39 posts tagged "Isabel Marant"
Marant Takes Melrose
Isabel Marant’s West Coast fans have reason to rejoice. Today, almost three years after christening her first U.S. boutique (located on Broome Street in New York), the Parisian designer, whose unfussy, bohemian clothes have made her a cult favorite amongst cool girls worldwide, has opened her second stateside location in L.A. On Melrose Place, no less.
Working with Paris-based architect Frank Azzi, Marant created an atelier-like boutique that, she tells Style.com, is “all about atmosphere.” And there’s plenty of it. Fronted by a lush garden and adorned with sculptures by French artist Arnold Goron, the 1,335-square-foot space makes use of natural light, a quality that was, in Marant’s mind, essential. “L.A. has such amazing light and sky. It would be a shame not to enjoy it.” As for the tony Melrose Place address, Marant admits that it was coup de foudre, or love at first sight. “The shop is exactly where and how I wished it would be—my little cabin in L.A.,” she says, adding, “The store isn’t only a place where we sell clothes; it’s also where we share a certain lifestyle.” The Melrose boutique will house the designer’s main collection and Etoile, as well as accessories and bijoux.
Isabel Marant, 8454 Melrose Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90069, Tel: (323) 651-1493, Hours: 10am to 6pm Monday through Saturday
Sanderson Kick Starts
“I wasn’t a sneaker kid,” admits Rupert Sanderson, “but I am fascinated by trainer-nut culture. They’re speaking an entire language out there.” For spring, the designer has learned their lingo. Taking a sharp turn for the street, England’s reigning prince of the pretty, less-is-more pump will join the ranks of fashion heavyweights to present a luxury sneaker line. But he won’t be going the way of, say, Stella McCartney’s shimmering hightops or Isabel Marant’s runaway platforms. Instead, Sanderson’s kicks boast a clean, classic look that will appeal to his loyal clientele. The design goal was simple: “I wanted to make sneakers chic.” Meticulously cut, the collection runs with its designer’s tested and true minimalism while embracing the history of the fashion trainer. For instance, Sanderson has given his signature daffodil motif a streetwise update and employed gold lamé and flashes of neon for a vintage nineties feel. Considering his sneakers’ strong, simple silhouettes, soft, quilted textures, and guaranteed craftsmanship, we’d bet that trainer-nuts will soon be fascinated with Sanderson, too.
Rupert Sandersons’ spring sneakers are available for preorder at www.rupertsanderson.com.
Get The Look: Graphic Grunge
Australian model Catherine McNeil popped up on more than a few Spring 2013 runways, walking in Paris at Saint Laurent, Hermès, Kenzo, Isabel Marant, and more, as well as Helmut Lang in New York. With her piercing stare and fresh, choppy bob, McNeil has been one to watch around the Style.com offices. But it’s not just her runway look that’s put her on our radar—her off-duty duds have caught our eye, too. Snapped in Paris by Vanessa Jackman, McNeil sported a graphic sweater and leather miniskirt with edgy motorcycle booties and an Isabel Marant jacket thrown over her shoulder. We’ve rounded up the essentials below because—minus the cigarette—this getup’s worth repeating.
From top left, below:
1. Isabel Marant leather jacket, $3,075, available at www.matchesfashion.com
2. Proenza Schouler embroidered sweatshirt, $1,500, available at www.lagarconne.com
3. Alexander Wang combat boot, $625, available at www.neimanmarcus.com
4. Elin Kling x Marciano skirt, $398, available at www.guessbymarciano.guess.com
Marant’s Method
Reading today’s Into the Gloss interview with Isabel Marant reminded me of a conversation I had with a photographers’ agent a few months ago. I was looking for someone to shoot a portrait of the designer, but according to the agent, the photographer I had in mind wasn’t “into” Marant and was only interested in shooting people like Phoebe Philo, Raf Simons, and Rick Owens. That attitude is emblematic of a certain snobbism that exists in some parts of the industry toward Marant, the sense being that she’s “only making clothes.” And yet the thought and care that she puts into that process means that she has a rare connection with consumers. “The attitude of what I make is very difficult for me to describe—it’s really me,” she tells Into the Gloss. “Being in the fashion industry, I’m quite fed up with clothes, but most of the time I have to try things on myself to feel if it’s right or not. I cannot see it on a model because a model, she’s just perfect. For me, it’s very important to have the right cut, that you don’t look too big, that the pockets are in the right place, because that’s what gives you attitude…the length, I need to experience it.” Read the full interview here.
Get The Look: It’s A Wrap
The winter conundrum: Keep warm or keep chic. Cold-weather-proof clothing is often the antithesis of fashionable, but December through March is not a lost cause. Take a cue from models-off-duty Frida Gustavsson and Jacquelyn Jablonski, who added a little something extra to their look with colorful printed scarves. Get their look with four of our favorite pieces from Isabel Marant, Givenchy, Jil Sander, and more, below.
From left, above:
1. Isabel Marant scarf, $280, available at www.netaporter.com
2. Jil Sander scarf, $282, available at www.mytheresa.com
3. Julien David scarf, $305, available at www.farfetch.com
4. Givenchy scarf, $680, available at www.barneys.com