The first whiff of warm weather has everyone in a tizzy — even Kate Moss! The Super was spotted in Paris looking colorfully chic in a nautical-inspired ensemble. I love how she ditched her per-usual black separates for a striped top and red jacket complete with posh piping. This slick trimming can be found almost everywhere via skirts, pants, jackets, dresses, shorts, and bags. Like Kate, I prefer my piping up top. The navy trim on her punchy jacket provides the ultimate eye-catching contrast.
With the news of New York-based Phi shuttering its ready-to-wear business and not delivering spring 2010 to retailers, purchasing the last of fall 2009 (and what is offered of resort 2010) has undoubtedly become increasingly important to die-hard fans like Lauren Santo Domingo, Erin Wasson, and Carine Roitfeld. Net-a-Porter has one of the only online selections of Andreas Melbostad's recent designs for Phi and, as the New York store will close at the end of January, this could be your last chance to purchase the critically acclaimed collection. Also check out overstock and sale items from Phi at The Outnet.
Sad — the fashion industry has taken yet another blow thanks to the recession. Phi, the label started by Susan Dell in 2003, is the latest to be affected. Its Pre-Spring line, which just landed in stores, will be its last. The Phi boutique in NYC is also expected to close down by the end of this month.
"It's a really challenging climate right now for luxury goods. There is not so much confidence in that market going forward," said chief executive officer Julia Hansen. Let's take a moment and recap Phi's greatest hits, including its tough-luxe Spring '10 line.
>> 2009's victim count is still rising: Phi, the downtown label founded in 2003 with quite the cult following — Erin Wasson, Carine Roitfeld, Natasha Poly, Lauren Santo Domingo, and Vanessa Traina among the fans — is the latest fallen to the recession.
"It's a really challenging climate right now for luxury goods," said Phi CEO Julia Hansen told WWD. "There is not so much confidence in that market going forward."
The Spring 2010 collection will not be delivered; the pre-Spring 2010 delivery, which arrived in stores this month will be its last. Staffers were informed today of the label's closing, and no word on what critically acclaimed creative director Andreas Melbostad plans to do next.
It's time to shine in fall's glamorous sequined separates. Metallic tuxedo jackets, tunics and tee shirts look effortlessly chic when thrown over a favorite pair of jeans or leggings. Brilliant accessories like the Topshop scarf and Fendi chain strap handbag are great alternatives to head-to-toe sparkle.
New York Fashion Week is always a whirlwind, and it's important to stop and smell the fashion roses. In my final roundup, soak up sleek styles from Tommy Hilfiger, edgy chic by Kimberly Ovitz, and pretty musings by Erin Fetherston. Phi (pictured) was my final show — front row Traina spotting! — and it was every bit irreverent as expected. And the shoes, lace up booties fit for Burning Man, had editors whispering in the exiting elevator.
Phi is one of the few young luxury labels to be selling through this fall despite the rough financial times, and Andreas Melbostad's spring 2010 collection will no doubt continue to fly off shelves.
Since taking over the design reigns of the Susan Dell-backed brand in the spring of 2005, Melbostad has created a cult label for luxury-loving tough girls. For spring 2010 he presented a collection of black, white, and nude looks focusing on his now signature panel pant and biker jacket combination and adding a few new silhouettes—think calf-lengh body-con skirts, corset tops, and long blazers all worn with matching slouchy, stacked heel combat boots.
Metallic encrusted jeans, see-through knits, and biker jackets in white and nude, to name a few, will surely make the sold out lists this spring.
Gloves have a certain mystique. Then there's the upped glam factor when you slip into gorge(ous) gloves. Remember how screen sirens of yore seduced with their Hollywood waves and sexy satin gloves? It may be early Fall, but Lily Allen mixes things up in her black ruched gloves; with her dark shades she looks very incognito chic. The best part, depending on where you dwell: gloves are functional. Cold coziers start scoping out leather and cashmere; sun worshippers feast on lace and fingerless.
It's official. We have a girl crush on Emmy Rossum. At the LA premiere of Orphan, the actress showed off a stellar creation from Phi. This time, she kept the rad black ruching to a minimum and wore a black and white paisley print confection — I love the high neckline and structured shape. For footwear, the actress donned her favorite pair of Stuart Weitzman platform sandals. What a severe yet sweet look.
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