http://www.fashionforeign.com/apps/podcast/podcast/161209
L.A. fashion week took center stage this month, with several familiar and some not-so-familiar labels showing collections to buyers and the media. But off the runway, there's a fairly new crop of promising contemporary brands that didn't participate in fashion week events but are worth knowing about because of the way they capture the L.A. lifestyle through their easy, wearable and versatile pieces for women.
Offering wares as varied as menswear-inspired sweaters and ultra-feminine silk dresses, these designers have keen fashion and business sense, creating practical pieces at a mostly palatable price point.he two met five years ago after moving to L.A. from New York. Brochu had previously been the women's knitwear designer for American Eagle, then took a West Coast post as design director for Joie. Walker launched several Los Angeles brands (while living in New York, no less), including Ya Ya and James Perse, where she oversaw sales, merchandising and marketing.
With Brochu Walker they combine their talents. Brochu heads up design (though they do collaborate), and Walker rounds out the business and operations side.
The result is a collection centered on knits such as nubby cardigans, but which also includes soft Ikat print silk dresses. The juxtaposition of the light and heavy pieces creates the contrast in textures and weight that makes the collection not only interesting to look at but also practical to wear in the Los Angeles climate, where layered dressing makes sense year-round.
fashion social network
Brochu and Walker are well aware of this balance of weight and proportion. "We're conscious of where things hit and make sure if the body of a sweater is bigger, then the sleeve is tighter," Brochu says.
"The drape is also important," Walker adds. "Our cardigans are draped — they're cardigans but with dimension."
"The strongest aspect of the collection for us is definitely the sweaters," says Lindsay Johnson, buyer at Arcade Boutique near West Hollywood. "They have really nailed it with details like leather buckles, unique textures and the softest cashmere at a very competitive price point."
Brochu and Walker stick to a muted palette with a couple of pops of color throughout.
The general feeling of coziness in the collection could easily translate into the home décor arena, something the two have their sights set on. Sheets, bedding, towels and candles are items Brochu and Walker envision as a future part of their brand, as well as a retail space that Walker assures "will definitely be in L.A."
Brochu Walker is priced from $60 for a T-shirt, around $265 for a fleece terry jacket to about $585 for sweaters. The line is available at stores including Saks Fifth Avenue, 9634 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills; Fred Segal, 8118 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; and Arcade Boutique, 8473 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood.
L.A. fashion week took center stage this month, with several familiar and some not-so-familiar labels showing collections to buyers and the media. But off the runway, there's a fairly new crop of promising contemporary brands that didn't participate in fashion week events but are worth knowing about because of the way they capture the L.A. lifestyle through their easy, wearable and versatile pieces for women.
Offering wares as varied as menswear-inspired sweaters and ultra-feminine silk dresses, these designers have keen fashion and business sense, creating practical pieces at a mostly palatable price point.he two met five years ago after moving to L.A. from New York. Brochu had previously been the women's knitwear designer for American Eagle, then took a West Coast post as design director for Joie. Walker launched several Los Angeles brands (while living in New York, no less), including Ya Ya and James Perse, where she oversaw sales, merchandising and marketing.
With Brochu Walker they combine their talents. Brochu heads up design (though they do collaborate), and Walker rounds out the business and operations side.
The result is a collection centered on knits such as nubby cardigans, but which also includes soft Ikat print silk dresses. The juxtaposition of the light and heavy pieces creates the contrast in textures and weight that makes the collection not only interesting to look at but also practical to wear in the Los Angeles climate, where layered dressing makes sense year-round.
fashion social network
Brochu and Walker are well aware of this balance of weight and proportion. "We're conscious of where things hit and make sure if the body of a sweater is bigger, then the sleeve is tighter," Brochu says.
"The drape is also important," Walker adds. "Our cardigans are draped — they're cardigans but with dimension."
"The strongest aspect of the collection for us is definitely the sweaters," says Lindsay Johnson, buyer at Arcade Boutique near West Hollywood. "They have really nailed it with details like leather buckles, unique textures and the softest cashmere at a very competitive price point."
Brochu and Walker stick to a muted palette with a couple of pops of color throughout.
The general feeling of coziness in the collection could easily translate into the home décor arena, something the two have their sights set on. Sheets, bedding, towels and candles are items Brochu and Walker envision as a future part of their brand, as well as a retail space that Walker assures "will definitely be in L.A."
Brochu Walker is priced from $60 for a T-shirt, around $265 for a fleece terry jacket to about $585 for sweaters. The line is available at stores including Saks Fifth Avenue, 9634 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills; Fred Segal, 8118 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; and Arcade Boutique, 8473 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood.
Categories: Technology, Business, News, Fashion, Models, Designers
No comments:
Post a Comment