shopbop shoptalk

get to know

For Reed Evins, design is truly a family affair. The Evins shoe brand was created by his father and uncle, and after 30 years designing for Calvin Klein, Isaac Mizrahi, and Ralph Lauren, Reed Evins began work on the evolution of the family business. We talked to Reed Evins about his irreverent, modern, and luxe Spring ’09 collection, and how ’70s fashion and downtown-chic style has inspired it.

shopbop: You come from a pretty renowned family of shoemakers. Would you say the Reed Evins label is an evolution from the original Evins line or something altogether different?
Reed Evins: For generations now the Evins name has become synonymous with sophistication, quality, and a strong American spirit, all qualities that the current Reed Evins collection has in common with the old. Our high-quality shoes are made in Italy, and we cater to a very hip downtown-chic kind of girl.

SB: Your family’s line shoed the stylish feet of Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Ava Gardner. Who is today’s Reed Evins woman?
RE: Our customer is the hip downtown girl who’s wearing fast, cool shoes. Not uptown, not classic or stuffy. We have made shoes for many celebrities over the years including Oprah, Sharon Stone, and Beyonce, as well as runway shoes for Calvin Klein, Bill Blass, Anne Klein, and Halston.

SB: SB: Tell us a little bit about your spring 2009 collection. What was the inspiration?
RE: The inspiration was rich hippie: Cher and Janis Joplin made modern and updated. Think Woodstock but richer, in textures of hand-dyed suede combined with chocolate nappa. Electric greens, fuchsias, orange and yellow, flat hippie sandals and toe thongs. The entire collection is also unlined, giving the shoes a great sense of ease and comfort.

SB: When it comes to choosing footwear, what do you think is the most important thing a woman should look for?
RE: Whatever the woman’s taste is. But when it comes to choosing footwear, the most important factor should be fit.

fashion week: a buyer's perspective

Shopbop apparel buyer Jane Albiter gives a re-cap of Fashion Week trends and a preview of what we’ll see on shopbop this fall.

A lace-edged look from Anna Sui.

Another fashion week, another season: where does the time go? This year’s fashion week was definitely DARK. Black is back in a big way!

I saw leather trim, leather jackets and dresses; I loved Rag & Bone’s black knit leggings with leather detail and Helmut Lang’s great leather leggings and dresses with leather detail. Other fabrics that designers represented were velvet and lace. Lace is such a chic detail; Anna Sui and Jill Stuart both showed dresses and blouses with lace trim.

Another fall trend is the oversized shaggy-knit vests and sweaters, so cozy and so chic. Some standout shaggy knits were by Alexander Wang, Elizabeth and James, and Haute Hippie. All I want these days is an oversized shaggy sweater vest…I can’t believe I have to wait until August!

A shaggy knit stands out on the Alexander Wang runway.

Last but not least, every girl should have a black blazer for fall in her closet, whether it’s a boyfriend blazer, an exaggerated shoulder blazer, or a cropped tux blazer. It’s a must-have and looks great with everything, from a pair of leggings, skinny jeans, or over a dress.

We’ll see a lot of these trends within many collections for fall on shopbop, with different brands translating these trends in their own way.

--Jane Albiter

first fashion

Our Favorites from What's New
Certain labels are synonymous with certain looks. Strappy bandaged trend? VPL and Pour La Victoire make one naughty couple. Rugged cowboy boots finished like I just kicked up some dust on the trail? No one makes my feet feel more rustic than Frye and Golden Goose. Enduringly chic, sharply tailored blazers with a fashion-forward sensibility? Meet my new friend SMYTHE.
	The archetype for what a good linen boyfriend blazer should be, and a shopbop exclusive to boot. SMYTHE – Boyfriend Blazer
	Of course we want these cool upturned cuffs and this subtle sheen all to ourselves (okay, we’ll share with our Pencey leggings). SMYTHE – Boyfriend Blazer
	Although menswear-inspired, this ain’t your dad’s pinstriped blazer. A fitted waist makes it feminine, while the muted hues pair perfectly with shredded, dirty-wash denim. SMYTHE - Equestrian Blazer
SMYTHE is but one of our fabulous new spring brands. Many more to come, in What’s New. --Suzanne

it’s evolutionary

 
Not so long ago, the fashion world was struck with the arrival of low-rise boot-cut jeans, then it transitioned into skinny denim, then high rise, then wide-leg. But this season, there’s something different altogether. What we’ve dubbed the new pant, spring’s sweetheart silhouette takes a page from the style book of MC Hammer with a decidedly chic and modern update.

