band of outsiders

>> Woody Allen’s Manhattan and Diane Keaton in the '70s were Scott Sternberg's starting points for Boy. by Band of Outsiders Pre-Fall 2012. "I was re-watching Manhattan for, like, the 15th time, and that way of dressing that you see in Diane Keaton's character — corduroy suits, button-ups, a certain type of plaid, a high neck—just seemed really fresh, or close to it," Sternberg explained. "Certainly in need of an update, but the nice start of an idea about dressing for the fall." A ladybug print borrowed from a '40s archival piece was placed on a boiler suit, and the plaid dress at left was given a raw-edged hem.

>> With all the excitement surrounding their guest-designer stints at Pitti Immagine, it's pretty hard not to want to a little piece of Rodarte or Band of Outsiders all for yourself.  While it's true that the two labels don't necessarily share an aesthetic, they do share a coast — and similar free-wheeling creative approaches. As Band of Outsider's Scott Sternberg explains, "There's a freedom to what we're doing, and I think it's reflected in the product, and it's reflected in the brand." We couldn't agree more. In fact, in honor of their respective Pitti appearances, we've rounded up 16 very desirable pieces from both labels — all available online now. Click through to see the selection.

Images courtesy of: Band of Outsiders (left), Rodarte (right)

Scott Sternberg went for the gusto this evening at his Fall 2011 Band of Outsiders runway show attended by a star-studded guest list which included Kirsten Dunst — the brand's new lookbook face — Grace Coddington, Kanye West, Kid Cudi, and Momofuku’s David Chang, who gifted everyone with lemon cookies so delicious, even Anna Wintour was spotted taking a bite. So what exactly was on tap? Models rappelled down from the ceiling in a dramatic fashion serving as the perfect opener to an exciting show and equally tantalizing collection.

Thick knit sweaters, cropped plaid pants, fur scarves, silk print gowns, and slouchy fur beanies all pointed toward a grungy glamorous ski-inspired feel, while sharper looks, like a thin-wale corduroy suit, injected just the right amount of polish. Our favorite, a striped wool blanket poncho paired with leather climbing booties, emoted the perfect sense of Winter cozy.

• Trends: Plaid pants, fur scarves, flared trousers, semi-sheer gowns.
• Colors: Grey, beige, blue, black.
• Key Looks: Blanket wool poncho, corduroy suit.
• Accessories: Leather climbing booties, fur beanies, pearls, pendants.
• Who Would Wear It: Cool city hipsters, laid-back luxe types.

>> Scott Sternberg has a love of elaborate sets and cookies, and his first ever Boy/Band of Outsiders runway show involved both. Meyer lemon cookies were on every seat, thanks to David Chang's Momofuku Milk Bar (the chef was also in attendance, along with Kirsten Dunst — the brand’s latest lookbook model — Bee Shaffer, Kanye West, and Aziz Ansari, who wears the brand on his comedy tours); even Anna Wintour was spotted taking a bite. And then male models started rappelling 30 feet down from the top of the ceiling.

Thick knit sweaters, cropped plaid pants, fur scarves, silk print gowns, and slouchy fur beanies all pointed toward a grungy glamorous ski-inspired feel, while sharper looks, like a thin-wale corduroy suit, injected just the right amount of polish. A striped wool blanket poncho emoted the perfect sense of Winter cozy and semi-sheer maxi dresses were adorned with diminutive floral prints. Stylist Tina Chai topped off the look with chunky heeled hiking boots, pearls from Mikimoto, and pendants from Aesa.

Kirsten Dunst brought her quirky playfulness and girlish charm to the Spring Boy collection from Band of Outsiders. Most collection lookbooks or campaigns are shot months in advance; this one was shot last week at Huntington Botanical Gardens in Pasadena, CA. Boy's offbeat prepster clothes suit Kirsten perfectly; we particularly love the outfit she sports for teatime with an elephant. Intrigued? Do click on.