5 posts tagged "Clare Vivier"
On Our Radar: Clare Vivier x Goop
Lots of excitement chez the much-discussed Gwyneth Paltrow this week. Earlier today, People magazine named the actress the “World’s Most Beautiful Woman.” And tomorrow, Paltrow’s feel-good lifestyle Web site, Goop.com, will release a limited-edition range of accessories—like sleek suede totes, leather flat clutches, and geometric catchalls—by L.A.-based designer Clare Vivier. Each piece can be customized via metallic initials in the Goop font. “I have been a longtime fan of the site and was thrilled to work alongside their team,” said Vivier. The collaborative wares, which come in calming gray hues and white with a nautical navy stripe, will retail for between $130 and $420.
Tucker Heads West For the Weekend
“When it’s time to leave Los Angeles, I realize none of us know where our shoes are,” Gaby Basora confesses of her time spent strolling the beaches of Southern California. “There’s that slower pace, much more entertaining in people’s homes and backyards, and a completely different vibe,” the Tucker designer explains of her impetus to decamp out west—albeit briefly—for a pop-up shop in Venice this weekend. Starting today, Tucker will occupy graphic designer Carly Margolis’ All for the Mountain space in L.A.’s sun-drenched west-side neighborhood. Ripe for the occasion, the line will feature pieces that have up until now only been available out of New York, including the classic and asymmetrical dress in the mint mallard print, the contrast button-up in red, and the drawstring cami dress in summery colorways. Joining forces with local talent, Basora’s silk best will be paired with Clare Vivier’s unfussy line of handbags, along with select pieces from Ariel Gordon’s semiprecious jewelry designs.
This is just the latest power play for the cheery brand since launching back in 2006. “We started really item-based as the perfect blouse and the perfect dress,” Basora says of her line, which partnered with Target for a GO International campaign in 2010. “We were bucking the trends in that we launched with a couple of items as opposed to a full collection. I think it was off-trend to do that, and now there is a lot of interest in item-driven collections.” Her full range has now filled out, moving into multiple categories (pants are a best seller in New York) as well as skewing younger with darling dresses for the younger set. And despite just opening her first stand-alone retail store in Soho at the close of 2011, the L.A. pop-up is more than just a quick sojourn out west. As Basora puts it, “We’re getting our toes in the water.”
The Tucker pop-up shop is open through July 29, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at All for the Mountain, 2118 Lincoln Blvd., Venice Beach, Calif.
That’s Clutch
If you’re lucky enough to stop street-style photographer Tommy Ton in his tracks, it goes without question that you’ve got covetable style. The proof lies in one of Tommy’s latest photos, shot in Milan (pictured, above). From the open-back Alexander Wang top to the printed platform sandals, this girl’s look is worth all the chatter. But it’s her colorful foldover clutch that caught our attention. From Stella McCartney to Clare Vivier, we’ve selected four options, like her MSGM bag, to buy now.
From top left to right: Stella McCartney faux python clutch, $828, available at www.madisonlosangeles.com; Clutch NY stripe clutch, $195, available at www.clutchny.com; Clare Vivier clutch, $156, available at www.clarevivier.com; Alexander Wang clutch, $545, available at www.ronherman.com.
Clare Vivier Unpacks Her Bags On Sunset Boulevard
Considered a hometown hero of sorts among L.A. designers, Clare Vivier has made an impactful impression with her unfussy brand of simple, chic handbags. Since launching her eponymous collection in 2008, the designer has finally found a lasting home for her wares in the shape of her first stand-alone flagship in L.A.’s Silver Lake. “It was our time to create this whole atmosphere that really tells the story of the brand,” Vivier says of the new store (opening today) that tells said story—and speaks to her steady growth. Her range of made-in-L.A. handbags have resonated because of their functionality and, more importantly, because they’ve been an apt antidote to the saturation of luxury label overload. “It was that perfect timing when people were inundated and done with the designer It bag. It felt very special, made in California, and they were good-looking pieces but not at a luxury market price.” (The clutches come in at around $150 each.)
The 750-square-foot space (pictured) was designed by L.A. architect Barbara Bestor to bring a taste of Paris to the east side of L.A.—a point of reference that often informs Vivier’s unfettered aesthetic. The built-out white walls showcase the best-selling candy-colored fold-over clutches, totes, and select items from Steven Alan (a frequent collaborator). The store houses Vivier’s first foray into footwear, a sleek sandal from Italy that comes just in time for summer, and a men’s accessory collaboration with Steven Alan again come fall. “I’m always thinking about the working girl,” Vivier said of her decision to expand into extended accessory categories. And while she might eschew other luxury whims, the designer’s flagship will debut a new monogramming program that will allow for customization and made-to-order designs.
Clare Vivier, 3339 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A. (323)-665-2476.
Recessionista: Take It To The Bank
What: VIVIER’s fold-over clutch, $89
Why: At Thursday night’s pop-up shop at Taylor De Cordoba gallery for designer Clare Vivier, there were peeks at fall/winter VIVIER bags and accessories and a selection of limited-edition offerings, like the well-priced fold-over clutch from the VIVIER-REMAKE line. Made from remnant leathers, the clutches resemble old-school bank bags and come in perforated, patent, and ultra-soft varieties. The L.A.-based designer sipped St-Germain cocktails with friends, who also checked out the gallery’s current show from Melissa Manfull. No worries if you didn’t make it to Culver City. Fred Segal Flair in Santa Monica is stocking VIVIER’s full line (alongside artwork from L.A. favorite Kimberly Brooks), and, through March 31, a portion of proceeds will be donated to P.S. Arts.
Where: Fred Segal Flair, 500 Broadway, Santa Monica, (310) 451-7139, www.seevivier.com.