Considering Nicky Hilton consistently wore Matthew Williamson for H&M before it came out, I'm not surprised that she's the first celebrity to jump on the Gap CFDA Design Editions line. Girl knows her fashion. She recently went out in LA wearing Vena Cava's Khaki Zip Dress ($88). And guess what? I also have it! If you're not already, start sporting and supporting the stylish collection. It's khaki at its hottest.
Tonight is the 2009 CFDA awards — we can't wait to hear this year's winners. For those of us not in the fashion inner circle, we can have a piece of the awards via khakis; Gap's CFDA Design Edition Khakis hits stores and online tomorrow. The ads proved khakis can be fun. Bask in brown with affordable designs by Alexander Wang, Vena Cava, and Albertus Swanepoel. For you luckies in NYC, head to the 54th and 5th flagship at 10:30 a.m. for an instore event where Patrick Robinson, Alexander Wang, Albertus Swanepoel, and Vena Cava’s Lisa Maycock and Sophie Buhai will meet and greet their fans. Lastly, peep this fun interview between '83 CFDA winners Marc Jacobs and Anna Sui — you know you want to know what MJ's current tattoo count is . . .
I was on the fence when I first peeped Gap's latest Design Editions team-up, but seeing its ad campaign has changed my outlook. Shot by Craig McDean, the shots feature models Raquel Zimmerman, Anna Jagodzinska, Arlenis Sosa, and Coco Rocha wearing khaki collaborations from Alexander Wang, Vena Cava's Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai, and Albertus Swanepoel. I love the fun, no-fuss fashion angle and the clothes — which retail between $40 - $88 — look cute and wearable.
The plain background allows the cool khaki creations and models' bright faces to take the forefront. Also, notice how each designer is posing alongside his/her designs. That way, we know who designed each item. Effective yet simple. What do you think?
Gap just got cooler with its latest guest designers: Alexander Wang and Vena Cava. For their Gap Design Editions collection, Wang and Cava reworked the brand's iconic khaki fabrics and created sharp Aztec print dresses, slick motorcycle jackets, trench coats, shorts, and a ton of toppers. Goodies launch June 16 in stores and online. Check out Racked for more exclusive photos from the collection!
>> A LITTLE TURN ON THE CATWALK —All minds are still curious to see what Patrick Robinson can do for Gap, so yesterday when he debuted his first full Spring collection for the brand, editors came in droves. Sarah Lerfel, fresh off the "impossible" Colette x Gap opening on Saturday, took a tour around with Hello Kitty bag in tote, pausing to mingle before exiting sans a Colette x Gap goody bag. Others stayed longer, enjoying the four kinds of juice offered, brightly colored enough to go with the collection on display — one model even partook (left).
Also of note: The chunky wooden Pierre Hardy Design Edition platforms are apparently coming in all different colors next Spring.
Mark your Blackberry calendars — Gap Design Edition, Take Two makes its much-anticipated entrance tomorrow, April 15. Cutting-edge women's white shirts and dresses, designed by 3.1 Phillip Lim, Threeasfour, Band of Outsiders, Michael Bastian, and more, will be available both online and in stores.
Last year jewelry lovers and men were neglected, this year Philip Crangi has whipped up black and white resin cuffs, and Michael Bastian has created a men's white shirt.
The newest crop of Gap Design Editions are going to be in stores before we know it: April 15 is only a few weeks away! For this round, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Band of Outsiders, Michael Bastian, and Threeasfour all riffed on the classic white button-down ($78-$88), and Philip Crangi whipped up black and white resin cuffs ($45). I still wear the Rodarte Design Edition top I picked up last year; it's definitely not your typical white shirt. But I have to ask: Should the GAP be enlisting these designers to take on a different wardrobe staple? I would have loved to see what this group could do with a more affordable LBD. Nonetheless, for those who missed the Design Editions the first time around, get ready to pounce!
To see the designs up close, read more
Last year's Gap Design Editions invited Rodarte, Doo.Ri, and Thakoon's to rework the classic white shirt, and this year we'll see what 3.1 Phillip Lim, Band of Outsiders, Michael Bastian, Philip Crangi, and Threeasfour can do.
For the collection, which debuts in stores April 15, Phillip Lim created four pieces: a tie-neck shirt, a bell-sleeve ruched shirt, and a layered-sleeve top, all $78, Band of Outsiders concocted a patchwork tunic ($88), and Threeasfour designed a camisole ($78) and a cutaway dress ($88).
The Design Editions will also incorporate menswear and jewelry this year, which is where Michael Bastian and Philip Crangi come in. Bastian produced an epaulet and a Western shirt for men, both $78, and Crangi came up with such looks as a white or black wide resin cuff ($45). Sounds exciting — I loved the collection last year!