There are dramatic iterations, like Free People’s Pocket Harem Pants, and some more subtle options, like Vince’s Suave Crop. The trend has even managed to tiptoe into the denim world with the arrival of a slouchy version of the skinny jeans we love.

Does this mean the harem pant is the only pant for spring ’09? Not in the least. The season is embracing all the silhouettes that have evolved over the last five years, just as InStyle.com’s Fashion Director Joe Berean predicted when I spoke to him after the spring runway shows. “[Spring] is a melting pot of pants styles,” he said, “and that’s going to be good for everyone.” Amen, Joe!

As for me? I’m working my way up to the harem look. I was a skinny jeans resistor in the beginning, and they’ve managed to wear me down, so I know it’s really only a matter of time.

--Amie

first fashion:

Our Favorites from What's New
If there’s something I love almost as much as clothes, it’s talking about clothes, especially with a seasoned expert who’s well-versed in the finer points of style. That’s why I cornered Lucky Magazine’s Fashion News Director Jen Ford at our Shopbop Scene event during Fashion Week and, okay, pretty much grilled her about what women want from fashion right now. It was one of those great conversations (at least from my vantage point—thanks for indulging me, Jen) that went off in all sorts of interesting directions, but a couple of points in particular have stayed with me, namely her observations that women are looking for what she aptly called “basics with a ‘duh’ twist” (witness the runaway success of Alexander Wang’s T line), and pieces that feel special but won’t feel dated in a few seasons. (Often these two elements appear in the same piece.) “Women are shopping differently now,” she said, and in my experience that’s been true. With that conversation still fresh in my mind, here’s what I’ve got my eye on from What’s New.
	The oversized shirt is big news (no pun intended) this season, but at its base it’s a classic button-down which means it won’t scream SPRING 2009 in a year or so. Elizabeth and James Laurent Shirt
	A black leather jacket is forever chic. Fashion-forward styling gives this one that ‘wow’ factor that sets it apart from the pack. Elizabeth and James Superfine Leather Jacket
	Having a signature pendant you wear for years feels so chic. There’s something Zen and soothing about this one’s circular shape. Adina Twist Circle Necklace
What do you want from fashion right now? Find it in What’s New. --Maureen

and the winners are

Our blog’s still buzzing about Fashion Week, but let’s not forget another esteemed runway making headlines this week: the Oscars Red Carpet. The biggest sartorial story on this year’s carpet? The drapes! Floor-grazing, strapless, and gorgeous draping were the gown accoutrements of choice for starlets Amy Adams, Jessica Biel, Evan Rachel Wood, and Angelina Jolie. The drape trend is a great thing to happen to dresses because:
	When it comes to a formal fete, a sequined frock can often look far too “pageant girl.” Draping, on the other hand, adds sophisticated interest. Elizabeth and James - Kimono Dress
	There’s no hiding even a panty line in a skintight number. Strategically placed draping helps play up certain features while concealing others. Alice + Olivia – Draped V Neck Dress
	Fluid drape detail naturally adds an ethereal goddess aura. Who can’t use more of that? Chris Benz – Coral Dress
	But that’s not to say goddesses don’t want to get down at the club street-chic style. This Robert Rodriguez style gives the best of both worlds. Robert Rodriguez – Draped Asymmetrical Dress
--Suzanne

elsewhere & otherwise

news from the other fashionable corners of the web

* The best way to come down from the exhilarating yet exhausting seven days that is NY Fashion Week? Kick back with celebs dressed to the nines. We’re talking Oscars. InStyle, People, and Style.com have all the hottest looks.

