello everyone, happy-almost-long-weekend!

We didn’t plan to post about tennis togs or the US Open today, but have no choice, given the stories about Rafael Nadal emanating from Flushing Meadows. The topic?

PHOTO: David Gray/Reuters

The attire worn by Mr. Nadal, more precisely, the shorts.

PHOTO: Getty Images

Evidently the NY Post reported that the shorts are “slightly see-through.”  That original story has been picked up by all manner of publications, including NY Magazine.

“A funny feeling has come over us. We can’t be sure, but we think — just maybe — it’s called suddenly caring about sports. He is life-changing, that Spaniard.”

Lord, this is a wretched job, but we shall try to soldier on.

Indeed.

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Because it involves both the Open and Gossip Girl, we have a trivia question today: what G2 star is named after a brand used all the time in tennis?

In case anyone missed it, the answer would be:

Mr. Badgley is named after the tennis ball.  And because we haven’t yet done a Pretty in Pink today, here is something we haven’t featured, the Penn Pink Tennis balls.

According to the website, Penn donates .15 cents of each can sold to ‘breast cancer research’. (We put that in quotes because we’re not fans of generalized statements when it comes to fundraising claims, we like very specific data points and names of organizations benefiting from the donated funds.)

Back to Gossip Girl, it seems there is a bit of chatter about an episode being shot this week; it features a 1920’s-era party, complete with flapper-style party duds.

Above one can see actresses Hilary Duff and Blake Lively in their party frocks.

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Yesterday we mentioned the J. Crew sale underway, we also want to fill everyone in on the Brook Brothers promotion.

Unlike many other retailers doing special sales and discounts around the holiday weekend, the Brooks’ Consolidation Clearance is at its retail stores, it is not an online promotion at this point.

As we’re speaking of the Brooks’ retail stores, we are beyond tardy with this, but simply must thank John Doyle at the company’s Cleveland store. He was more than helpful when we popped in, recommending a shirt we adore, as well as some other goodies we acquired. A gentleman in the truest definition of the word, Mr. Doyle was not only first-rate in the customer-service arena, he was loads of fun and totally understands the Brooks aesthetic. What a dear man.

We’re a little underwhelmed by the online selection at Brooks Brothers, have you looked at their offerings recently? The Country Club section is headlined “Spring 2009” and seems to have negligible amounts of merchandise, and Thom Browne’s Black Fleece section seem to be equally depleted.  The Men’s Paisley Trousers are marked down by 50%, as are the Women’s Seersucker style Jacket and matching Skirt.

Every single pair of women’s shoes on the site is discounted at least 50% from its original selling price, including the Bow Peep-Toed Pump.

The shoes are $86.40; these originally sold at $288.

The lack of updated inventory seems odd, as Brooks appears ready to market their fall line; the company is going to emphasize those items made in America.

Courtesy Photo via WWD.com

A recent Women’s Wear Daily story has more on the campaign:

“In a campaign entitled Makers & Merchants, the 191-year-old retailer is shining a spotlight on iconic merchandise pieces that have been made in the U.S.”

There you have it.

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One last tidbit for those seeking reading for the extended weekend, Vanity Fair has an extended interview today with Mad Men’s Pete Campbell, seen to the right of Don Draper in the photo below.

Photo Courtesy amc-tv via Vanity Fair

Umm, of course we meant to say “an interview with Vincent Kartheiser who plays Pete Campbell, seen in this photo with Jon Hamm, who plays Don Draper.”

Of course we know they’re not real, honestly.

Heh-heh-heh.

Tennis Togs Part Two & “When Logos Run Amok” Example 46

Hello-Hello!

Last week we ran a little preview of some of the tennis apparel being unveiled at this year’s US Open, including the new looks from Nike for Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Serena Williams.  We also looked at some of the pieces coming from Polo Ralph Lauren, the Open’s official sponsor.

Today we turn our attention to Lacoste’s new looks for Andy Roddick. Mr. Roddick can be seen below, as well as Mr. Federer, Ms. Williams and Maria Sharapova.

PHOTO: Ray Stubblebine/Reuters

He is wearing the Printed Check Super Dry Polo, we offer a better view:

Courtesy Lacoste

The Diamante Drawstring Short is on sale in select colors.Here is a look at the ensemble in navy as worn by Mr. Roddick yesterday.

PHOTO: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty

The Women’s Short Sleeve Super Dry Polo comes in both white and a rich raspberry pink.

Many readers probably saw Mr. Roddick visiting the David Letterman show last week. Unfortunately he was sporting the new polo from Lacoste, with the “Big Croc”.

We clearly have a new addition to the “When Logos Run Amok” category.

Lacoste.com

An interesting note, the Oversized Croc Pique Polos for men run $92, while the Short Sleeve Classic Pique Polos are only $54.99 – $79.50.  A similar theme is evident on the Ladies side of the shop, with the Women’s Oversize Croc Polo at $85 and other versions running $54.99 – $79.50.

One more comment about Mr. Roddick, he is not happy with the Open’s new rules regarding Twitter. The Straight Sets blog from the Times carried a post about the issue:

““I think its lame the U.S. Open is trying to regulate our tweeting,” he wrote Friday night. “I understand the on-court issue but not sure they can tell us if we can’t do it on our own time … we’ll see.”

The rules state that tweeting is not allowed on the court during matches. They also warn players about using Twitter away from the court, saying that sending “certain sensitive information” could be considered passing along inside information to gamblers.”

We are grateful there are no such rules governing TP’s Tweets!

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When covering the Nike togs last week we neglected to show the looks for Ms. Sharapova, always a fashionista on and off the court. First, her day dress:

The Night Dress is a very dark midnight blue with silver piping; there appears to be some sort of unfortunate glittery lamé fabric insert.

It is superior to the dress worn by Ms. Sharapova last week for the Rogers Cup in Toronto. We like the minty-green color, but the full skirt is reminiscent of a prom frock gone bad.

Chris Young/Canadian Press/AP

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A look we liked even less? The not-quite-Ed-Hardyish drawing on the back of the dress worn yesterday by Venus Williams for her first-round win.

PHOTO: Emmanuel Dunand/Getty

The dress isn’t quite as bad from the front.

PHOTO: Emmanuel Dunand

And we do like pink.

But… the color for tennis apparel is white. Granted, we are old. We are boring. Fuddy-duddy is a kind and gentle way to describe our ‘tennis style’ as there is no style whatsoever.

We are quite comfortable in this kind of look:

This comes as no surprise to readers.

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One of the more intriguing debuts this week comes courtesy of US star James Blake, who has moved from Nike to Fila.

Chris Trotman/Getty Images for DirecTV

Fila and Mr. Blake have partnered on an apparel and accessories line, launched at the Lord & Taylor on Fifth Avenue last week.  In honor of the player’s late father the collection is named Thomas Reynolds.  Below, Mr. Blake can be seen with actor Will Ferrell, who was dressed as Blake for the annual Arthur Ashe Kids Day event.

Ray Stubblebine/Reuters

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For those curious about the outcome of Roger Federer’s first match against Devin Britton of the US, Mr. Federer won.

PHOTO: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

However, we may need to pursue a future chat about ‘Monogram Man,’ and the overall issue surrounding Mr. Federer’s logo/crest/monogram.

Below we see Rafa Nadal practicing this morning, his first match is set for Wednesday.

PHOTO: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

On this smiling face, we say G’bye until next time!