* Speaking of Fashion Week and the Oscars, you could get lost for hours in Cathy Horyn’s coverage of both. (We did.) [ On the Runway ]

* On the other side of the pond, Fashion Week rolls on. The Miller sisters staged Twenty8Twelve’s runway debut in jolly old London town, and yeah, we want it all. Check out shots from the show here. [ People Style Watch ]

* Ubiquitous catwalker Agyness Deyn is one of the featured faces in the first issue of the glossy LOVE. [ Love Magazine ]

* In other Agy news, she and bf Albert Hammond, Jr. of the Strokes played exquisitely glam house for Vogue. Oh, to be young and in love. [ Made of Scarves ]

* The Moment brings us one model and her thirteen looks throughout NY Fashion, and it’s absolutely addicting. Check out the “Related Posts” for more. [ The Moment ]

* Have you seen Madge’s spread in this month’s W? The word salacious comes to mind. The magazine’s blog has a Q&A with the stylist behind Madonna’s look. [ W Editors’ Blog ]

* And finally, is Gwyneth the new Oprah? Or, more importantly, do you GOOP? [ NYTimes.com ]

first fashion:

Our Favorites from What's New
I recently came to a somewhat sartorially disturbing realization: I'm a cardigan junkie. In the winter, I wear them with everything. In the spring, they take the place of my jackets. In summer, I buy them with short sleeves so I can wear them with tees and tank dresses. It's a habit that my cardigan-clogged closet needs to kick. My solution? Start substituting jackets for cardigans. (I know, little difference, but this is about baby steps.) A few friends to help me through my transition:
	The best cure for cardigan overload is a city-chic leather jacket. Of course, in two months I’ll be writing about my addiction to city-chic leather jackets. Gryphon - The Mini Moto Leather Jacket
	Polished and sophisticated yet devil-may-care cool. On-trend yet timeless. This just got bumped to the top of my must-have list. Rag & Bone - Single Breasted Boyfriend Jacket
	Looks like I picked it up in a Parisian vintage shop, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s a close cousin to my beloved cardigan. Elizabeth and James - Bed Jacket
Make some new fashion habits with styles from What’s New. --Amie

in the trenches

This spring, one wardrobe staple that deserves the term “investment piece” is the classic trench coat. A WWD Fashion slideshow pays homage to this springtime favorite, pointing out its versatility and ability to transcend trends. The trench will always be an inspired way to anchor bright colors, bold accessories, or patterned frocks, all while cinching a flattering hourglass silhouette and making us look like a modern-day version of the sophisticated Isla in Casablanca or Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

For the classic double-breasted trench in shades of khaki and sand, I’m partial to the flirty Juicy Couture 3/4 Sleeve Trench Coat, the sleek silhouette of Gryphon’s aptly-named Timeless Jacket, and the signature feminine details of Nanette Lepore’s Victoria Fall Coat.

Marc by Marc Jacobs, as usual, puts his own stamp on the classic style with the bold magenta Flat Twill Coat, while Robert Rodriguez’s Slouch Trench Coat is polished enough for an evening out.

--Tonya

backstage entrance: no shorts or cynicism allowed!

I am writing this post at my desk in slippers and sweatpants (my favorite Nightcap Clothing ones!), with my dog in my lap—a much-needed dose of cozy comfort after a high-strung week in painful platforms. But the good news is after the whirlwind of shows, late-night after parties, and exclusive interviews with New York’s top designers, I am happy to report that this fall the focus is back on fashion and optimism is definitely in style.

Marc by Marc Jacobs
Oh Marc by Marc, how I love thee and still cherish my first pair of your red Minnie Mouse round-toed pumps! Please just let my crew backstage! Marc runs a tight ship and I was a little anxious when I arrived at the side entrance of the New York State Armory. As I approached the check-in desk, my good friend from KCD who runs the show, Matthew, walked past and yelled, “Let Elle in!” Thanks, Matthew, and I promise to forever return your samples when they are due! I swear!

 
Backstage at the Marc by Marc Jacobs show. Photographed by Kevin Keiser for ELLE.com

Backstage at the Armory is seriously freezing and models are standing under heating lamps while smoking cigarettes. (Fire hazard, anyone?) I grab a slice of pizza with Mark Leibowitz, my photog friend from my days at Glamour, and we both get a kick out of the pizza boxes advertising the Ab Rocket and promising rock-hard abs in just five minutes a day. Come to find out the pizza joint is really called Ab Rocket—leave it to Marc to incorporate humor in the catering. Orlando Pita, lead hair, tells me this season is just another super-cool take on the classic Marc by Marc girl, messy undone ponytail prepped for bowler hats. Love it. Need it. Also need the mad mix of sweaters, jackets, and mountaineer accessories this Marc girl was rockin’.

 
“Ab Rocket” pizza boxes. Photographed by Kevin Keiser for ELLE.com

My incredibly brave cameraman, Kevin, tried to get a shot for you guys of Marc watching the run-through but got kicked out by two huge security guards. (I had no idea and was watching it while salivating over all the “great shots” Kevin was surely getting of Marc.) I will try to create a mental image for you: Picture a bronzed, buff, and tattooed Marc sitting cross-legged in his uniform (white button-down, black kilt, black combat boots), picking his teeth with at least four to five toothpicks, all carried in a chic toothpick holder he pulled from his eggplant leather Birkin bag. Either Marc has an oral fixation or just had popcorn for lunch. Either way, his face showed no emotion, but all the models (even the confident Jessica Stam) got a little nervous when they sauntered past him. Wouldn’t you if you had to strut your stuff in front of fashion’s leading man?

P.S. Kevin, sorry for leaving you out in the cold for so long. You are a trouper!

Derek Lam
 
A patchwork of fur—signature Derek Lam luxe. Photographed by Kelly Stuart for ELLE.com

Derek Lam, my favorite luxe sportswear designer, knows chic. Head backstage where an all-white maze of corridors and staircases makes Derek a shoo-in for the Most Confusing Backstage Ever award. Once I squeeze into the teeny tiny hair and makeup room, I’m given a quick lesson from lead makeup, Tom Pecheux of MAC, on how to make a purple shadow rock star-worthy with a creamy liner of orange shadow. The trick is to wet your brush so the shadow paints on linear. I know it sounds a little Boy George, but it is très chic and besides, Derek Lam would never promote clown eyes!

When the plastic bags came off and I got a sneak peak at his collection, I spied some fall essentials in the making—skinny black leather pants, tailored jackets, draped dresses, and not for the faint of heart, coyote patchwork furs! Derek shuddered when I mentioned the word luxe (guessing the economy has made it a dirty word in fashion?) but it is clear he didn’t sacrifice richness just to make the sell.

Derek describes his years designing under Michael Kors as “American Classics 101,” and his deliverance of this aesthetic has top editors packed tight at his shows, and this season was no exception. The street style of the editors arriving was some of the most inspiring I have seen this week—a montage of harem pants, fur chubbys, sky-high platforms, bold jewelry, and black, black, and more black. Check out Elle.com for my Fashion Week Street Style video to see what I am talking about. Don’t miss the appearance by one of my most fashionable friends, shopbop’s own Fashion Director Kate Ciepluch!

 
Photographed by Kevin Keiser for ELLE.com
BEAUTY TIP: Channel rocker chic in purple eyeshadow offset with orange liner.

Michael Kors
Mr. American Classic and lover of all things publicity, backstage at Michael Kors is a circus of fun—more cameras than a movie set, gorgeous Upper East Siders air kissing, and Coco Rocha and yours truly reporting live on all the action. Michael dubbed his collection “neo classics” and said he thinks “Americans are eating too much pizza!” Fashion interpretation—don’t buy something just ’cause it is cheap, that doesn’t make it good for you. Enter boardroom-worthy tailoring, neon furs, and matte sequined dresses—not a $2 slice in sight on these racks! As Michael says, “When the going gets tough, the tough gets tougher!”

 
Neon is here to stay. Photographed by Kelly Stuart for ELLE.com

You can imagine why Michael is my favorite interview. I always save a silly answer-provoking question for the self-described loudmouth. This year I asked Michael what fall trend he simply could not wait to be rid of. His answer? “Shorts in the winter have to go. I see too many girls with fat legs wearing these with tights and boots, and they really need to get a three-way mirror!” Was obviously said with a grin, but point taken, Michael!

As everyone filed in for the show, I found myself front row, in between celeb stalking Molly Sims and Jane Krakowski, chatting with this incredibly friendly white-haired women in circular frames. She was giving Kevin and me tips on what other celebs were confirmed for the show and where we should stand so we could grab the interview. I glanced down to see the name of this fashion angel, and her seat said “Joan Kors.” It was Michael’s mother! Now we know where he gets his gorgeous personality!

 
Photographed by Kelly Stuart for ELLE.com
BEAUTY TIP: Smudge grey shadow around eyes for a tough look like model Carmen Kass.

I am headed to the tents to shoot my final wrap-up video featuring trends, designer interviews, and beauty tips from New York Fashion Week, so be sure to check out ELLE.com!

xoxo
--Joyann King, Elle.com